VERMONT Magazine Fall 2023 | Page 56

Lights , Camera , Haunting !

Wolf

Embracing Vermont ’ s Enigmatic Wilderness on the Big Screen
Released in 1994 , Wolf ( starring Jack Nicholson and Michelle Pfeiffer ) has notable ties to Vermont . While the film ’ s storyline primarily takes place in New York City , Vermont ’ s scenic beauty is artfully woven into the narrative . The state ’ s wild landscapes symbolize the untamed nature lurking within the human psyche , including scenes that were filmed on-site in Vermont at Buel ’ s Gore in the Mad River Valley . The film ’ s exploration of primal instincts and the thin line between humanity and savagery find a metaphorical resonance in Vermont ’ s wilderness .

What Lies Beneath

A Thrilling Mystery Unveiled in Burlington
What Lies Beneath , a gripping psychological thriller starring Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer , weaves a tale of suspense and mystery set against the stunning beauty of Northern Vermont . Several scenes were filmed on the picturesque campus of the University of Vermont . The university ’ s historic buildings and tree-lined avenues added an air of sophistication to the movie . Lake Champlain and its tranquil southern shores in Addison County also played a pivotal role in building up to the film ’ s memorable climax . Vermont provided the perfect scenic canvas for What Lies Beneath , and its scenery largely contributed to the film ’ s atmospheric tension .

Beetlejuice 2

A Spooktacular Sequel Takes Shape in East Corinth
35 years after the release of the original Beetlejuice in 1988 , the excitement was palpable as the long-awaited sequel , Beetlejuice 2 , commenced production in Vermont . With its release currently scheduled for 2024 , Beetlejuice fans are in for a spine-chilling treat . In an interesting coincidence , the sequel stars Jenna Ortega , who also appears in the aforementioned Netflix series , Wednesday . She stars alongside several cast members from the original Beetlejuice , including Michael Keaton , Winona Ryder , and Catherine O ’ Hara .
The town of East Corinth was buzzing with whispers of Burton ’ s secretive return for filming , which was shrouded in mystery . After filming took place in July 2023 , social media platforms were soon inundated with photos of Jenna Ortega in Vermont on a bicycle , fueling speculation about the film ’ s intriguing plot twists . Months of meticulous preparation preceded the commencement of Beetlejuice 2 . Film crews carefully cleared the weeds and undergrowth from the hill where the Maitland ’ s iconic farmhouse once stood . They made way for a temporary farmhouse and the resurrection of the fateful covered bridge from the original film — the haunting location of the Maitland ’ s untimely demise .
As production progressed , the fictitious town of Winter River , Connecticut , took shape on Village Road in East Corinth . Vermont ’ s captivating scenery once again serves as the film ’ s primary outdoor setting , engulfing viewers in a world of whimsical and spooky encounters . While interior scenes were filmed in areas beyond Vermont ’ s borders , the state ’ s allure remains an integral part of the film ’ sessence . As the legend of Beetlejuice continues to unfold in Vermont ’ s captivating embrace , one thing is certain — fans and residents alike are ready to savor the thrills , chills , and enchanting adventures that lie ahead in Beetlejuice 2 . The hauntingly beautiful Vermont landscape will conjure its spell once more .
54 VERMONT MAGAZINE