Where was The Pale Blue Eye filmed? We discuss the locations of the anticipated Netflix movie and its settings.
The Pale Blue Eye is another first for Netflix as the mystery movie is the first film that Christian Bale has done for the streaming platform. The movie, written and directed by Scott Cooper, is a gothic thriller that follows the story of a young Edgar Allan Poe who is recruited by a retired detective to help solve the mystery of a murder at a military academy. The apparent suicide is all the more horrific when it is revealed that the body has had its heart removed.
This is a highly anticipated thriller, and with a cast that includes Gillian Anderson and Harry Melling, it looks set to be another highly produced feature from Netflix. The film will also have a limited release at theatres before its premiere on Netflix, so keep an eye open for a chance to experience this on the big screen too.
So far, the movie has had some mixed reviews, with critics and audience members praising the period setting and writing.
What is The Pale Blue Eye about?
In the 1830s, the body of a cadet is found in an apparent suicide at a military base. Although suicide is often encountered in these often harsh institutes, the true horror of the situation becomes clear, as the body has also had its heart torn out.
Former detective Augustus Landor, played by Bale, is called out of retirement to investigate the hellish crime, but he is at a loss as to what has occurred here. The widower finds an ally in his investigation, in the form of a young poet that has a mysterious past and two volumes of macabre poetry under his belt. His name is Edgar Allan Poe and the game is most definitely afoot.
Where was The Pale Blue Eye filmed – a breakdown of locations
It appears that the majority of this film was shot on location in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. With a lot of the action taking place at the United States Military Academy West Point, this location was ideal to stand in for the shoot.
Having a location that fits the film’s story is a huge bonus for directors that like to pay attention to the sets, and it is often more cost-effective to find a location rather than recreate one in a studio.
One of the locations used is the historical landmark called The Compass Inn. This well-known local highlight is now a museum and has been on the site since the 1790s and is an ideal setting for the filming of this period thriller.
The area known as the Ligonier Township village of Laughlintown was also used for filming as the area once again still retains that old-world look that is ideal for the setting of this movie.
Many buildings were dressed to help sell the time period of the film, including Benny Havens Lounge. The Benny Haven Band is a leading popular music ensemble in the Armed Forces, primarily serving the United States Corps of Cadets at West Point.
Moraine State Park was also utilized in the filmmaking process, specifically the lake views that would pass through parts of The Hudson River.
The writer and director have also said that the actual military base did not look like the time period the film is set in, so it was important to try to scout areas that would represent the time period of the script.
Pennsylvania is lucky enough to still carry the aesthetic of the 1800s, so it was the perfect choice for this production. As is often the case, the area also has tax incentives for filming to take place there. Local governments are always keen to allow filming on location as it helps boost the local economy.
