Masonry in the Media: Horror Movie Special

Words: Lily Burger

The settings and backgrounds of films enhance the atmosphere and tone of the story. Whether it's the harsh marble or stone design of a castle or the warmth of a brick home, the buildings used provide an extra layer of storytelling that impacts the film. As Halloween draws near, these five spooky masonry-built locations add to the eeriness and scary scenery of the films they were featured in.

Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum - Silence of the Lambs
To honor military veterans from Allegheny County in Pittsburgh, PA, the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum was built from 1916 to 1930. Designed in the Beaux Arts style by architect Charles Klauder, it features classical Corinthian columns and its numerous halls implemented marble stone. The use of masonry not only enhances the building’s aesthetic appeal but also serves as an enduring monument to the sacrifices Allegheny County’s veterans made.

The interior of the Soldiers and Sailors Memorial Hall and Museum is most well known for one of the most iconic scenes in the film Silence of the Lambs. Colloquially known as “The Cage Scene” in the movie, Hannibal Lecter is being held in a makeshift cell inside “The Memphis Courthouse” as Agent Starling works with him to solve the Buffalo Bill murders. To make his grand escape, he kills the guards in the room and leaves one of the guards strung up in red, white, and blue banners with dramatic lighting. The museum’s impressive design and connection to military service add to the movie’s themes of justice and sacrifice.

 

Palazzo Vecchio - Hannibal
Located in Florence, Italy, Palazzo Vecchio started construction in 1299 to serve as the town hall of Florence. The building’s design is fortress-like as it represents the political power and strength of Florence. Palazzo Vecchio was constructed with various types of brick, stone, and marble. On the interior, stones like Ashlar blocks were rusticated to add texture and give the building more of a dimensional look. Most notably, the building became the residence of the Medici family in the 16th century before becoming a symbol of Florence’s rich history and architectural heritage today.

In the movie Hannibal (2001), Palazzo Vecchio is prominently featured as the setting for the climactic confrontation between Hannibal Lecter, Agent Starling, and Inspector Pazzi. The grand architecture and historical significance of Palazzo Vecchio create an intimidating and dramatic setting that enhances the intense narrative. The film plays into the historical significance and icon status of the tower as tourists witness Dr. Lecter’s crime while touring Palazzo Vecchio.



Oak Alley Plantation - Interview with a Vampire (1994)
The main house of Oak Alley Plantation is located in Vacherie, Louisiana, and was constructed in the early 19th century. It is most notable for its elegant Greek Revival architecture as characterized by its brickwork. It features a stucco facade over the brick that mimics marble to fit the demands of the region’s climate. The masonry includes intricately crafted columns and pilasters, which support a prominent portico and create a striking visual impact. This combination of form and function highlights the craftsmanship and architectural stylings of the early 19th century.

In the film Interview with the Vampire, Oak Alley Plantation's Greek Revival architecture enhances the film's gothic atmosphere, complementing the themes of timelessness and decadence associated with the vampire characters. The plantation's meticulously restored brickwork and stucco create an aura of historical richness, reinforcing the narrative's exploration of past and present. Oak Alley's architectural beauty and historical resonance make it a fitting visual metaphor for the film's exploration of immortality and bygone eras.

 

John Marshall High School (Los Angeles, CA) - A Nightmare on Elm Street (1984)
John Marshall High School in Los Angeles, established in 1931, features a distinctive architectural style reflecting the Art Deco and Beaux-Arts influences of its era. Designed by architect Richard Requa, the school’s construction incorporates decorative terra cotta elements, stucco facades, and symmetrical design. These masonry elements contribute to the building's historic character and its role as a lasting symbol of early 20th-century educational architecture in Los Angeles.

John Marshall High School was the site of Elm Street High School in the 1984 horror classic A Nightmare on Elm Street. The school’s distinctive terra cotta detailing and geometric patterns contribute to its gothic, haunting presence on screen. The clock tower and symmetrical design add a sense of foreboding and timelessness, aligning with the film’s themes of nightmares and the inescapable past.
 


Corvin Castle - The Nun
Located in Hunedoara, Romania, Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle, began construction in the mid-15th century under John Hunyadi, but was later expanded during the reign of Matthias Corvinus. Its masonry features imposing stone walls, robust defensive towers, and elaborate battlements. The structure was built with local brick and stone believed to be dolomitic limestone and riverstone. Notable for its thick, crenellated walls and decorative stonework, the castle’s masonry features enhance its medieval grandeur.

In The Nun, Corvin Castle’s dramatic Gothic and Renaissance masonry profoundly enhances the film's chilling atmosphere as the movie’s haunted Abbey of St. Carta. Its thick, defensive walls and labyrinthine interior create a claustrophobic setting that intensifies the film's horror elements. The castle's immense architecture and eerie stonework serve as a perfect backdrop for the supernatural events in the film, amplifying the sense of dread and isolation. Its historical and architectural features underscore the film’s themes of ancient evil and haunting legacy.

 



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