Large parts of Jim Jarmusch's film about two vampires who have been in love for centuries were shot at the MMC Film & TV Studios in Cologne, Germany.
Synopsis: Set against the romantic desolation of Detroit and Tangier, an underground musician, deeply depressed by the direction of human activities, reunites with his resilient and enigmatic lover.
Their love story has already endured several centuries at least, but their debauched idyll is soon disrupted by her wild and uncontrollable younger sister. Can these wise but fragile outsiders continue to survive as the modern world collapses around them?
Director Jim Jarmusch had assembled an excellent cast for this unique love story.
In summer 2012, Tilda Swinton, Tom Hiddleston, Mia Wasikowska, and Anton Yelchin all came to Cologne, Germany, where a large part of the filming took place. Here, the apartment of the recluse vampire Adam was lavishly created on MMC's soundstage 35.
A German-European film crew spent 4 weeks shooting in the Cologne studios.
Jim Jarmusch was enthused about the filming in Germany: "Thanks to MMC Studios and their excellent facilities here in Cologne. And, most personally, I want to thank all the amazing members of our crew and production for all their hard work, their invaluable contributions, and their incredible spirits. I will deeply miss working together with all these truly wonderful collaborators."
Jarmusch took part of the highly praised crew to Morocco for the last stage of the film project, where famed actor John Hurt rounded out the ensemble. The last shot was filmed in Morocco at the end of August, 2012.
This 'dream project', as Jarmusch refers to the film, is a project of Recorded Picture Company (UK) and Pandora Film (Germany), in co-production with Le Pacte (France), Sanderfin (Cyprus), and Degeto Film (Germany). Film und Medienstiftung NRW, the FFA, the DFFF, and the Filmfoerderung Hamburg Schleswig Holstein support the film.
Only Lovers Left Alive made its world premiere at the 2013 Cannes Film Festival where it was nominated for the Palme d'Or. It was also an official selection of the 2013 Toronto Film Festival and the 2013 New York Film Festival.
Sony Pictures Classics will open the film in New York on April 11, 2014, San Francisco on April 18, 2014, and additional select cities to follow.
Photo: Only Lovers Left Alive (with Tilda Swinton and Tom Hiddleston). © HanWay Films
