In Hollywood history, Brad Pittās ascent to stardom is often linked to iconic performances like āOceans 11ā or āWorld War Z.ā However, among his early works lies a much lesser-known treasure: āThe Dark Side of the Sun.ā
Situated along the shimmering Adriatic coast lies Montenegro, a land steeped in history, culture, and natural beauty. While this Balkan gem has long captivated travelers with its rugged mountains and sun-drenched shores, it also holds a place in cinematic history, thanks to the intriguing tale of āThe Dark Side of the Sunā and its connection to Hollywood superstar Brad Pitt.
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Yet, what distinguishes āThe Dark Side of the Sunā is not just Pittās budding talent, but also the filmās tumultuous production history.Ā In 1988, amidst Yugoslaviaās political turmoil, the production of āThe Dark Side of the Sunā faced numerous challenges, delaying the movieās release until 1997, nearly a decade after its completion.
Pittās First Major Role
Directed by Serbian filmmaker Božidar NikoliÄ, this romantic drama marked Pittās first major role, casting him as the central character grappling with a rare skin condition. As a romantic drama, the movie served as both a tribute to Montenegroās landscapes and a showcase of its cultural richness. Set against the countryās breathtaking scenery backdrop, from the sun-kissed shores to the rugged mountains, the film offered viewers a captivating glimpse into this Balkan jewel.
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Despite its delayed release, āThe Dark Side of the Sunā stands as a testament to Brad Pittās early talent and charm. His portrayal of the lead character not only captivated audiences but also laid the foundation for his rise to Hollywood stardom.
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A Star is Discovered
At the heart of āThe Dark Side of the Sunā was Brad Pitt, then a relatively unknown actor on the cusp of stardom. Selected by director Božidar NikoliÄ to play the central character, Brad Pittās depiction of the troubled figure highlighted his budding talent and magnetic presence. Little did anyone know at the time that this film would serve as the launchpad for Pittās illustrious Hollywood career.
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Today, an A-list superstar commanding millions per role, Brad Pitt in 1988 gladly accepted a modest payment of USD 1,523 for his first leading role in āThe Dark Side of the Sun.ā Selected ahead of 400 others by director Bozidar Nikolic, Pitt dedicated seven weeks to filming.
Filming Locations
The filming of āThe Dark Side of the Sunā primarily occurred in the picturesque Boka Bay and Ulcinj. Scenes featuring the iconic island of Sveti Stefan added to the filmās visual splendor, showcasing Montenegroās diverse landscapes and cultural heritage.
Pittās Affection for Montenegro
During the filming of āThe Dark Side of the Sun,ā Brad Pitt developed a deep affection for Montenegro, particularly its coastal charms. Enamored by the beaches near Sveti Stefan and the historic streets of Kotor and Perast, Pitt expressed a desire to own a home in the region. However, persistent paparazzi harassment during a visit with his then-wife Angelina Jolie in 2010 dashed their plans, leaving behind only memories of what could have been.
Montenegro Through Pittās Eyes
Hotel Splendid Conference & Spa Resort owner Zarko Radulovic, who encountered Pitt during his visits to Montenegro, echoed the actorās sentiments about the countryās allure. Pitt envisioned Montenegro as a haven for his family, where they could bask in the beauty of nature and create lasting memories together.
The Legacy of āThe Dark Side of the Sunā
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Despite facing numerous challenges, including delays caused by Yugoslaviaās political turmoil, āThe Dark Side of the Sunā remains a cherished piece of cinematic history. Of course, its portrayal of Montenegroās unparalleled beauty continues to captivate audiences, serving as a visual tribute to this enchanting destination.
Movie Plot
Rick, played by Brad Pitt, is a young American afflicted with a rare skin condition, who cannot tolerate exposure to light, particularly sunlight. Renowned for his motorcycling prowess and donning leather attire for protection, Rickās quest for a cure leads him and his father to a Croatian village, where they encounter a healer promising salvation.
Despite failed treatment, Rick finds love with a fellow American actress, Cheryl Pollak, and resolves to embrace life, basking in the sunlight despite the diseaseās inevitable progression. Ultimately, Rickās father comes to terms with his sonās decision, understanding the significance of choosing joy over affliction.
As audiences revisit the early works of Brad Pitt, they embark on a visual journey through Montenegro, a land of captivating beauty and cinematic intrigue. Through āThe Dark Side of the Sun,ā Pittās connection to this Balkan jewel endures, leaving an indelible mark on both the actor and the country itself. Montenegro, with its sun-drenched shores and rugged mountains, remains a timeless treasure waiting to be discovered by travelers and cinephiles alike.
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