The climactic Volturi showdown in New Moon wasn’t filmed in Volterra, Italy, as the story implies. Instead, the dramatic scenes featuring the clock tower and the potential suicide attempt of Bella Swan were filmed primarily in the picturesque hill town of Montepulciano, Italy. This charming Tuscan locale provided the perfect backdrop for the tense and visually stunning confrontation.
Montepulciano: A Tuscan Gem Transformed into Volterra
Montepulciano, known for its Vino Nobile wine and breathtaking views, underwent a significant transformation to convincingly portray the ancient city of Volterra. The production team meticulously altered several locations within the town to align with the fictional depiction. This included strategically dressing existing architecture, adding temporary features, and leveraging cinematic techniques to create the desired atmosphere.
The Piazza Grande, Montepulciano’s central square, served as the heart of Volterra in the film. Key scenes, including Bella’s frantic search for Edward and her subsequent confrontation with the Volturi, unfolded against the backdrop of this historic square. The clock tower itself, though not the only filming location, became a central visual element associated with the climax of New Moon.
Unraveling the Filming Locations: Beyond the Piazza Grande
While Piazza Grande dominates the memory of the Volturi scene, other locations within Montepulciano contributed to the film’s visual tapestry.
The Wine Cellar: A Secret Chamber
A historic wine cellar beneath Montepulciano was cleverly used to represent the Volturi’s underground chambers. This adds a layer of authenticity, utilizing the existing architecture and atmosphere of the region. The cool, dimly lit cellar provided the perfect setting for the Volturi’s imposing presence.
Exterior Shots: Building the Myth
Exterior shots throughout Montepulciano, including its narrow streets and fortified walls, contributed to the overall feeling of an ancient Italian city. These shots helped to establish the setting and create a sense of place, immersing the audience in the world of New Moon.
The Clock Tower: More Than Meets the Eye
The iconic clock tower that features prominently in the film isn’t actually the tower situated in Piazza Grande. While the piazza was used for the ground-level shots, a different, taller tower, likely enhanced with visual effects, was employed to create the necessary visual drama for Bella’s almost-jump. The visual effects team masterfully blended the real and artificial elements to craft the unforgettable scene.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into the Volturi Filming Locations
Here are some frequently asked questions about the filming locations for the Volturi scene in New Moon:
1. Why wasn’t the Volturi scene filmed in Volterra?
Volterra proved difficult to film in due to its modern infrastructure, which conflicted with the desired ancient aesthetic. Montepulciano offered a similar architectural style with fewer modern intrusions, making it a more suitable and adaptable location.
2. How did they transform Montepulciano into Volterra?
The production team utilized a combination of set dressing, temporary structures, and visual effects. They added banners, flags, and other decorative elements to create the desired historical ambiance. Post-production visual effects further enhanced the transformation.
3. Is the clock tower in New Moon the actual clock tower in Piazza Grande?
Not entirely. While Piazza Grande was used for the ground-level scenes, a taller, potentially enhanced tower was likely used for the shots depicting Bella’s near-suicide attempt. This was likely a practical decision based on visual impact and safety concerns.
4. Can I visit the locations in Montepulciano where New Moon was filmed?
Yes, absolutely! Montepulciano is a popular tourist destination, and visitors can easily explore Piazza Grande, wander through the streets used in the film, and even visit some of the wine cellars.
5. Are there any tours specifically focused on the New Moon filming locations in Montepulciano?
Yes, some tour operators offer guided tours highlighting the specific locations used in the film. These tours often include behind-the-scenes information and trivia about the filming process. A quick online search will reveal available options.
6. Did the filming of New Moon have a positive impact on Montepulciano?
Undoubtedly. The film’s popularity significantly boosted tourism to Montepulciano. Fans from around the world flocked to the town to see the filming locations firsthand, contributing to the local economy.
7. What are some other notable landmarks in Montepulciano besides the Piazza Grande?
Montepulciano boasts numerous historical landmarks, including the Palazzo Comunale (town hall), the Duomo (cathedral), and the Fortezza (fortress). The town is also renowned for its Vino Nobile wine cellars.
8. What kind of wine is Montepulciano known for?
Montepulciano is famous for its Vino Nobile di Montepulciano, a red wine made primarily from the Sangiovese grape varietal. It’s considered one of Italy’s finest wines.
9. Is it difficult to get to Montepulciano?
Montepulciano is accessible by car and public transportation. The nearest major airports are in Florence and Rome. From there, visitors can take a train or bus to nearby towns and then transfer to Montepulciano. Renting a car provides the most flexibility for exploring the surrounding Tuscan countryside.
10. What is the best time of year to visit Montepulciano?
Spring and fall offer pleasant weather and fewer crowds than the peak summer months. The harvest season in the fall is particularly beautiful, with the vineyards ablaze in autumn colors.
11. Were any other parts of Italy used as filming locations for New Moon?
Yes, some scenes depicting Volterra were also filmed in nearby Chiusi, Italy. This town provided additional architectural elements that contributed to the overall visual representation of the fictional Volterra.
12. Is the New Moon version of Volterra an accurate representation of the real Volterra?
While inspired by Volterra, the New Moon depiction takes creative liberties. The real Volterra has a rich history and distinct character, but the film prioritizes creating a specific atmosphere and visual aesthetic to align with the story.