Campus buzzed with excitement last year when stars Zendaya and Robert Pattinson arrived on campus to shoot scenes for The Drama at the Addison Gallery of American Art (Addison). After much anticipation, the film has finally hit theatres. In the movie, the Addison visually represents the fictional Cambridge Art Museum, where Pattinson’s character, Charlie, is a curator. The Addison’s staff, who were deeply involved in the filming process, facilitated exchange between the filmmakers and museum staff to ensure minimal impact on the space and art.
Allison Kemmerer, the Mary Stripp and R. Crosby Kemper Director at the Addison, discussed the experience of watching the movie come to life within the Addison’s halls, as well as the sheer amount of moving parts involved.
“We bolstered our security staff so that all entrances and museum spaces were protected/monitored throughout the process. Most of the exhibition galleries were roped off and remained inaccessible to the film crew. In some cases, we removed art in areas of high activity. Despite the disruption and extra work, it was fascinating to get a window into how movies are made. Witnessing the extraordinary amount of labor (not to mention hands) that goes into even the briefest of scenes was really illuminating,” wrote Kemmerer in an email to The Phillipian.
Once the movie hit theaters, the Addison team took a trip to see the movie and finally see their hard work, as well as that of the numerous actors, directors, and crew members, come to life on the big screen. Kemmerer discussed how the Addison staff reacted, as well as their opinions on the portrayal of the Addison in the film.
“Typical of the process, the filmmakers did not divulge the plot to us when they were here filming. In fact, in an effort to prevent any media leaks during production, they used a fake name for the movie: ‘A Very Philly Christmas.’ Just as with the movie’s press, which has ranged from glowing to scathing reviews, reactions among The Addison’s staff were mixed. And honestly, to me that is what art is supposed to do—incite conversation and encourage the exchange of ideas and different points of view. The one thing we were all unanimous on was the thrill of seeing The Addison on the big screen… Those who see the film and know The Addison will absolutely recognize the space. You will recognize the exterior steps, the rotunda, some of our galleries, the Museum Learning Center, and a couple of our offices—not to mention paintings!” wrote Kemmerer in an email to The Phillipian.
Students, like Maya Tomlinson ’28, also mentioned how seeing the Addison in a movie was a unique experience, especially considering the fact that movies tend to transport viewers into entirely unknown and unfamiliar worlds.
“At almost every scene that was recognisably from the Addison, we were very unnecessarily excited, and that familiarity made the movie more enjoyable… because most often films are meant to be unrecognisable, in situations you’ve never seen before, so you have to work to become used to the setting. Seeing the Addison, a place we’re all familiar with, was so interesting because it felt more real, it actually could’ve happened. Although it’s certainly a fictional plot and the Addison isn’t named the Addison, it was surreal seeing such ordinary locations become uncanny,” said Tomlinson.
On the film itself, Tomlinson highlighted the irony and satirical humor, as well as how little plot was actually revealed before the movie’s release. She added that the movie surpassed the expectations generated by the public.
“Overall, the movie was pretty good, and the directing and script allowed for some really funny moments. It has a sort of satirical humour that’s almost ironic, and I think that that aspect of the movie made me like it a lot more. The plot itself is very unexpected… in comparison to its little bit of noise, it was a really good film, and the point of the movie was conveyed well. In my opinion, it certainly did! It surpassed its hype, if anything,” said Tomlinson.
Tomlinson urged students to see the movie and appreciate the setting and story.
“Jordyn Curet, who played young Emma, did a really good job. Her delivery was funny, and her expression of each line was perfectly ironic. One of my favourite moments from the movie was when young Emma was talking to the web monitor, and I won’t spoil it, but it was hilarious. You’ll just have to watch it for yourself,” said Tomlinson.
