Where Was the Movie Somewhere in Time Filmed? And Why Does Time Travel Always Involve Grand Hotels?

The 1980 romantic fantasy film Somewhere in Time, starring Christopher Reeve and Jane Seymour, has captivated audiences for decades with its poignant tale of love transcending time. The movie’s enchanting visuals and timeless narrative are deeply intertwined with its filming locations, which play a pivotal role in bringing the story to life. But where exactly was Somewhere in Time filmed? And why do so many time-travel stories seem to revolve around grand, historic hotels? Let’s dive into the details.

The Primary Filming Location: Mackinac Island, Michigan

The most iconic setting in Somewhere in Time is the Grand Hotel, a real-life historic resort located on Mackinac Island in Michigan. The hotel, with its sprawling veranda and old-world charm, serves as the backdrop for much of the film’s action. Built in 1887, the Grand Hotel is a living relic of the Gilded Age, making it the perfect setting for a story that oscillates between 1972 and 1912.

Mackinac Island itself is a unique location. The island bans cars, preserving its 19th-century ambiance with horse-drawn carriages and bicycles as the primary modes of transportation. This timeless quality made it an ideal choice for a film about time travel and nostalgia. The island’s lush landscapes, Victorian architecture, and serene atmosphere contribute to the movie’s dreamlike aesthetic.

The Grand Hotel: A Character in Its Own Right

The Grand Hotel isn’t just a setting in Somewhere in Time; it’s practically a character. Its grandeur and elegance embody the romantic ideals of the story. The hotel’s famous porch, the longest in the world, becomes a stage for pivotal moments in the film, including the first meeting between Richard Collier (Christopher Reeve) and Elise McKenna (Jane Seymour).

The hotel’s interiors, with their ornate decor and vintage furnishings, further enhance the film’s sense of timelessness. The attention to detail in the set design, combined with the hotel’s authentic historical elements, creates a seamless blend of reality and fantasy. It’s no wonder that the Grand Hotel has become synonymous with the film and continues to attract fans who want to experience the magic of Somewhere in Time firsthand.

Other Filming Locations: Adding Depth to the Story

While the Grand Hotel is the centerpiece of the film, other locations on Mackinac Island and beyond were used to enrich the narrative. For instance:

1. Fort Mackinac: This historic military outpost, perched on a bluff overlooking the island, provides a dramatic backdrop for several scenes. Its rugged beauty contrasts with the elegance of the Grand Hotel, adding layers to the film’s visual storytelling.

2. The Mackinac Bridge: Although not directly featured in the film, the bridge serves as a symbolic connection between the past and the present. Its imposing presence is a reminder of the passage of time, a central theme in the movie.

3. The University of Chicago: Some scenes set in 1972 were filmed at the University of Chicago, where Richard Collier is a playwright. The university’s Gothic architecture and intellectual atmosphere ground the story in a specific time and place, providing a stark contrast to the idyllic world of Mackinac Island.

Why Do Time-Travel Stories Love Grand Hotels?

The connection between time travel and grand hotels is a curious one. From Somewhere in Time to The Shining and beyond, these opulent establishments seem to be a favorite setting for stories about temporal displacement. But why?

1. A Sense of Timelessness: Grand hotels, with their historic architecture and old-world charm, evoke a sense of timelessness. They are places where the past feels alive, making them ideal for narratives that blur the lines between eras.

2. Isolation and Intimacy: Hotels are inherently intimate spaces, where strangers cross paths and destinies intertwine. This makes them perfect for exploring themes of connection and fate, which are often central to time-travel stories.

3. Symbolism of Transition: Hotels are transient spaces, where people come and go. This mirrors the transient nature of time travel, where characters move between different periods without fully belonging to any of them.

4. Luxury and Escapism: Grand hotels represent a world of luxury and escapism, offering a stark contrast to the mundane realities of everyday life. This aligns with the escapist appeal of time travel, which allows characters (and audiences) to imagine a life beyond their own time.

The Legacy of Somewhere in Time

The filming locations of Somewhere in Time have left an indelible mark on both the film and its fans. The Grand Hotel, in particular, has embraced its association with the movie, hosting annual Somewhere in Time weekends where fans can relive the magic of the story. The hotel even has a dedicated room, Suite 414, which is decorated in the style of Elise McKenna’s suite in the film.

The movie’s enduring popularity is a testament to the power of its setting. Mackinac Island and the Grand Hotel are not just backdrops; they are integral to the film’s emotional resonance. They transport viewers to a world where love can defy the boundaries of time, and where the past is always within reach.

Related Questions

1. Is the Grand Hotel on Mackinac Island still open?
   Yes, the Grand Hotel is still operational and welcomes guests from around the world. It remains a popular destination for fans of Somewhere in Time.

2. Can visitors stay in Elise McKenna’s suite?
   Yes, Suite 414 at the Grand Hotel is available for booking and is decorated to reflect the film’s aesthetic.

3. Are there other movies filmed on Mackinac Island?
   While Somewhere in Time is the most famous, Mackinac Island has also been featured in other films and TV shows, thanks to its unique charm.

4. Why was Mackinac Island chosen for the film?
   The island’s car-free policy, historic architecture, and timeless atmosphere made it the perfect setting for a story about time travel and romance.

5. What other time-travel stories feature grand hotels?
   Examples include The Shining, Midnight in Paris, and Hotel del Luna, all of which use grand hotels to explore themes of time and memory.