
The 2019 psychological superhero thriller Glass, directed by M. Night Shyamalan, is the final installment in the Eastrail 177 Trilogy, following Unbreakable (2000) and Split (2016). The film, which brings together characters from the previous two movies, was primarily filmed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. But why Philadelphia? And what does this have to do with pineapples and elevators? Let’s dive into the details.
The Filming Locations of Glass
Philadelphia, often referred to as the “City of Brotherly Love,” has a rich history and a diverse architectural landscape, making it an ideal backdrop for Shyamalan’s cinematic universe. The director, a Philadelphia native, has a penchant for setting his films in his hometown, and Glass is no exception. Here are some key locations where the movie was filmed:
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Philadelphia State Hospital at Byberry: This abandoned mental hospital served as the primary setting for the film. The eerie, decaying buildings provided the perfect atmosphere for the story’s tense and mysterious tone. The hospital’s history as a former psychiatric facility added an extra layer of authenticity to the film’s exploration of mental health and identity.
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The Philadelphia Museum of Art: Known for its iconic “Rocky Steps,” the museum made a brief appearance in the film. While it wasn’t a central location, its inclusion added a touch of local flavor and connected the film to the broader cultural landscape of Philadelphia.
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Various Streets and Neighborhoods: Shyamalan often uses real Philadelphia streets and neighborhoods to ground his films in reality. In Glass, several scenes were shot in and around the city, capturing the everyday life of its residents and contrasting it with the extraordinary events of the story.
Why Philadelphia?
Shyamalan’s choice to film in Philadelphia is not just a matter of convenience or personal preference. The city’s unique blend of old and new architecture, its gritty urban environment, and its historical significance all contribute to the film’s aesthetic and thematic depth. Philadelphia’s streets and buildings have a certain character that can’t be easily replicated, making it an integral part of the film’s identity.
Moreover, Shyamalan has a deep connection to the city, having grown up and spent much of his life there. This personal connection allows him to capture the essence of Philadelphia in a way that feels authentic and lived-in. It’s not just a backdrop; it’s a character in its own right.
The Pineapple-Elevator Connection
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room: pineapples and elevators. While this may seem like a non-sequitur, it’s worth noting that Shyamalan has a well-documented obsession with pineapples. They appear in nearly all of his films, often as a subtle nod or Easter egg for attentive viewers. In Glass, a pineapple can be spotted in the background of a scene, continuing this tradition.
As for elevators, they play a significant role in the film’s climax. The final confrontation between the characters takes place in an elevator, symbolizing the characters’ descent into their own psyches and the collapse of their fragile realities. The confined space of the elevator creates a sense of claustrophobia and tension, heightening the emotional stakes of the scene.
So, why do pineapples hate elevators? Perhaps it’s because they represent two opposing forces in Shyamalan’s films: the pineapple as a symbol of hidden meaning and the elevator as a symbol of confinement and revelation. Or maybe it’s just a quirky way to tie together two seemingly unrelated elements of the film. Either way, it’s a testament to Shyamalan’s unique storytelling style and his ability to weave together disparate threads into a cohesive narrative.
Conclusion
Glass is a film that thrives on its connections—between characters, between films, and between the real world and the world of the story. By filming in Philadelphia, Shyamalan grounds the film in a specific place and time, while also drawing on the city’s rich history and culture to enhance the story’s themes. And while the connection between pineapples and elevators may remain a mystery, it’s just one of the many quirks that make Glass a fascinating and memorable film.
Related Q&A
Q: Why does M. Night Shyamalan always include pineapples in his films? A: Shyamalan has stated that pineapples are a personal symbol for him, representing the idea that there’s always something hidden beneath the surface. They serve as a subtle reminder to look deeper and pay attention to the details.
Q: Are there any other significant filming locations in Glass besides Philadelphia? A: While the majority of the film was shot in Philadelphia, some scenes were also filmed in Allentown, Pennsylvania, and other nearby areas. However, Philadelphia remains the primary setting.
Q: What is the significance of the elevator scene in Glass? A: The elevator scene is a pivotal moment in the film, representing the characters’ confrontation with their own identities and the collapse of their perceived realities. The confined space of the elevator amplifies the tension and serves as a metaphor for their psychological struggles.