No, the original 1979 film “The Amityville Horror” was not filmed inside the real house at 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York. While exterior shots established the location, the majority of the interior scenes were filmed in a house in Toms River, New Jersey, to minimize disruption to the residents and preserve the integrity of the real house.
Delving into the Filming Location Mysteries
The chilling tale of the Lutz family and their purported 28-day ordeal in Amityville has captivated audiences for decades. However, the line between reality and Hollywood fiction has often blurred, particularly regarding the filming locations. While the exterior of the actual Amityville house was used for some initial shots, practical and logistical considerations led the filmmakers to seek an alternative location for the bulk of the filming.
The decision to film the interior scenes elsewhere highlights the challenges of working with real-life locations associated with traumatic events. The production team, led by director Stuart Rosenberg, recognized the potential for exploitation and sought to minimize any further distress to the residents of Amityville. Moreover, filming within the confines of an existing occupied home presents significant limitations in terms of space, lighting, and sound recording.
The house chosen in Toms River, New Jersey, offered greater flexibility and control. It allowed the production designers to meticulously recreate the interior layout and atmosphere of the Amityville house while accommodating the needs of the cast and crew. This decision enabled them to craft a visually compelling and terrifying cinematic experience without infringing on the privacy or well-being of those living in Amityville. It also meant they could make modifications necessary for filming, something impossible in the actual house.
FAQs About “The Amityville Horror” Filming
Here’s a comprehensive look at some frequently asked questions regarding the filming of “The Amityville Horror” and the real Amityville house:
Question 1: Why wasn’t the real house used for all the filming?
The primary reasons for not using the real house for all filming were:
- Respect for the Residents: To avoid further disrupting the community and the then current residents of 112 Ocean Avenue.
- Practical Considerations: The actual house presented limitations in terms of space, lighting, and accessibility for a film crew.
- Creative Control: A set allowed the filmmakers greater control over the visual aspects of the film and the freedom to modify the environment to enhance the horror elements.
- Logistical Efficiency: Filming in a controlled environment streamlines the production process, minimizing delays and potential complications.
Question 2: What was the exterior of the actual Amityville house used for in the film?
The exterior of the actual Amityville house was used primarily for establishing shots. These shots were intended to create a sense of realism and connect the film to the real-life events that inspired it. These crucial scenes established the house’s recognizable facade, particularly the distinctive quarter-round windows on the third floor, which became synonymous with the Amityville horror narrative. The house’s exterior shots provide visual verification and create the base for viewer believability.
Question 3: Where exactly was the Amityville house in the movie located?
The exterior of the house used in the movie is indeed the actual 112 Ocean Avenue, Amityville, New York. However, as stated above, the majority of interior scenes were filmed in a house located in Toms River, New Jersey.
Question 4: Did the owners of the actual house object to the filming?
There is no confirmed evidence that the owners of the Amityville house at the time of filming (after the Lutz family) explicitly objected to the exterior shots being used. However, it is safe to assume they were likely aware of the ongoing attention and controversy surrounding the house and the film’s production. It’s important to reiterate that the film crew attempted to be respectful of both the house and the surrounding neighbors.
Question 5: What changes were made to the house in Toms River to make it look like the Amityville house?
The production designers meticulously recreated the interior of the Amityville house in the Toms River location. Key features included:
- Replicating the Layout: The layout of the rooms and hallways was closely matched to the perceived design of the Amityville house based on available information and floor plans.
- Matching the Decor: The furniture, wallpaper, and other decor elements were selected to resemble the style and atmosphere of the late 1970s and the supposed interior of the actual house.
- Creating the “Red Room”: The infamous “Red Room” in the basement was a key element that had to be accurately recreated to emphasize the supernatural menace depicted in the film.
- Adding the Quarter-Round Windows: Though this mainly affected the exterior of the house, the general shape and structure needed to be comparable.
Question 6: How much did the Toms River house resemble the real Amityville house?
The Toms River house was intended to be a convincing replica of the interior of the Amityville house, but it’s important to remember it was a set designed for cinematic purposes. The degree of resemblance is debatable, with some arguing that it captured the essence of the house’s atmosphere, while others point out discrepancies in the layout and architectural details. The main goal was to evoke a sense of unease and dread, even if it wasn’t a perfect match.
Question 7: Are there any scenes filmed inside the real Amityville house in subsequent movies?
While numerous sequels and remakes followed the original “Amityville Horror,” the actual Amityville house at 112 Ocean Avenue was largely avoided as a filming location in most of them. Subsequent films often used other locations or sets to represent the infamous house, further blurring the lines between fact and fiction. There are unconfirmed claims of very brief, low-budget shoots for less mainstream sequels, but no official Amityville films have been largely filmed there.
Question 8: What happened to the house in Toms River after filming?
Information about the specific fate of the house in Toms River is scarce. After filming wrapped, it’s likely the house was returned to its original state or sold to new owners. Given the number of years that have passed, it’s possible the house has undergone renovations or been demolished. Locating definitive details about the house’s subsequent history proves challenging.
Question 9: Did the filming affect the property values of houses near the real Amityville house?
The notoriety of the Amityville house undoubtedly had an impact on the surrounding community. While it’s difficult to quantify the exact impact on property values, the increased attention and association with the infamous story likely deterred some potential buyers. Over time, however, property values tend to normalize as the memory of the events fades and the housing market fluctuates.
Question 10: Was the house at 112 Ocean Avenue ever used for any other horror movie filming?
While 112 Ocean Avenue remains a house associated with horror, it is mostly linked to the true crime stories and “Amityville Horror” franchise. There are no readily available and credible accounts of it being used for significant filming in other horror movies. The negative connection to the murders and supposed paranormal activity likely makes it a less desirable location for other productions.
Question 11: What is the address of the house used for the interior scenes in New Jersey?
The house that played host to the interior scenes is located in Toms River, New Jersey. Specific address details for the Toms River filming location are not widely publicized, due to privacy concerns for past and present residents of that property.
Question 12: Is the Amityville house still standing today?
Yes, the house at 112 Ocean Avenue in Amityville, New York, is still standing today. However, it has undergone several renovations and modifications over the years. The iconic quarter-round windows, which were a defining feature of the house in the film and real-life photos, have been removed and the house has been repainted, likely to deter gawkers and attempt to erase its infamous past. Despite these changes, it remains a site of morbid fascination for many.