‘The Great Lillian Hall’ is a heartfelt drama directed by Michael Cristofer. The film tells the story of Lillian Hall, a seasoned theater actress diagnosed with dementia. Despite her diagnosis, Lillian is determined to continue performing. Known for her dedication, she has never missed a performance in her long career. But now, she struggles to remember her lines during rehearsals for her latest play. After a doctor confirms she has dementia, she faces the rapid loss of her memory.
Plot Overview
The film delves into the difficulties faced by Lillian and her production crew. Some claim that the play cannot begin without her, while others feel that it must continue. As Lillian adjusts to her new situation, she attempts to repair her fractured connection with her daughter. The film, set against the vivid backdrop of Broadway in New York City, features spectacular theatrical stages and the city’s dazzling nightscape. Many viewers are intrigued as to where the picture was truly shot.
Main Filming Locations
“The Great Lillian Hall” was mostly shot in Atlanta, Georgia. Despite the fact that the story takes place in New York City, the majority of the filming was done in Atlanta. Shooting began on May 22, 2023, and concluded on June 30, 2023. Initially, the project was scheduled to be shot in New York under the title ‘Places, Please,’ but plans were moved to Atlanta. Despite this, the film contains establishing images of the New York City skyline.
Filming in metro Atlanta, Georgia
Atlanta, often called the Hollywood of the South, was a perfect stand-in for New York City. The city’s diverse landscapes helped the filmmakers recreate iconic New York settings like Central Park and Broadway Street. One of the key locations was the Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Downtown Marietta, situated at 117 North Park Square.
The Strand Theatre in Detail
The Strand Theatre is a historic and cultural site in Marietta, Georgia. It had an important role in ‘The Great Lillian Hall,’ as the theater where Lillian rehearsed and performed her final performance. The theater’s marquee illuminates the night, attracting crowds to varied acts. Inside, the Strand Theatre has rows of red velour seats and a balcony that offers a top-down view, similar to historic Broadway theaters. The red velour not only adds a luxurious touch, but it also helps absorb sound and light, ensuring that the performers are not distracted by the audience under low lighting.
Historical significance of the Strand Theatre
The Strand Theatre has an extensive history. The location goes back to 1885, when it was originally built as a grocery shop after the town was burnt during the Civil War. The Manning-Winks Theatre Company converted it into a cutting-edge Art Deco movie theater in 1935, replete with air conditioning, heating, and acoustics. The theater had a capacity of 1,000 persons, making it a prominent venue for local entertainment.
Atlanta as a Filmmaking Hub
Atlanta has become a major hub for filmmaking, thanks to generous tax incentives from the local government and the growth of advanced movie production studios. The city also boasts a growing pool of filmmaking talent. Many well-known films and TV shows have been shot in Atlanta, including ‘The Color Purple,’ ‘I, Tonya,’ ‘The Founder,’ ‘First Man,’ and ‘Pieces of Her.’
Cast Information
The film features a stellar cast led by Kathy Bates and Jessica Lange, who play Edith Wilson and Lillian Hall, respectively. Other key roles include Ty Maynard, played by Pierce Brosnan, and Margaret Tanner, played by Lily Rabe. Additionally, Jesse Williams stars as David Flemming, Allison Mackie as Flo, and Lauren Buglioli as Dunyasha.
In conclusion, ‘The Great Lillian Hall’ uses the scenic and varied locations of Atlanta, Georgia, to bring the story of a legendary Broadway actress to life. The film successfully captures the spirit of New York City’s theater scene through Atlanta’s iconic settings, especially the historic Strand Theatre. The locations not only provide a beautiful backdrop but also enhance the emotional depth and narrative of Lillian Hall’s journey.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Great Lillian Hall
Q: Where was ‘The Great Lillian Hall’ filmed?
A: ‘The Great Lillian Hall’ was primarily filmed in Atlanta, Georgia. Although the story is set in New York City, the filmmakers chose various locations in and around Atlanta to stand in for NYC, including the historic Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Downtown Marietta.
Q: Why was Atlanta chosen as the filming location for a movie set in New York City?
A: Atlanta was chosen for its diverse landscapes, which allowed the filmmakers to effectively recreate iconic New York City settings such as Broadway and Central Park. Additionally, Atlanta offers generous tax incentives and has become a major hub for movie production, making it a cost-effective choice for filmmakers.
Q: When did the filming of ‘The Great Lillian Hall’ take place?
A: Filming for ‘The Great Lillian Hall’ began on May 22, 2023, and concluded by June 30, 2023. The production schedule allowed the cast and crew to capture the necessary scenes efficiently within this timeframe.
Q: What are some of the important filming sites for ‘The Great Lillian Hall’?
A: The Earl and Rachel Smith Strand Theatre in Downtown Marietta, Georgia, was a key filming location for ‘The Great Lillian Hall’. This historic theater was utilized to illustrate the Broadway theater where Lillian Hall rehearses before performing. Other places in Metro Atlanta were also used to create the look and feel of New York City.
Q: When is the release date for ‘The Great Lillian Hall’?
A: ‘The Great Lillian Hall’ was released on HBO on May 31, 2024.
