Where Was the Movie Glass Filmed? And Why Does It Feel Like Every Movie Is Shot in the Same Alley?

Where Was the Movie Glass Filmed? And Why Does It Feel Like Every Movie Is Shot in the Same Alley?

The 2019 psychological superhero thriller Glass, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is the final installment in the Eastrail 177 Trilogy, following Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016). The film’s unique blend of grounded realism and comic book-inspired storytelling required a filming location that could balance the mundane with the extraordinary. So, where was Glass filmed? The answer lies primarily in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, a city that has become a recurring character in Shyamalan’s films. But let’s dive deeper into the specifics and explore why this location was chosen, how it influenced the film’s tone, and why it feels like every movie these days is shot in the same alley.

The Heart of Philadelphia: A Familiar Backdrop

Philadelphia has long been a favorite of Shyamalan, serving as the setting for many of his films, including The Sixth Sense, Unbreakable, and Signs. For Glass, the city’s urban landscape provided the perfect backdrop for the story’s exploration of ordinary people grappling with extraordinary abilities. Key filming locations included:

  1. The Philadelphia Zoo: One of the most iconic scenes in Glass takes place at the Philadelphia Zoo, where David Dunn (Bruce Willis) confronts Kevin Wendell Crumb (James McAvoy). The zoo’s naturalistic setting contrasts sharply with the film’s darker themes, creating a sense of unease.

  2. The Pennsylvania Hospital: This historic hospital served as the primary setting for the psychiatric facility where much of the film’s tension unfolds. Its Gothic architecture and eerie hallways added to the film’s unsettling atmosphere.

  3. The Streets of Philadelphia: The city’s gritty streets and alleys were used extensively to ground the film in reality. Shyamalan’s decision to film in real locations rather than on soundstages gave the movie a raw, authentic feel.

Why Philadelphia? A Director’s Love Affair

Shyamalan’s affinity for Philadelphia goes beyond mere convenience. The city’s diverse architecture, from its historic buildings to its modern skyscrapers, offers a versatile canvas for storytelling. Additionally, Philadelphia’s relatively low filming costs compared to cities like New York or Los Angeles make it an attractive option for filmmakers. But more than that, Shyamalan has often spoken about how the city’s energy and history inspire his work. In Glass, Philadelphia’s duality—its blend of old and new, ordinary and extraordinary—mirrors the film’s central themes.

The Alley Conundrum: Why Do All Movies Look the Same?

Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: why does it feel like every movie, including Glass, is shot in the same alley? This phenomenon can be attributed to several factors:

  1. Cost Efficiency: Alleys are often public spaces that require minimal set dressing, making them a cost-effective option for filmmakers.

  2. Versatility: An alley can be transformed to fit a variety of genres, from gritty crime dramas to superhero showdowns. Its narrow, confined space naturally creates tension and drama.

  3. Familiarity: Audiences are accustomed to seeing alleys in films, which makes them an easy shorthand for danger, secrecy, or confrontation.

In Glass, the alley scenes serve as a visual metaphor for the characters’ internal struggles. The confined space reflects their psychological entrapment, while the occasional glimpses of the open sky hint at the possibility of escape.

The Role of Setting in Storytelling

The choice of filming location is never arbitrary. In Glass, Philadelphia’s urban landscape plays a crucial role in shaping the narrative. The city’s juxtaposition of old and new mirrors the film’s exploration of identity and legacy. The psychiatric hospital, with its imposing architecture, symbolizes the characters’ mental prisons, while the zoo represents the primal instincts they struggle to control.

Moreover, the decision to film in real locations rather than relying entirely on CGI or soundstages adds a layer of authenticity to the film. This grounded approach allows the audience to suspend disbelief and fully immerse themselves in the story.

Conclusion: A City as a Character

In Glass, Philadelphia is more than just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right. The city’s unique blend of history, architecture, and energy enhances the film’s themes and elevates its storytelling. While it may feel like every movie is shot in the same alley, the truth is that each alley, each street, and each building has its own story to tell. And in the hands of a skilled filmmaker like Shyamalan, even the most mundane locations can become extraordinary.

Q: Why does M. Night Shyamalan frequently film in Philadelphia?
A: Shyamalan has a personal connection to Philadelphia, having grown up in the area. He also appreciates the city’s diverse architecture and relatively low filming costs.

Q: Are the interior scenes in Glass filmed on location or on a soundstage?
A: While many exterior scenes were filmed on location in Philadelphia, some interior scenes, particularly those in the psychiatric hospital, were filmed on soundstages to allow for greater control over lighting and set design.

Q: How does the filming location contribute to the film’s themes?
A: Philadelphia’s blend of old and new architecture mirrors the film’s exploration of identity and legacy. The city’s gritty streets and confined spaces also reflect the characters’ psychological struggles.

Q: Why are alleys such a popular filming location?
A: Alleys are cost-effective, versatile, and familiar to audiences. They naturally create tension and drama, making them a popular choice for filmmakers.