The Whale is a psychological drama movie directed by Darren Aronofsky. It is based on the 2012 play by Samuel D. Hunter. The story follows an obese English teacher named Charlie, who is struggling with his health and emotions. He lives alone in his apartment, eating and drinking himself to death. Charlie tries to reconnect with his estranged teenage daughter, Ellie, hoping to redeem himself as a father. However, Ellie is an unhappy and sharp-tongued teenager, making Charlie’s efforts even more challenging. The film’s setting, especially the gloomy and messy apartment, plays a crucial role in reflecting Charlie’s state of mind. Many viewers wonder where this intense and emotional movie was filmed.
Where was “The Whale” Filmed?
The Whale was filmed entirely in New York, specifically in the city of Newburgh. The filming began in March 2021 and wrapped up by April 2021. Although the story is set in Mormon County, Idaho, the filmmakers chose to shoot the movie in New York. This decision was likely because most of the scenes take place inside Charlie’s apartment, making a sound stage a perfect location for the film.
Newburgh, New York
The Whale was primarily filmed in Newburgh, Orange County, New York. The production team employed Umbra Sound Stages’ facilities, which are located at 9 Scobie Drive in Newburgh. The majority of the filming took place at Stage 4, an 18,000-square-foot sound stage. Umbra Sound Stages has four different-sized sound stages, a scenic/construction shop, office space, and a 1,500-square-foot cyclorama. These attributes make it an excellent location for filming The Whale.
The Filming Experience
The cast and crew received a warm welcome at the Umbra Sound Stages. Brendan Fraser, who played the lead role of Charlie, put in a lot of effort to prepare for his character. He worked with a dance instructor for several months before filming began to understand how his obese character would move. Fraser also consulted with the Obesity Action Coalition to portray his character accurately. The makeup department had a challenging task, as it took nearly four hours to put on prosthetics that weighed up to 300 pounds on Fraser before he could start shooting each day.
Newburgh’s Filming History
Newburgh, located just 60 miles north of New York City, is not new to film and television production. The city has been featured in several projects over the years. Some notable examples include the TV series I Know This Much Is True, the film Return, and the movie The Winter House. The city’s unique locations and proximity to New York City make it an attractive spot for filmmakers.
The Whale was filmed in Newburgh, New York, mainly at the Umbra Sound Stages. The choice of location helped bring the intense and emotional story of Charlie to life. The careful selection of Newburgh and the dedication of the cast and crew contributed to the film’s powerful atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for viewers.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – The Whale
Q: Where was The Whale filmed?
A: The Whale was filmed entirely in Newburgh, New York. The production team used Umbra Sound Stages in Newburgh for most of the filming, particularly Stage 4, an 18,000-square-foot sound stage.
Q: When was The Whale filmed?
A: The Whale was filmed from March 2021 to April 2021. The entire production took place over the course of about a month.
Q: Why was The Whale filmed in Newburgh, New York?
A: Although the story is set in Mormon County, Idaho, the filmmakers chose to shoot The Whale in Newburgh, New York, because most of the scenes take place inside a single location—Charlie’s apartment. The sound stages in Newburgh provided the ideal setting for this purpose.
Q: What is the release date of The Whale?
A: The Whale was released in theaters on December 21, 2022.
Q: Did The Whale use any special filming techniques or locations?
A: The Whale primarily used traditional sound stages for filming. The movie was shot mostly indoors at Umbra Sound Stages in Newburgh, New York, to create the confined and isolated atmosphere of Charlie’s apartment.
