“Beetlejuice,” the dark fantasy comedy that twisted its way into popular culture, was released in 1988. With its unique blend of horror and humor, the film invited audiences into a whimsically macabre world.
The tale, brimming with eccentric characters and bizarre situations, centers around a deceased couple who, after becoming ghosts, engage the zany, eponymous character Beetlejuice to help evict the living inhabitants of their former home. But, do you know where was Beetlejuice filmed? Let’s take a loo.
The memorable visual tapestry that “Beetlejuice” weaves owes much to its filming locations. Two principal settings served as the backdrop for the otherworldly narrative: the picturesque town of East Corinth in Vermont and the controlled environments of Culver Studios in California.
The contrast between the idyllic New England landscapes and the constructed sets allowed for the creation of a filmic space that is both grounded in reality and steeped in fantastical elements.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- “Beetlejuice” is recognized for its unique blend of horror and comedy under director Tim Burton
- The film was primarily shot in East Corinth, Vermont, and Culver Studios, California
- The production contributed to the movie’s standing as a pop culture phenomenon with lasting reception
Plot and Characters
“Beetlejuice” combines humor, horror, and fantasy in a story centered on its characters’ distinct predicaments and traits.
The Maitlands and Their Dilemma
Adam (Alec Baldwin) and Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) represent the heart of the film: a sweet, unassuming couple who meet an untimely fate. They find themselves as ghosts, tethered to their beloved country home. Struggling to comprehend their new existence in the Netherworld, they are faced with the challenge of removing the intrusive new occupants.
Deetz Family Dynamics
The Deetz family is a stark contrast to the Maitlands. They’re a city family with a flair for the odd and unusual, particularly Lydia Deetz (Winona Ryder), a goth teenager whose ability to see the Maitland couple brings her closer to them. Her stepmother, Delia, has bold tastes that clash with the Maitland’s quaint decor, adding friction and humor to the unfolding story.
The full cast list is Michael Keaton as Beetlejuice, Winona Ryder as Lydia Deetz, Geena Davis as Barbara Maitland, Alec Baldwin as Adam Maitland, Catherine Ohara as Delia Deetz, and Jeffrey Jones as Charles Deetz.
Betelgeuse: The Bio-Exorcist
Enter Betelgeuse (Michael Keaton), the rogue spirit, a self-proclaimed “bio-exorcist” whose methods are as questionable as his morals. He offers to help the Maitlands, but his chaotic nature leads to more trouble than assistance. Known for his crude humor and unpredictable antics, Betelgeuse becomes a wild card in the Maitlands’ efforts to reclaim their home.
Main Filming Locations
When exploring the whimsical and haunted world of “Beetlejuice,” one discovers that the film’s production spanned from the charming Northeast to the bustling West Coast. The movie marries these distinct locations into the singular, quirky town of Winter River, Connecticut. Let’s take a deeper look into where was Beetlejuice filmed.
East Corinth, Vermont
East Corinth in Vermont stands in for the fictional town of Winter River, bringing New England charm to life on the big screen. The green, rolling hills and the quaint architecture of this area grounded the film in a picturesque reality that contrasted sharply with the supernatural events unfolding.
Key spots include:
- Maitland Hardware Store: This served as a central location in the town’s depiction
- Covered Bridge: A memorable location where an important plot event occurs
- Northeast Slopes, VT: This area likely provided the lush, hilly backdrop for the town
Culver Studios in California
Over on the West Coast, Culver Studios in Culver City, California, hosted the interior scenes with its elaborate sets. Known for housing productions for a host of renowned movies and TV shows, the studios were transformed to encapsulate the eerie and eclectic Beetlejuice universe.
- 9336 W Washington Blvd.: The address for the studios where indoor magic happened
Other Key Spots
A few additional crucial scenes were filmed in locations that depict the town’s diverse settings:
- Miss Shannon’s School for Girls: Another distinct location threading together the story’s small-town feel
- It’s important to note that though Connecticut is mentioned as the setting, no actual filming occurred there. All of it was a clever blend of Vermont’s authentic locations and California’s movie-making prowess
Behind The Scenes
When diving into the making of Beetlejuice, one can’t help but marvel at the ingenious set design and special effects, along with the striking makeup and costuming that brought such a unique world to life.
