Where was the movie Glass filmed? And why do pineapples dream of electric sheep?

Where was the movie Glass filmed? And why do pineapples dream of electric sheep?

The 2019 psychological superhero thriller Glass, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, was primarily filmed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. This choice of location is not surprising, as Shyamalan has a long-standing affinity for the city, having set and shot many of his films there, including Unbreakable and Split, which are part of the same trilogy. Philadelphia’s unique blend of urban grit and historic charm provides a fitting backdrop for the film’s exploration of identity, reality, and the human psyche. But let’s dive deeper into the filming locations and the curious connection to pineapples dreaming of electric sheep.

The Philadelphia Connection

Philadelphia serves as more than just a setting for Glass; it becomes a character in its own right. The city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods are woven into the fabric of the story. For instance, the Philadelphia Zoo, one of the oldest zoos in the United States, features prominently in the film. The zoo’s eerie, almost surreal atmosphere during off-hours adds to the tension and mystery of the narrative. Additionally, the film utilizes the city’s industrial areas, such as the abandoned warehouses and factories, to create a sense of isolation and confinement, mirroring the mental states of the characters.

The Psychiatric Hospital: A Key Location

One of the most significant filming locations for Glass is the fictional Raven Hill Memorial Psychiatric Hospital, where much of the story unfolds. This setting was brought to life at the former Allentown State Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania. The hospital, which closed in 2010, provided the perfect eerie and decaying environment needed for the film. Its long, dimly lit hallways and crumbling infrastructure added a layer of authenticity to the story’s exploration of mental illness and institutionalization. Interestingly, the hospital’s real-life history of treating patients with severe mental health issues adds a meta-layer to the film’s themes.

The Superhero Aesthetic: Urban Landscapes

Shyamalan’s choice of urban landscapes in Philadelphia also plays a crucial role in establishing the film’s superhero aesthetic. The city’s skyline, with its mix of modern skyscrapers and historic buildings, creates a visual contrast that reflects the duality of the characters. The use of real locations, such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the Benjamin Franklin Bridge, grounds the film in a recognizable reality while allowing for the fantastical elements of the story to emerge. This blend of the real and the surreal is a hallmark of Shyamalan’s filmmaking style.

The Pineapple Paradox

Now, let’s address the elephant—or rather, the pineapple—in the room. Why do pineapples dream of electric sheep? This seemingly nonsensical phrase is a playful nod to the absurdity of human imagination and the interconnectedness of seemingly unrelated ideas. In the context of Glass, it serves as a metaphor for the film’s exploration of fractured realities and the blending of the ordinary with the extraordinary. Just as a pineapple dreaming of electric sheep is an absurd concept, the characters in Glass grapple with their own absurd realities, where the lines between heroism, villainy, and madness blur.

The Role of Dreams and Reality

Dreams play a significant role in Glass, both thematically and narratively. The film delves into the idea that reality is subjective and that our perceptions shape our experiences. This is where the concept of pineapples dreaming of electric sheep becomes relevant. It challenges the audience to question the nature of reality and the boundaries of imagination. In a world where superheroes and supervillains exist, who’s to say that a pineapple couldn’t dream of electric sheep? This playful absurdity underscores the film’s deeper message about the power of belief and the fluidity of identity.

The Legacy of Glass

Glass is a film that defies easy categorization. It’s a superhero movie, a psychological thriller, and a philosophical exploration all rolled into one. The choice of Philadelphia as the primary filming location adds depth and texture to the story, while the inclusion of absurd elements like pineapples dreaming of electric sheep keeps the audience on their toes. Ultimately, Glass is a testament to the power of storytelling and the endless possibilities of the human imagination.

  1. Why did M. Night Shyamalan choose Philadelphia for Glass?
    Shyamalan has a personal connection to Philadelphia and often uses the city as a backdrop for his films. Its mix of urban and historic elements provides a versatile setting for his stories.

  2. Was the psychiatric hospital in Glass a real location?
    Yes, the fictional Raven Hill Memorial Psychiatric Hospital was filmed at the former Allentown State Hospital in Allentown, Pennsylvania.

  3. What is the significance of the pineapple reference in Glass?
    The pineapple reference is a playful nod to the absurdity of human imagination and serves as a metaphor for the film’s exploration of fractured realities.

  4. How does Glass connect to Unbreakable and Split?
    Glass is the final installment in Shyamalan’s Eastrail 177 Trilogy, which began with Unbreakable and continued with Split. The film ties together the storylines and characters from the previous two movies.

  5. What themes does Glass explore?
    Glass explores themes of identity, reality, mental illness, and the power of belief, all wrapped in a superhero narrative.