Gas stations are more than just places to fill up your tank; they're stages for human drama, ambition, and sometimes, even crime. This curated list of biopics delves into the lives of individuals whose stories are intertwined with the world of gas stations, offering a unique perspective on everyday life, entrepreneurship, and the American Dream. From tales of innovation to stories of survival, these films provide a fascinating look at a slice of life often overlooked.
The Last Picture Show (1971)
Description: Set in a small Texas town, this film captures the decline of a local gas station alongside other community landmarks, reflecting the changing times and the end of an era.
Fact: The film was shot in black and white to evoke the feel of the 1950s.
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The Texas Chainsaw Massacre (1974)
Description: This horror classic features a gas station as a key location where the terror begins. It's an iconic representation of the darker side of rural gas stations.
Fact: The film was shot on a very low budget, using real animal bones for the set decoration.
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Gas Food Lodging (1992)
Description: This coming-of-age story revolves around a single mother and her daughters living near a gas station in New Mexico. It's a poignant look at life in rural America.
Fact: The film was based on the novel "Don't Stop the Carnival" by Herman Wouk.
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My Cousin Vinny (1992)
Description: While primarily a comedy about a trial, the film includes a memorable scene at a gas station where the main characters encounter a local with a unique accent, highlighting cultural differences.
Fact: The film's courtroom scenes were inspired by real-life legal cases, and the gas station scene was improvised.
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The Straight Story (1999)
Description: This film follows Alvin Straight, who travels across Iowa on a lawnmower to visit his estranged brother. While not directly about gas stations, it captures the essence of rural America, where gas stations are often community hubs.
Fact: The film was inspired by a true story, and the real Alvin Straight passed away shortly after the film's release.
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The Station Agent (2003)
Description: While not about gas stations, this film explores the life of a man who inherits an abandoned train station, paralleling the solitude and community found at gas stations.
Fact: Peter Dinklage's performance in this film helped launch his career in Hollywood.
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The Devil's Rejects (2005)
Description: This gritty horror film features a notorious family of killers who hide out at a gas station, turning it into a fortress. It's a dark exploration of the underbelly of American roadside culture.
Fact: The film is a sequel to Rob Zombie's "House of 1000 Corpses" and includes a cameo by the director himself.
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The Founder (2016)
Description: While not exclusively about gas stations, this film explores the rise of McDonald's, which began with a drive-in restaurant, a precursor to the modern gas station's fast-food outlets. It's a tale of ambition, franchising, and the American Dream.
Fact: Ray Kroc, portrayed by Michael Keaton, actually bought his first McDonald's franchise in 1955, which was initially just a small hamburger stand.
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The Hitcher (1986)
Description: While not a biopic, this thriller involves a gas station as a pivotal location where the protagonist first encounters the menacing hitchhiker. It's a chilling reminder of the dangers lurking at these seemingly safe stops.
Fact: The film was remade in 2007 with Sean Bean playing the role of the hitchhiker.
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Pump Up the Volume (1990)
Description: This film centers around a high school student who starts a pirate radio station from his parents' gas station. It's a story of rebellion, youth culture, and the power of voice.
Fact: The film's soundtrack was a major hit, featuring bands like The Pixies and Sonic Youth.
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