No, the original 1979 film, “The Amityville Horror,” was not filmed inside the actual house located at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York. While exterior shots were used early in the production, the majority of the filming took place at a different residence in Toms River, New Jersey, to avoid public scrutiny and logistical difficulties.
Unveiling the Truth Behind the Filming Location
The story of the Amityville Horror, based on Jay Anson’s book of the same name, recounts the purported experiences of the Lutz family who lived in the house previously occupied by the DeFeo family, where Ronald DeFeo Jr. murdered his parents and siblings. The sensational claims of paranormal activity quickly captured the public’s imagination, making the house a morbid tourist attraction. Therefore, filming directly at the infamous 112 Ocean Avenue posed significant challenges.
Initially, producers attempted to film exterior shots at the real Amityville house. These early glimpses of the distinctive Dutch Colonial architecture, particularly the characteristic quarter-round windows resembling eyes, are indeed of the actual property. However, the overwhelming public interest and the sensitivity of the situation made continuing the production there untenable. Crowds gathered daily, disrupting the filming process and creating a chaotic environment.
The production team subsequently chose a look-alike house in Toms River, New Jersey. This allowed them to recreate the key architectural features of the Amityville house while maintaining greater control over the filming environment. They even went as far as to reconstruct the distinctive “eye” windows to maintain visual consistency with the actual house.
The choice of Toms River proved to be a strategic one. It offered a more secluded location, reducing interference from onlookers and allowing the crew to focus on creating the desired atmosphere of dread and unease. While the movie undeniably built its success upon the purported horrors within the Amityville house, it was the careful recreation of that house elsewhere that brought the story to life on the screen.
Understanding the Real Location: 112 Ocean Avenue
The actual Amityville house has undergone significant changes since the filming of the original movie and the departure of the Lutz family. It has been sold several times, and subsequent owners have attempted to distance the property from its dark past. Key changes include altering the exterior appearance, particularly the shape of those now-iconic windows.
FAQs: Exploring the Details of the Amityville Horror
Here are frequently asked questions about the Amityville Horror story and its cinematic adaptation:
FAQ 1: Did the Lutz family actually experience paranormal activity in the Amityville house?
This remains a highly debated question. The Lutz family claimed to have experienced a series of terrifying events, including unexplained noises, moving objects, and demonic apparitions. Skeptics argue that these claims were fabricated for financial gain or were the result of psychological factors. There is no definitive proof to support or refute their claims.
FAQ 2: Has the house at 112 Ocean Avenue been demolished?
No, the house still exists, although, as mentioned, it has been remodeled to look less like the “Amityville Horror” house. New owners have tried to mitigate the connection with the infamous events of the past.
FAQ 3: Why was the Toms River house chosen as the primary filming location?
The Toms River house offered several advantages, including its resemblance to the Amityville house, a more secluded location, and the ability for the production team to control the environment and avoid constant disruption from the public.
FAQ 4: Were any scenes filmed inside the real Amityville house?
Yes, some initial exterior shots were filmed at the real house before production was moved to Toms River. These shots are primarily used to establish the location and the house’s distinctive appearance.
FAQ 5: What happened to the Toms River house after filming was completed?
The Toms River house, after serving its purpose for filming, has since been lived in by private residents. Understandably, given its temporary association with a horror film, its owners have also sought to distance it from the Amityville connection.
FAQ 6: Is the Amityville Horror story considered to be a true story?
The veracity of the Amityville Horror story is highly contested. While the murders committed by Ronald DeFeo Jr. are a matter of public record, the paranormal events described by the Lutz family are widely disputed. Many paranormal investigators have investigated the claims, with varying results.
FAQ 7: What impact did the Amityville Horror movie have on the real Amityville house?
The movie significantly impacted the real Amityville house, turning it into a notorious tourist destination. The house’s association with the alleged paranormal events has made it difficult for subsequent owners to live there without dealing with unwanted attention.
FAQ 8: Has there been any further research into the Amityville house and the paranormal claims?
Yes, numerous paranormal investigators, journalists, and authors have researched the Amityville house and the claims made by the Lutz family. Their findings have been varied, with some claiming to have found evidence of paranormal activity, while others have dismissed the claims as hoaxes or exaggerations.
FAQ 9: Did the DeFeo murders actually occur in the Amityville house?
Yes, the brutal murders of the DeFeo family did occur at 112 Ocean Avenue. Ronald DeFeo Jr. was convicted of killing his parents and siblings in 1975. This tragic event is the foundation upon which the Amityville Horror story is built.
FAQ 10: How did the filmmakers recreate the distinctive “eye” windows for the movie?
The filmmakers painstakingly recreated the iconic quarter-round windows to match the look of the Amityville house. This attention to detail helped to create a visual connection between the film and the actual location, even though the primary filming site was elsewhere.
FAQ 11: Are there any documentaries about the Amityville Horror story?
Yes, there are several documentaries that explore the Amityville Horror story, examining the claims of the Lutz family, the DeFeo murders, and the various investigations that have been conducted. These documentaries often present differing perspectives on the events and the authenticity of the claims.
FAQ 12: What is the current legal status of the Amityville Horror story rights?
The legal status of the Amityville Horror story rights is complex and has been subject to various legal battles over the years. The rights have been transferred and contested multiple times, adding another layer of intrigue to the already controversial story.
Conclusion: Separating Fact from Fiction
The Amityville Horror continues to fascinate and terrify audiences decades after the events allegedly took place. While the original film was inspired by the real house at 112 Ocean Avenue, it was the carefully crafted illusion created in Toms River, New Jersey, that brought the terrifying tale to the big screen. Understanding the separation between reality and cinematic portrayal is crucial to appreciating the complexities and controversies surrounding the Amityville Horror. The story remains a powerful example of how suggestion, belief, and the power of storytelling can intertwine to create a lasting cultural phenomenon.