Do ghosts really exist? This vexed question has haunted most people for some time now, probably more than paranormal beings have! And if you’re interested in a similar topic, be sure to follow this article where I discuss the horror movie, What Lies Beneath and also let you in on where was What Lies Beneath filmed.
What Lies Beneath released in 2000, was appreciated by audiences and critics worldwide. This movie went on to become the 10th highest grossing film of the year. The huge commercial success can be credited to the screenplay and the star cast of the film. Harrison Ford and Michelle Pfeiffer who are playing the character of Mr and Mrs Spencer respectively, gave an astounding performance on screen.
So without waiting any longer, allow me to discuss the plot of What Lies Beneath in brief just so you may have a better concept of the actual storyline. And, also I will be sharing the filming locations with you!
Table of Contents
Plot Of What Lies Beneath | What’s It About?
The movie What Lies Beneath, is set in a quiet neighborhood in Vermont, where Norman and Claire Spencer live a serene life, in a house by the lake. One day, Claire senses some paranormal activities by the lake and also in her house and discovers a mysterious key.
She along with her mystic friend Jody decide to look further. They arrange a session to communicate with the spirits and find “YOU KNOW” and “MEF” written on the bathroom mirror and computer. Upon further investigation she finds an old news article about the suicide of a young girl named Madison Elizabeth Frank, and soon correlates it to the “MEF” symbol.
Before Norman could deny his past illicit affair with Madison, he is seen to be caught confessing about his other affairs. He also confessed the one with Madison, when Claire questions him. Furthermore Norman reveals about the murder he committed by drowning Madison in the lake and later tries to kill his wife too by drowning her in the bathtub. Claire somehow manages to escape the house, by electrocuting Norman with a live wire.
Later, she reveals to the authorities about the murders her twisted and criminal husband committed. And finally finds closure to the hauntings and mental trauma. Let us now find out where was What Lies Beneath filmed, so that you can have a better experience on your next watch of this psychological-horror film!
Where Was What Lies Beneath Filmed? Let’s Know The Movie Closely!
The movie is set in Waterbury, VT but in reality the filming was done in West Addison,VT where the Spencers’ house is shown in the movie. Apart from the major filming done in this location, the production team also filmed in Burlington,VT and California for other important sequences. So, without further ado, let’s find out more about these locations.
DAR State Park | West Addison, Vermont
The principal photography of the film, What Lies Beneath, began in April 1999 and DAR State Park in West Addison, was chosen as the prime location for filming. The “haunted house” shown in the film was artificially constructed here, by the production team and was disintegrated later.
Nantucket-style 3,500 square foot shingled blue house, seemed a perfect house during the day time, however, the color tone of the house at night completely transformed into a creepy looking haunted house by the lakeshore. Many fans of the movie still visit DAR State Park searching for the house, as it was rumored to be there. But in reality it has been replaced by another property.
Lake Champlain Bridge was an integral part in the setting of the location as the narrative of the film demanded it. The director and the production crew, thus took the rigorous task of scouting for a location overlooking Lake Champlain.
University Of Vermont | Burlington, Vermont
The University Of Vermont shown in the film is located in Burlington,VT and the production team decided to shoot at a location which was nearer to the Spencers’ house. However the main reason could be the director’s thought of shooting at a real location to give a more authentic look.
Sony Pictures Studio | Washington Boulevard, California
The filming of the movie, What Lies Beneath, which began during the starting months of 1999, was almost completed in 7 months. To shoot the final sequences and add special effects the director and his production team reached Sony Pictures Studio, in California.
The scenes of the lake at night and other sequences which required special effects were completed at the Sony Pictures Studios. The director specifically wanted the shade of the blue house to appear dangerous at night, and thus it was done here during the color grading process in the studio. Other films such as The Dark Knight Rises and Interstellar, also used the same studio for creating special effects and shooting other sequences.
Final Words
So, now that you’ve read the narrative of the film and know where was What Lies Beneath filmed, I hope you’ll give it a watch if you haven’t already. This film will surely give you a thrilling experience, the sort that you’d expect from a spooky thriller genre based film.
If you enjoyed this post, please visit Viebly to read more informative and entertaining articles about filming locations of other movies and shows. Until then, peace out!
Who Are The Cast Members Of The Film, What Lies Beneath?
The cast of What Lies Beneath includes Harrison Ford, Michelle Pfieffer, Miranda Otto, Katharine Towne, James Remar, and Victoria Bidewell.
Who Produced The Film, What Lies Beneath?
Steve Starkey was the producer of the film, What Lies Beneath.
Who Directed The Film, What Lies Beneath?
Robert Zemeckis directed the film, What Lies Beneath.
Who Wrote The Screenplay Of The Film, What Lies Beneath?
Clark Gregg and Sarah Karnochan wrote the screenplay for the film, What Lies Beneath.
What Is The Runtime Of The Film, What Lies Beneath?
2h 10m is the runtime of the film, What Lies Beneath.
