Architectural Models in Film

338.

Frasier (1993 - 2004)

Season 3, Episode 9 (Frasier Grinch)

Though I technically don’t usually count small ornaments as models. I’ll make an exception for X-mas.

Thanks to Robert Jones for telling me about this episode.

337.

Legends of Tomorrow ( 2016 - )

Season 4, Episode 5 (Tagumo Attacks!!!)

The team visits a movie set while they are shooting some miniature effects. 

Thanks to George of @cocktailsinfilm for telling me about the model in this episode.

336.

Jaws 3-D (1983)

Just like the park model in Futureworld (1971), the model is used to orientate the viewer and give a sense of the environment the story takes place in.

Thanks to Robert Jones for telling me about the model in this movie.

335.

Magnum, P.I. (1980 - 1988)

Season 3, Episode 1+2 (Did You See the Sun Rise?)

Over the course of the two premiere episodes, Higgins is building a matchstick model. Turns out he is building The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957). 

Thanks to Robert Jones for telling me about the model in these two episodes.

334.

13 Going on 30 (2004)

the dollhouse plays a key role in the plot of this movie. This is one of the most literal representations of “model as an idealized version of reality”.

333.

Ocean’s Eight (2018)

As is customary in the Ocean’s franchise, the team uses a model to plan the heist.

332.

Ozark (2017 - )

Season 2, Episode 5

Jonah has a model of a castle in his room.

331.

Money Heist (2017 - )

La casa de papel (original title)

Season 1, Episode 2 (Imprudencias letales)

The Professor stands next to the model in episode 2. The same model is used (3D rendered) in the show intro. It not only speaks to the planning of the heist but also indicates that the characters are all part of a much larger plan.

Thanks to Robert Jones for telling me about the model in this episode.

330.

Yoyo (1965)

At the beginning of the film, we are introduced to Yoyo’s ancestors trough a sequence of portrairs and models showing the various industries through which his family acquired wealth.

The mansion falls into ruin and Yoyo fows to rebuild it. Someone comes to him with a proposal to turn the winter circus into a parking lot.

Credit to minicheck for telling me about the models in this film.  

329.

A Flying Jatt (2016)

Classic trope: Large corporation wants to build something that will destroy the environment, but a small group of buildings is standing in their way. Other movies that follow this trope include *batteries not included (1987) and Herbie Rides Again (1974).

Thanks to Robert Jones for telling me about the model in this movie.

328.

Game Night (2018)

During the end credits, we see a model of the bridge in Gary’s basement showing just how well this game was planned and set up.

327.

Ozark (2017 - )

Season 2, Episode 3 (Once a Langmore…)

Wilkes sabotages the Byrde’s plan by planning a casino and hotel of his own.

326.

Billy Madison (1995)

A model of a new hotel can be seen in the background during a meeting between Billy, his father, and the lawyers. 

Thanks to George of @cocktailsinfilm for telling me about this model.

325.

Rick and Morty (2013 - )

Season 1, Episode 10 (Close Rick-counters of the Rick Kind)

While the Trans-Dimensional Council of Ricks is trying to find Rick for crimes against alternate Ricks, Jerry meets “Doofus Rick” and they instantly click. We see them build a vintage Lego castle together. Unfortunately for Jerry, “Doofus Rick”  has to return to his dimension when they finally find Rick.

Thanks to George of @cocktailsinfilm for sharing this episode with me.

324.

Against All Odds (1984)

The presentation model for the development that the Wyler Corporation has planned for the hills above Los Angeles makes several appearances throughout the movie. It’s also present during the final scene in which “Against All Odds (Take a Look at Me Now)” plays in the background.

Thanks to Robert Jones for telling me about the model in this movie.