When many people think of filming a movie, they think of filming it in New York or Los Angeles. However, there are plenty of popular movies filmed in Chicago.
“Sixteen Candles”
Released in 1984, “Sixteen Candles” is one of the most-recognized films of the 1980s. The film centers around Samantha Baker, a high school sophomore. In the film, Samantha tries to get through the day of her 16th birthday. The day proves to be a flop when Samantha’s family forgets her birthday, and a note not meant for anyone to see but her friend mistakenly ends up with Samantha’s crush.
Many of the actors and actresses in “Sixteen Candles” went on to have successful film and television careers. For example, Molly Ringwald, who played Samantha, starred in a number of other films in the 1980s and made a comeback in the 2000s with her role on the popular television show “The Secret Life of the American Teenager.
John Cusack and his sister, Joan Cusack, also had small parts in the film. Both John and Joan went on to star in a number of films and have also guest starred on a number of television series.
Sixteen Candles” was filmed in the suburbs of Chicago. Many of the scenes in the movie were filmed in communities such as Highland Park and Skokie. A few of the interior scenes of the movie were filmed near downtown Skokie at Niles East High School. For example, one of the cafeteria scenes and one of the gym scenes were filmed at the school. The high school’s auto shop was used in the auto shop scene of the film. Most of the exterior school scenes of the movie were filmed at the high school. The scenes featuring Samantha Baker’s house were filmed at a house located in Evanston. A few other scenes in the movie were filmed in Glencoe.
“Soul Food”
“Soul Food” was released in 1997 and is considered a comedy-drama film. The plot of the film revolves around a tight-knit Chicago family. Although the movie centers around the Joseph family, the entire story is told through the eyes of Ahmad, an 11 year old.
“Soul Food” won numerous awards after its release and was given positive reviews by both moviegoers and film critics. The film featured an ensemble cast made up of actresses Vivica A. Fox, Vanessa L. Williams and Nia Long. Mekhi Phifer and Michael Beach were also part of the cast.
The movie was filmed primarily in Chicago. Mother Joe’s house in the movie was filmed in Oak Park. Scenes such as the roller rink scene were filmed on 87th street in Chicago, while the scene where characters Maxine and Teri fight was filmed on Exchange Avenue in Chicago.
“Home Alone”
Released in 1990, “Home Alone” is one of the most well-known Christmas films of all time. The film was written and produced by John Hughes, who also wrote films such as “Sixteen Candles.” The film centers around Kevin, an eight-year-old boy who is left behind at his house by accident while his entire family takes a Christmas vacation to Paris. While his family is away, Kevin must fight off burglars, as well as learn to fend for himself.
Home Alone” was a success at the box office. Initially released as a Christmas film, the movie stayed in theaters well beyond the holiday season and was the number-one film in America for several weeks. “Home Alone” continued to stay in the box-office top 10 until April 1991. The film was the highest grossing film of the year. While the film proved to be popular with audiences, critics gave it mixed reviews.
“Home Alone” was not only set in Chicago but it was mostly shot in the area, as well. All other shots in the film, such as scenes in Paris, featured stock footage. The O’Hare International Airport was used to shoot all the film scenes that featured the Paris-Orly Airport.
New Trier High School, a high school located in the suburban town of Winnetka, was used to film scenes such as the flooded basement scene. A few scenes featuring Kevin’s house were filmed in a three-story home also located in the town of Winnetka. However, only a few rooms in the house were actually shown on film. The kitchen and the first floor landing were both areas of the house that were used in the film. Other rooms of the house featured in the film, such as the downstairs rooms and the dining room, were built on a soundstage.
