Hollywood In The Hamptons

The Hamptons International Film Festival is still two months away (October 10 to 14) but fear not — all around you, the Hamptons is the inspiration for iconic movies and television series from today and yesterday. This week, here are four iconic films, influential TV shows, and celebrities making an impact in the Hamptons. (www.hamptonsfilmfest.org)

At The Movies

“Sex and the City 2” (2010). A staple subject of the television show on which the movies were based, the Hamptons was the natural summer backdrop for the escapades of the four women embarking on life’s adventures. In the movie sequel, Samantha (Kim Cattrall) rekindles a relationship on a beach with a Danish architect met in Abu Dhabi. A completely Hamptons situation.

“Something’s Gotta Give” (2003). Jack Nicholson and Diane Keaton become accidental lovers and ultimately are married with the backdrop of a Hamptons beach house providing the catalyst. Keaton’s character was a Broadway playwright and Nicholson’s, a music label owner, playboy, and socialite. Surely based on reality . . .

“Wall Street” (1987). Greed was good and for Gordon Gecko, played by Michael Douglas, one of the obvious symbols of success was, even then, a Hamptons home. Gecko provides a wake-up call for the film’s hero Charlie Sheen from Gecko’s Bridgehampton beach house, adorned with artwork by Amagansett resident John Alexander.

“Jaws” (1975). Whilst Peter Benchley’s novel was brought to life by Steven Spielberg in Martha’s Vineyard, the story itself was firmly set in the Hamptons. In the novel, Amity is on Long Island, somewhere between Bridgehampton and East Hampton. The fearsome shark hunter Quint was inspired by a Montauk fisherman, Frank Mundus.

Celebrities With Interests

Actor Alec Baldwin is an omnipresent figure in the Hamptons, and engages passionately with charitable events such as Author’s Night for the East Hampton Library (August 10) and the Artists & Writers Annual softball competition (August 17). www.awgame.org, www.authorsnight.org

Rockstar Jon Bon Jovi has teamed up with his son Jessie Bongiovi to create a rosé wine, Diving in Hamptons Water, which can be found on just about every party table and wine list such as this season’s place to be seen, Southampton Social Club. www.hamptonwaterwine.com

Actress Gwyneth Paltrow has parlayed her performances in movies such as “Shakespeare in Love” and “Iron Man” into a newsletter in 2009 which became a lifestyle business, Goop, bringing customers curated products to add value and meaning. Goop itself has a store in Sag Harbor. www.shop.goop.com

Movies “Mulholland Drive” and “The Impossible” brought British-born actress Naomi Watts to the fore, though her involvement in ONDA Beauty as a co-founder with Larissa Thompson and Sarah Bryden-Brown is perhaps less well known, but just as important, given ONDA’s mission to create clean beauty products. Even if an Academy nomination feels distant, ONDA in Sag Harbor can make you feel a star. www.ondabeauty.com

The Smaller Screen

“The Affair” (Showtime, Season 5). Since its start in 2014, “The Affair” has focused on the extra-marital relationship between a Montauk waitress and New York schoolteacher. Season 5 begins on August 25. www.sho.com/the-affair

“Gossip Girl” (Season 2, Episode 1). The second season launched with a cougar “attacking” one of the characters, Nate, in this show which ran for six seasons, chronicling the trials and tribulations of a group of private school kids in Manhattan. www.netflix.com

“Girls” (2012 to 2017) saw Lena Durham in 2016 bring the cast to Montauk to shoot scenes for the millennial cult comedy surrounding the growing pains and relationships of its cast.

“Royal Pains” (2009 to 2016). A brilliant surgeon who is mistakenly discredited has to work with his brother as a concierge doctor in the Hamptons. When he seeks to help the less fortunate, he finds himself walking a tight rope (for several seasons) What could go wrong? www.imdb.com