Where was The Serpent and the Rainbow filmed
The Serpent and the Rainbow
Year: 1988
Country: Dominican Republic, Haiti, USA
<p>A 1988 American horror film directed by Wes Craven, based on the documentary book of the same name by ethnobotanist Wade Davis. The screenplay was written by Richard Maxwell and Adam Rodman. In his book, Davis describes a trip to Haiti, where he investigated the true story of Clairvius Narcisse, a man who, according to eyewitnesses, was poisoned, buried alive, and then "resurrected" with a special potion that causes an effect similar to the state of death. This substance, according to legend, was used in voodoo rituals to create so-called zombies. The movie was filmed in Boston (Massachusetts), Santo Domingo (Dominican Republic) and Haiti. However, political instability and civil unrest in Haiti jeopardized the safety of the crew. The local authorities openly warned the producers that they could not guarantee the safety of the actors and staff. As a result, it was decided to complete the filming in the Dominican Republic, which by its natural and architectural conditions could replace Haiti on the screen.</p>
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Locations
Airport
In movie
Scene where Alan wakes up to find himself lying next to the decapitated body of Christoph's sister. The Tonton Macoutes - the regime's secret police - enter the room, photograph the crime scene, and set things up to accuse Alan of murder. Captain Peitro orders him to leave the country immediately, threatening him: if he ever returns, he will be convicted, executed, and then Peitro will take possession of his soul. Alan is left with no choice, and is put on a plane to the United States. However, before the flight, Mozart sneaks on board and manages to give Alan a zombie drug.
Real
Scene was shot at Toussaint Louverture International Airport in Port-au-Prince, the country's main air gateway. This airport, named after the leader of the Haitian Revolution, is located north of the city and plays a strategically important role.
Area.
In movie
Scene where a man named Christophe dies suddenly in a French missionary hospital in Haiti. At the moment of his death, a colorful parade celebrating voodoo rituals takes place outside the window of his hospital room. The next day, Christophe is buried according to Catholic traditions. Among those attending the funeral is a mysterious man in a costume whom Christophe saw outside the window the night he died. As the coffin is lowered into the ground, something sinister happens: Christophe's eyes open and tears flow down his cheeks.
Real
Scene was shot in Port-au-Prince, the capital and largest city of Haiti, located on the coast of the Gulf of Gonave. This city with a rich but tragic history was an important cultural and political center of the country. In the 1980s, when filming took place, Port-au-Prince was a contrasting space: colonial architecture was juxtaposed with areas of poverty, and the atmosphere was saturated with tension due to political instability and unrest.
Jungle
In movie
Scene where a corporation provides Alan with funding and sends him to Haiti. While conducting research with the support of a local physician, Dr. Marielle Duchamp, Alan finds Christophe, a man who turns out to be alive seven years after his death and burial. During his search, Alan comes across a mysterious nighttime voodoo ritual taking place deep in the jungle.
Real
Scene was shot at the waterfalls of Saut d'Eau, one of the most sacred and scenic sites in Haiti. Located about 60 kilometers north of Port-au-Prince, these waterfalls play an important role in local culture and spiritual life. Legend has it that in the 19th century, the Virgin Mary appeared in a tree near the falls and the site became a place of mass pilgrimage. Every summer, thousands of believers come here to participate in rituals that combine Catholic and voodoo traditions: people purify themselves in the waters of the waterfall, make sacrifices to the spirits (loa) and ask for healing.