Nishitha Dutta
We’re all aware that ‘Hamlet’ is one of Shakespeare’s most prominent pieces of writing. Over time, this legendary asset of literature has continuously been reiterated in the form of movies and TV shows. ‘Ophelia,’ directed by Claire McCarthy, is a recreation of the same story following Hamlet and his chaotic life. Based on the novel of the same name by Lisa Klein, this romantic drama revolves around Hamlet (Geroge Mackay) but is told through Ophelia’s (Daisy Ridley) perspective.
Set in the Elizabethan era, ‘Ophelia’ has been filmed with a lot of precision and style needed to meet the requirements of replicating the golden age that birthed one of the greatest writers in the history of literature. If you’re curious about the different locations where the movie was filmed, we’ve got you covered!
Ophelia Filming Locations
The principal photography for ‘Ophelia’ began in April 2017 and concluded on July 6, 2017. The movie was filmed in the Czech Republic, which houses almost every historical style and various monuments from different periods. So the movie took place in multiple locations over the span of a few months. Now, let’s get into specific details.
Prague, Czech Republic
A major portion of ‘Ophelia’ was shot in the capital of this picturesque country and the newly conceived medieval interiors at Barrandov Studios in Prague. It is exactly located at Kříženeckého nám. 322/5, 152 00 Praha 5-Hlubočepy, Czechia. Known as one of the largest film studios in Europe, it has served as the filming location for many box-office hits such as ‘Mission Impossible,’ ‘The Bourne Identity,’ and ‘Casino Royale.’ Production designer Dave Warren is credited for creating the Great Hall, one of the most important aspects of the story.
Warren additionally mentioned that the process behind creating it involved a hectic shooting schedule along with Czech crews bearing exceptional art and decor skills. They consequently built it on a soundstage within a part of Barrandov’s popular Novy Haly building. Furthermore, a lot of time and effort went into completing the medieval look of the Great Hall. The crew even kept switching some of the accessories within to suit the ever-changing moods of its characters.
Warren revealed that some of his antiquities, including the faux stonework and rich tapestries, were derived from a beautiful palazzo in Florence. Moreover, they made it a point to design worn-looking spaces having somber tones to actualize the idea of faded grandeur, a trait that defines Queen Gertrude. Actor Daisy Ridley, who portrays Ophelia, was seen having a great time with the cast on set.
Moreover, the production team used cutaway ceilings, which permitted them to regulate the lighting and direction of the camera with less effort. This accessorized the look of the film giving it a high-end touch, but the producers admit it cost them less than $30 million, the speculated budget.
Central Bohemia, Czech Republic
For the wedding scene, the crew used a chapel at Krivoklát, a market town in the Central Bohemian region, barely accommodating 700 people. The location is a part of the Krivoklát Castle, an old structure founded in the 12th century by the then kings of Bohemia.
Moreover, the production crew also considered including the town of Kutna Hora in the list of locations. However, due to inconveniences, they had to limit their filming space to Sedlec Ossuary, a small Roman Catholic chapel located in a suburb of Kutná Hora.
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