Set Design and Special Effects
The interior magic of Beetlejuice came alive largely within the walls of Culver Studios. Here, they built sets that would become the iconic rooms of the Maitland’s home and other supernatural realms.
The team used a combination of practical effects, such as the memorable stretching and contorting faces of the characters, and elaborate models for scenes like the miniature town. The Maitland’s model includes notable locations like the Hardware Store, General Store, and the creaky Bridge.
The exterior shots required a different kind of movie magic. The facade of the Maitlands’ home, originally a fake building situated on the rolling hills of a former chicken farm on Chicken Farm Road, was all about illusion.
With a painted canvas backing to represent the sky, and carefully constructed roof and front yard, the home seemed to leap from imagination to reality. Meanwhile, over in Downtown East Corinth, Vermont, fans might recognize the Masonic Hall and other local landmarks dressed up to play part in the film’s setting.
Artificial wind created by giant fans gave life to the outdoor scenes, rustling the leaves and adding to the eerie atmosphere that supports the movie’s quirky narrative.
Makeup and Costuming
The makeup category would certainly raise a toast to Beetlejuice as the film snagged an Academy Award for Best Makeup.
The grotesque yet comical visage of Beetlejuice himself is a testament to the remarkable work behind the scenes. Imagine this: one day you’re sitting across from someone with normal skin, and the next, you’d barely recognize them under the layers of transformative makeup – that’s movie magic.
Costumes were another avenue through which Beetlejuice solidified its visual style.
Character identity was closely tied to clothing, from the striped suit that would become synonymous with Beetlejuice to Sylvia Sidney’s otherworldly ensemble as Juno, the case worker.
The attention to detail is evident, considering that each character’s attire aided in storytelling. In the case of the dearly departed Maitlands, their increasingly ragged appearance underscored their predicament.
The town of East Corinth lent itself to the film as more than just a backdrop; its basketball court and other everyday fixtures became haunted stomping grounds as townsfolk outfits took on a fantastical twist, bridging the fantastic and the familiar effortlessly.
Production and Release
The return of Tim Burton’s unique directorial style heralds the much-anticipated sequel “Beetlejuice 2,” set to haunt theaters with its September 6, 2024 release. Combining Burton’s vision with the original’s legacy, the production promises a fresh yet familiar journey to fans of the Academy Award-nominated classic.
Directorial Vision of Tim Burton
Tim Burton, acclaimed for his fantastical and gothic filmmaking style, returns to direct “Beetlejuice 2.” His approach often weaves the macabre with the humorous, creating visually rich worlds beloved by audiences worldwide.
Burton’s vision for the sequel aims to capture the original’s charm while introducing new characters and storylines that complement the 1988 film.
The production reportedly began on May 10, 2023, in the UK, suggesting that Burton seeks to infuse his latest work with a blend of classic and modern cinematic techniques.
The Debut and Legacy
“Beetlejuice,” released in 1988, quickly cemented its place in pop culture with its quirky and off-beat take on the afterlife. Audiences embraced the film’s vibrant characters and the whimsically dark world they inhabit, earning the movie an Academy Award for Best Makeup.
The legacy of “Beetlejuice” extends into the present day, paving the way for the sequel that has fans buzzing with excitement. “Beetlejuice 2” carries the torch forward, promising to enrich the original’s legacy and win the hearts of a new generation.
Cultural Impact
Beetlejuice left a permanent mark on pop culture with its unique blend of horror and comedy. It wasn’t just a movie; it became a reference point for a blend of genres, and its influence spilled over into different media and award shows.
Awards and Nominations
- Academy Award: The film’s creativity was recognized with an Academy Award for Best Makeup
- Reception: Audiences and critics alike lauded the film, contributing to its status as a cult classic
Spin-offs and Expanded Universe
- Video Games: The Beetlejuice spirit haunted various video games. It brought its quirky brand of spookiness to the gaming world
- Beetlejuice 2: Rumors of a sequel, Beetlejuice 2, have been circulating. They are exciting fans about the potential return to this beloved universe
