I had the pleasure of visiting New Orleans to spend a day on the set of Nicholas Spark's new film, The Best of Me, earlier this year as part of a press event courtesy of Relativity Media. Romance isn't my first choice in reading material, but even I have to tip my hat to Nicholas Sparks; he definitely has a way of bringing us stories that are emotional and inspirational without being over-the-top sappy. Nicholas Spark's The Best of Me is a home run as a compelling tale of young love, loss and second chances.
The Best of Me tells the story of Dawson, a troubled but good-natured boy from an unsavory family who finds the strength to leave home and catches the eye of Amanda, the popular girl from a well-off family. Set in your typical Southern small town, they are essentially star-crossed lovers from the opposite sides of the tracks.
I read The Best of Me on the flight over to New Orleans the day before I visited the set so that the story would be fresh in my mind as I met the actors and watched the filming of scenes. While I did interview the cast of The Best of Me, along with author Nicholas Sparks, I will be sharing those stories separately, so stay tuned in the next few days as I share those experiences and what each person had to say about the film, life and love.
I think we can all relate to the young love presented in the opening scenes of The Best of Me. Amanda's family doesn't approve of Dawson and they eventually break up. Dawson is involved in a tragedy and leaves town, and they both proceed to live their lives without ever speaking again.
How many of us can look back to our high school days and remember a similar tale? Young love is the sweetest, purest love, but it is often subject to forces out of our control: our parents. While their breakup wasn't anything that we haven't seen before, it's what happens in the forthcoming years that makes The Best of Me a story worth telling and a movie worth watching. I have a feeling that The Best of Me is going to blow up at the box office next month!
As the story progresses, we find that Dawson moves to New Orleans and works on an oil rig. When he is not working, he lives a very solitary life. It's obvious that he has carried his love for Amanda with him through his entire life, and along with a tragic occurrence that he caused in his youth, it has held him back...from everything. I found myself rooting for Dawson before the story even really began, and I think that you will too once you see the film!
Dawson and Amanda are reunited in their hometown after the death of Dawson's mentor. We find that Amanda is in a rough patch in her life, and it's obvious that she isn't happy.
The two come together again and old emotions stir...and that is where we find that the forces that forced them apart as teenagers haven't lost their strength...I don't want to ruin the movie for you with any spoilers, so let's just say that while Dawson and Amanda are presented with a second chance, this love story isn't without its struggles and danger.
The Best of Me is an epic love story captures the enduring power of our first true love, and the wrenching choices we face when confronted with elusive second chances. The Best of Me stars James Marsden, Michelle Monaghan, Luke Bracey and Liana Liberato, check back in a few days as I share my interviews with the cast!
A Day on the Set of The Best of Me
Do you ever have moments in your life where you actually pinch yourself to make sure that you aren't dreaming? Sitting on the lawn watching The Best of Me being filmed was one of those days for me.
We arrived at the secret location of The Best of Me movie set and were ushered around to the back of the home where filming was taking place. It was startling to actually see the actors and film crew filming a scene as we walked past. I had one of those "Is this really my life?!" moments!
The Best of Me scene we watched was filmed at an old plantation home, and it was the perfect setting for a love story. Old New Orleans-style home, Spanish moss hanging from the trees...
The plantation home in question has been in the current owner's family since 1876, and has been used on a ton of movie sets.
There was one point in The Best of Me book where Dawson tells Amanda that his current home of New Orleans reminds him a lot of North Carolina, where the majority of the book takes place. My dad is from Western North Carolina and I saw a similarity as soon as I arrived on set - these are the same types of homes, the same type of foliage, the same kind of landscapes that I am all too familiar with when I visit my family!
Lady Antebellum introduces "I Did With You" - featured on The Best of Me soundtrack
Follow The Best of Me on Social Media!
Like The Best of Me on Facebook
Follow / Subscribe Instagram | Tumblr | Twitter | Pinterest | YouTube
Stay tuned for my next The Best of Me post, where I share our experience interviewing Nicholas Sparks!
vanessa: thequeenofswag says
Looks like it was an amazing day on the set of the film. I love Nick Sparks movies. Can't wait to see this one.
Penelope says
James Marsden is so hot, I'd watch anything he is in!
Tammy says
I really like Nicholas Sparks' books. I'm looking forward to reading this one (quickly!) and then seeing the movie.
Kathy says
What an amazing experience. I am very excited to watch the film. I am reading the box now.
HilLesha says
I second what Penelope said! ~lol~
Crystal Green says
Oh my gosh. This had to be a wonderful event. It looks like you had a lot of fun and learned a lot about the crew. I can't wait to see this movie.
Raijean says
I can't wait to see this movie, looks so good.
Donna says
This is so my kind of movie. Can't wait to see it!
Colleen says
I am starting a list of must see movies and I"m adding this one to my list!
TerriAnn @ Cookies & Clogs says
That must have been an amazing experience. The trailer makes me so curious as to what really happened in the past and how it affects them now.
Liz Mays says
The setting is pretty magnificent and I'm always entertained by his stories. I just saw a preview for this on TV tonight and thought it looked interesting!
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
What an amazing experience. This sounds like a great movie.
Kelly Hutchinson says
I bet this was an awesome experience. I cannot wait to see this movie.
Elizabeth @ Being MVP says
So cool - just saw the promo on TV. Can't wait to watch it!
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I would have died if I was on the set. It looks gorgeous and the movie trailers look fantastic.
Dominique Cloutier says
How much fun was that? I've always thought it would be so neat to visit an actual movie set!
Lisa Bristol says
This looks like a great movie. I am adding it to my must watch list.
Jenna Wood says
This looks like it's going to be a cute film for sure, but I prefer the Nicholas Sparks books over the movies. I'll be giving it a chance anyway!
susan says
Wow what an amazing opportunity! I just loved this book, and I am sure I will love the movie.
Jennifer says
I'm so excited for "The Best of Me". I've seen "The Notebook" about fifty times.
Tammi @ My Organized Chaos says
What an amazing experience, I can't wait to see this one. looks so good!
Myrah - Coupon Mamacita says
I'm so jealous right now! I love Nicolas Sparks' movies. They're all so good!
Stefany says
What an amazing experience. I can't wait to see more and hear how the interview went!
Dawn says
What a great opportunity! That had to be a blast. Everything Nicholas Sparks touches turns to gold, so I'm sure this will be a hit.
Nolie says
What a wonderful opportunity.
Jen Temcio @dapperhouse says
I cant wait to see this movie. I don't like "chick flicks" but I am due for a good romance!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
I have not heard of this movie. Looks like a sweet love story.
Ann Bacciaglia says
I am looking forward to seeing this movie. How cool it must have been to spend the day on a movie set.
Elena says
I loved reading your insider's take on The Best Of Me. I'm really looking forward to seeing the film and think it will be a good break from the usual movies that are currently out.
Maggie @ The Love Nerds says
I am so jealous!! This looks amazing, though I probably won't get to see it until it comes out on DVD.
Aimee Smith says
This looks like so much fun! I love Nicholas Sparks books and movies, I am so jealous!
Kristin says
I haven't heard or seen this yet. What a great photo shoot.