Where was Silver Bullet filmed?
Silver Bullet, a 1986 horror film based on Stephen King’s novel "Cycle of the Werewolf", is a cult classic that has fascinated fans of the genre for decades. The film tells the story of a small town in Wisconsin where a series of murders takes place, and the main suspect is a mysterious figure with supernatural abilities. In this article, we’ll explore where Silver Bullet was filmed and take a closer look at the locations that brought the story to life.
The Search for the Perfect Location
Producer Richard Kobritz and director Dan Attias knew that they needed a location that would accurately reflect the small-town Wisconsin setting described in King’s novel. They searched far and wide for the perfect spot, ultimately settling on the charming town of Two Harbors, Minnesota. Two Harbors, Minnesota, with its quaint shops, restaurants, and Victorian-era architecture, was the perfect fit for the film’s eerie and atmospheric setting.
The Silver Bullet Set
While the town of Two Harbors provided the perfect backdrop for the film, the crew also built several sets to bring the story to life. The most significant set was the town of Tarker’s Mills, where the majority of the film takes place. The set was constructed on a soundstage in Los Angeles, but it was designed to resemble the real-life town of Two Harbors. The Tarker’s Mills set, with its eerie streets, shops, and houses, became a key part of the film’s success.
On-Location Shooting
While the majority of the film was shot on the Tarker’s Mills set, the crew also filmed on location in Two Harbors and surrounding areas. Some of the notable on-location shoots include:
- The railroad tracks: The film’s opening scene, where a train crashes into a station, was filmed on a stretch of railroad tracks in Two Harbors.
- The town square: The crew filmed scenes of the town’s annual festival, including a massive bonfire that plays a significant role in the story, in the town square.
- The woods: Many of the film’s eerie and suspenseful scenes were filmed in the nearby woods, which added to the sense of isolation and unease.
Additional Filming Locations
In addition to Two Harbors, the crew also filmed in several other locations around Minnesota. Some of the notable additional filming locations include:
- Grand Marais, Minnesota: This small town was used as a substitute for the town of Harborview, where the protagonist, Corey Graham, spends part of the story.
- Ely, Minnesota: The crew filmed some scenes in this town, which was used to represent the area where Corey and his friends go camping.
A Closer Look at the Cast
The film boasts an impressive cast, including Corey Haim, Gary Busey, Everett McGill, and Megan Follows. Corey Haim, who played the protagonist Corey Graham, was a young actor at the time of filming, and his performance in Silver Bullet marked one of his early breakout roles.
A Lasting Legacy
Silver Bullet may not have been a massive commercial success when it was first released, but it has since become a cult classic and a beloved horror film. The film’s influence can be seen in many subsequent horror movies, and its unique blend of horror and mystery has made it a standout in the genre. Today, fans of the film still flock to Two Harbors, Minnesota, to visit the locations that brought the story to life.
Silver Bullet Filming Locations Map
Location | Scene |
---|---|
Two Harbors, Minnesota | Town of Tarker’s Mills |
Los Angeles, California | Tarker’s Mills set |
Railroad tracks in Two Harbors, Minnesota | Opening train crash scene |
Two Harbors town square | Town festival and bonfire scene |
Woods near Two Harbors, Minnesota | Suspenseful scenes |
Grand Marais, Minnesota | Substitute for Harborview town |
Ely, Minnesota | Camping scenes |
Conclusion
Silver Bullet is a horror film that has captivated audiences for decades, and its unique blend of horror and mystery has made it a standout in the genre. The film’s locations, including the charming town of Two Harbors, Minnesota, and the eerie woods surrounding it, brought the story to life and added to the sense of unease and suspense. Today, fans of the film can visit the locations that brought the story to life, and experience the same eerie atmosphere that has made Silver Bullet a cult classic.