Lake Garda, the largest lake in Italy, has become a renowned filming location for the James Bond franchise, showcasing its stunning landscapes and picturesque roads in several high-speed chases and breathtaking scenes.
Strada della Forra – The James Bond Road
Strada della Forra, also known as the “James Bond Road,” is a 6-kilometer-long provincial road that connects Porto di Tremosine to Pieve, following the course of River Brasa. This scenic road, built in 1913, offers a thrilling driving experience with its narrow sections, tunnels, and glimpses of Lake Garda.
| Strada della Forra Details | |
|---|---|
| Length | 6 kilometers |
| Connects | Porto di Tremosine to Pieve |
| Follows | River Brasa |
| Built | 1913 |
| Highlights | Narrow sections, tunnels, and views of Lake Garda |
While it may be tempting to recreate James Bond’s chase in the Quantum of Solace, it is highly recommended to enjoy the surrounding landscape and take in the views of the lake, the gorge, and the scenic lights that illuminate the road in the evening.
Car Chase Scenes and Accidents
The beginning of Quantum of Solace features a car chase involving James Bond’s Aston Martin DBS and two Alfa Romeos 159, with Italian police joining in on the pursuit. This high-speed chase was filmed in April at Lake Garda, primarily near Navene on the east coast of the lake and near Limone Sul Garda on the opposite coast.
For dynamic shots, a gyro-stabilized remote-controlled camera crane called ‘Ultimate Arm’ was attached to the roof of a Mercedes ML55, which could reach speeds of up to 200 kph. This allowed the camera to be just inches away from the action during the chase.
Unfortunately, there were several accidents during the filming of these scenes. An Aston Martin employee crashed a £134,000 Aston Martin DBS into the lake while delivering a car for a publicity shoot, resulting in a fine for unsafe driving. Additionally, two stuntmen playing villains in Alfa Romeo 159 were involved in an accident, with one of them, Aris Comninos, falling into a coma. His co-driver, Bruno Verdirosi, was also treated in the hospital.
James Bond’s Lake Garda Itinerary
In Quantum of Solace, James Bond’s journey around Lake Garda begins in the village of Malcesine and continues through Navene and Tempesta before reaching Riva del Garda. This car chase sequence highlights the lake’s beauty and the challenges of filming in tight spaces, with 40 cars traveling through a 28-feet-wide tunnel at high speeds.
Bond’s journey takes him from Lake Garda to the marble caves of Carrara in Tuscany, showcasing the diversity and stunning landscapes of Italy. The marble caves, located about a five-hour drive away, are an iconic location that adds to the film’s visual appeal.
Conclusion
Lake Garda’s stunning landscapes and picturesque roads have made it a popular filming location for the James Bond franchise, with several high-speed chases and breathtaking scenes being shot in the region. From the thrilling Strada della Forra to the dramatic car chase sequences, Lake Garda has become a must-visit destination for James Bond enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
References:
– Strada della Forra – The James Bond Road
– Car Chase Scenes in Quantum of Solace
– James Bond Locations in Lake Garda
– Filming Challenges in Lake Garda
– James Bond’s Scenic Settings in Italy