Ben Stiller, however, did exactly that.
For five extraordinary days, our little corner of Primrose Hill was transformed into a Hollywood film set.
Our usually quiet street filled with cameras, lighting rigs, production crews, marshals, extras, mock police motorbikes and even a smouldering red London bus.
Like everyone else peering from their windows or lingering on the pavement, we became amateur detectives, trying to piece together the plot.
It clearly involved the bus, a crash and a very distressed Ben Stiller who ran up and down our road more times than we could count.
There was plenty of secrecy, although rather less success in stopping curious residents from watching every take.
Shops were temporarily rebranded, a plastic flower stall appeared overnight, graffiti decorated a wall and our local pub became a Greek restaurant—at least from the outside.
For residents, the biggest impact was the road closure.
Parking became a daily hassle, but with the cars gone the street was unexpectedly peaceful.
I found myself imagining children playing football in the road, as they might once have done.
They never appeared, which somehow felt a small reflection on modern life.
What struck me most, though, was the kindness of marshals who could not have been more patient, cheerfully answering endless questions and doing everything possible to minimise disruption.
On one occasion, after I had parked some distance away, one even helped carry my shopping home.
The week’s most memorable moment for me came when two young boys, who had spent hours watching from their front porch, were quietly rewarded.
Ben Stiller slipped into their house and emerged having left behind a selfie and two delighted children.
Camden has long been a popular filming location, and the fees these productions generate help fund local services.
In a borough with wonderful strengths but significant challenges, that income matters.
I was pleased to hear the production also made a donation to a local charity, a way of giving something back.
I hope it was substantial.
Living in Camden is a privilege.
Alongside its parks, history and culture, however, are communities facing real hardship and public services under increasing pressure.
The contrast between Hollywood fantasy and everyday reality could hardly have been greater.
Yet what I will remember is not the celebrities.
It is the warmth, creativity and unexpected kindness that briefly brought neighbours together and reminded us what community feels like.
I was pleased to have my car back but I suspect this unusual week will remain one of the highlights of my summer.
I’ll be watching A Matter of Time on Netflix with very different eyes.
- Laura Marks CBE is founder of Mitzvah Day, Nisa-Nashim and the Women’s Faith Forum and an interfaith consultant
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