The timeless romance of “Somewhere in Time” unfolds primarily at the iconic Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island, Michigan. This stunning location serves not only as a backdrop but also as a character in its own right, inextricably linked to the film’s themes of love, destiny, and historical longing.
The Grand Hotel: More Than Just a Location
The film “Somewhere in Time,” released in 1980, has cemented the Grand Hotel’s place in cinematic history. Its majestic presence, Victorian-era charm, and breathtaking views provided the perfect setting for the story of Richard Collier, a playwright who becomes obsessed with a photograph of Elise McKenna, a turn-of-the-century actress. The Grand Hotel is much more than just a place where the movie was shot; it is the place where the story comes alive. The filmmakers masterfully utilized the hotel’s unique architecture, its antique furnishings, and its palpable sense of history to create an atmosphere of timelessness that perfectly complements the film’s themes.
A Symphony of Victorian Elegance
The deliberate choice of the Grand Hotel was crucial. No other location could have so convincingly transported viewers to the early 20th century. The hotel’s adherence to historical accuracy, even in its daily operations (no motor vehicles are allowed on the island, and guests are encouraged to dress in period attire), made it an ideal choice. The filmmakers even worked with the hotel to ensure the film’s aesthetic was consistent with the period, selecting specific rooms and areas that best reflected the movie’s vision. The sheer size of the Grand Hotel also contributed significantly, allowing for sweeping shots and creating a sense of grandeur that mirrored the epic nature of Richard and Elise’s romance.
Beyond the Grand Hotel: Supplementary Filming Locations
While the Grand Hotel stands as the undeniable centerpiece of “Somewhere in Time,” a few other locations played supporting roles in bringing the story to life. These locations, though less prominent, contributed significantly to the film’s overall aesthetic and narrative flow.
Chicago’s Architectural Marvels
Several scenes, particularly those depicting Richard Collier’s modern-day life, were filmed in Chicago, Illinois. Specific locations included the University of Illinois at Chicago, where Richard gives a lecture, and various streets showcasing the city’s architectural landscape. These scenes provided a stark contrast to the Victorian splendor of the Grand Hotel, highlighting the temporal divide between Richard’s present and Elise’s past.
A Glimpse of Paradise: The Beach
Although fleeting, scenes filmed on a pristine beach provided a visual contrast to the indoor setting of the hotel. While the exact location of these beach scenes is debated, it’s believed they were also shot on Mackinac Island, showcasing the island’s natural beauty beyond the Grand Hotel. This allowed for visual breathing room and depicted a less confined, more naturalistic aspect of the story.
FAQs: Delving Deeper into “Somewhere in Time” Locations
Here are some frequently asked questions to further explore the locations and impact of filming “Somewhere in Time”:
1. Is the Grand Hotel actually haunted, similar to the movie?
While the Grand Hotel doesn’t officially claim to be haunted, it certainly holds a rich history that has led to numerous ghost stories and legends circulating among guests and staff. Whether these stories are true or not, they contribute to the hotel’s mystical aura, which is very much present in the movie.
2. Can you stay in the same rooms featured in the movie?
Yes! The Grand Hotel embraces its connection to “Somewhere in Time.” Several rooms featured in the film are available for booking, including the Elise McKenna Suite and the Richard Collier Suite. Staying in these rooms offers fans a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of the movie.
3. Does the Grand Hotel offer “Somewhere in Time” themed events?
Absolutely. The Grand Hotel hosts annual “Somewhere in Time” weekends, attracting devoted fans from around the world. These events include costume parties, film screenings, discussions, and opportunities to meet cast and crew members. It’s a dedicated celebration of the film and its enduring legacy.
4. How did the lack of cars on Mackinac Island benefit the film?
The absence of motor vehicles on Mackinac Island perfectly aligns with the film’s historical setting. It eliminated the need to digitally remove cars from the background and helped create an authentic early 20th-century atmosphere. This crucial element added to the believability of Richard’s journey back in time.
5. Were any special effects used to create the historical atmosphere?
While the Grand Hotel itself provided a naturally historical atmosphere, the filmmakers employed subtle special effects to enhance the illusion. This included using period-appropriate clothing, props, and lighting to further transport viewers to 1912. Minimizing visible anachronisms was key.
6. What was the impact of “Somewhere in Time” on the Grand Hotel’s popularity?
“Somewhere in Time” significantly boosted the Grand Hotel’s popularity. The film’s success attracted a large influx of tourists eager to experience the hotel’s romantic charm and walk in the footsteps of Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour. The hotel fully embraced this newfound fame.
7. Why was the Grand Hotel chosen over other historical hotels?
Several factors contributed to the Grand Hotel’s selection. Its grand size, its commitment to preserving its historical integrity, and its stunning location on Mackinac Island made it the ideal choice. The hotel’s management also readily agreed to the filming, providing crucial support to the production.
8. Are there any tours of the “Somewhere in Time” filming locations at the Grand Hotel?
While the Grand Hotel doesn’t offer officially designated “Somewhere in Time” tours, guests can easily explore the various locations featured in the film on their own. The hotel provides information about the movie’s filming locations, allowing fans to create their self-guided tours.
9. Did Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour enjoy filming at the Grand Hotel?
Both Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour have spoken fondly of their experiences filming at the Grand Hotel. They appreciated the hotel’s beauty, its tranquility, and the opportunity to immerse themselves in the film’s historical setting. The filming was reported to be a positive experience for the entire cast and crew.
10. How much of the movie was actually filmed at the Grand Hotel versus other locations?
The vast majority of the film, approximately 80-90%, was shot at the Grand Hotel. The Chicago scenes were relatively brief, serving primarily to establish Richard Collier’s present-day life. The hotel is undoubtedly the dominant location.
11. Are there any notable landmarks from the film that are no longer present at the Grand Hotel?
While the Grand Hotel has largely maintained its historical appearance, some minor changes have occurred over the years. However, most of the key landmarks featured in the film, such as the front porch, the main dining room, and the specific rooms, remain largely unchanged.
12. What other movies or TV shows have been filmed at the Grand Hotel?
While “Somewhere in Time” is undoubtedly the Grand Hotel’s most famous film credit, the hotel has also served as a location for other productions, including “This Time for Keeps” (1947) and a few television series episodes. However, its association with “Somewhere in Time” remains its defining cinematic legacy.