Northeast Queens At The Movies

Northeast Queens is ready for its close-up as two films that were shot on its streets, one of which is expected to pick up Academy Award nods, are set to debut in the coming weeks.

"Rabbit Hole," a drama starring Nicole Kidman and Aaron Eckhart, will debut in limited release on Dec. 17. The film, which was directed by John Cameron Mitchell ("Hedwig and the Angry Inch") features scenes shot in Douglas Manor as well as sections of Bayside.

In June 2009, the film's crew took over Bayside's Papazzio Restaurant, which is located along Bell Boulevard, for a day. The movie was also shot along Corporal Stone Street and 40th Avenue.

Some critics are predicting that the movie could pick up Oscar nominations, including a Best Actress nod for Kidman and, potentially, a slot in the Best Picture race.

"Rabbit Hole," which is based on a play by David Lindsay-Abaire, follows the story of a grieving couple whose son was killed in a car accident. It also stars Sandra Oh and Dianne Wiest, who is garnering praise for her performance.

The picture debuted in September at the Toronto International Film Festival and has since played the Denver and Rome film festivals.

Dominick Bruccoleri, Papazzio's owner, said the shoot was not the first of its kind at his restaurant, but that it was the most extensive. The restaurateur also nabbed a small part in the film.

"I was the chef in the kitchen," he said. "If I remember correctly, I cooked a penne vodka and Chicken Francese."

Bruccoleri, whose restaurant has also appeared in the television show "Boy Meets World" and a Heineken commercial, said he hopes he scene shot in his eatery makes the final cut of "Rabbit Hole."

"They were filming here for quite a few hours," he said. "So, I'll have to see if the scene made it when it when it comes out."

On Jan. 14, another film about a couple in crisis that was shot in northeast Queens will debut. "Every Day," which stars Liev Schreiber and Helen Hunt, was shot along 48th Avenue in Bayside during November 2008.

The film, which was directed by Richard Levine, is a comedy about a television writer who is tempted by a co-worker amid his wife's decision to move her ailing father into their home.

"Blue Valentine," another highly praised festival favorite that was shot in Queens, will be released on Dec. 31. The film, which stars Ryan Gosling and Michelle Williams, was filmed partially in Astoria.

Two major studio films – "Men in Black 3" and "The Smurfs" – are also being shot in that corner of the borough.

Last summer's "Going the Distance," a comedy with Drew Barrymore and Justin Long, featured sequences shot in Douglas Manor and Hollis.