Director Alexander Payne specifically chose Massachusetts as the backdrop for his critically acclaimed film, “The Holdovers,” aiming to authentically capture the essence of 1970s New England. This decision to film entirely within Massachusetts was key to bringing the movie’s atmosphere to life, as Payne himself noted the enduring charm of the region, where traditions and settings reminiscent of the 1760s still exist. This commitment to realism significantly contributed to the film’s success, culminating in a nomination for Best Picture at the prestigious 96th Academy Awards. Set in the 1970s at the fictional Barton Academy, a boarding school, “The Holdovers” transports viewers to a specific time and place, largely thanks to its meticulously chosen filming locations.
Barton Academy and the Massachusetts School Campuses
While Barton Academy is fictional, its visual identity is deeply rooted in the reality of several Massachusetts boarding schools. Deerfield Academy in Deerfield served as the primary location, effectively becoming Barton Academy itself. The film crew utilized the picturesque front lawn and the exteriors of Deerfield’s buildings to establish the school’s setting. Dominic Sessa, who portrays the student Angus Tully, even had a real-life connection to Deerfield Academy, attending the school and participating in its drama program. This real school environment lent authenticity to the boarding school scenes.
Beyond Deerfield, “The Holdovers” expanded its school settings by filming at four additional Massachusetts educational institutions. The chapel scenes were filmed inside the Groton School in Groton, adding a layer of classic New England architecture. The exterior of Northfield Mount Hermon School in Gill provided another dimension to the school’s overall look. St. Mark’s School in Southborough became the backdrop for crucial interior scenes, including the dining hall, gymnasium, and the headmaster’s office, enriching the film’s portrayal of boarding school life. Lastly, Fairhaven High School in Fairhaven contributed its study hall and auditorium, further diversifying the locations within the fictional Barton Academy.
Beyond the School Walls: Exploring Massachusetts Towns and Cities
The filming of “The Holdovers” extended beyond school campuses, venturing into various Massachusetts towns and cities to capture a broader sense of place and time. The Somerville Theatre provided a vintage cinema setting, likely for scenes requiring an old-fashioned movie theater ambiance. The iconic Brattle Book Shop in Downtown Boston, a haven for book lovers, also served as a location, perhaps for scenes needing a classic, intellectual backdrop.
Boston’s Orpheum Theatre and areas around Boston Common also appear in the film, suggesting scenes set in the heart of the city. Filming also took place behind Boston City Hall Plaza, offering a contrast between historical and more modern urban landscapes. Worcester, another Massachusetts city, was also part of the filming schedule, with a notable scene featuring a large Christmas tree outside of Worcester’s City Hall, specifically filmed during the winter of 2022, adding seasonal authenticity to the movie’s Christmas break setting.
New England Roots Enhance “The Holdovers” Authenticity
Alexander Payne’s dedication to filming in Massachusetts was driven by a desire for authenticity, aiming to immerse the audience in a genuine 1970s New England environment. This commitment to “the real thing” was echoed by location manager Kai Quinlan, who emphasized Payne’s directorial approach of seeking genuine locations. This pursuit of realism wasn’t just about settings; it extended to the cast and crew as well. Paul Giamatti, drawing upon his own experiences at Choate Rosemary Hall in Connecticut, brought personal insight to his portrayal of a New England teacher. Furthermore, Kai Quinlan, the location manager, had personal ties to the region, growing up in Cambridge and attending The Cambridge School of Weston, further embedding the film’s production in the local landscape. Quinlan’s past work on other Massachusetts-based films like “Black Mass,” “Manchester by the Sea,” and “Spotlight” also highlights his expertise in capturing the essence of the region on film.
In conclusion, “The Holdovers” is deeply rooted in Massachusetts, not just in its setting but in its very production. From the school campuses that formed Barton Academy to the diverse locations across Massachusetts cities and towns, the film leverages the state’s unique atmosphere to create an authentic and compelling 1970s New England world. This dedication to place, combined with personal connections of the cast and crew to the region, undoubtedly contributed to the film’s critical acclaim and its recognition at the Academy Awards.
