Architect Breaks Down 5 Haunted Houses From Scary Films | Architectural Digest

TL;DR

This video examines the architectural details in iconic horror film houses, including psycho, Beetlejuice, House on Haunted Hill, The Shining, and Get Out.

Transcript

hi I'm Michael weitzner and I've been an architect for over 35 years and today we're going to look at some of the architectural details in horror movies from psycho to The Shining and Beetlejuice first up the Bates House from psycho okay so here's everything that jumps out at me it's a house up on a hill it's got this very tall mansard roof with th... Read More

Key Insights

• 😱 Victorian-style houses are often used in horror movies to convey a sense of grandeur and decay.
• 🏘️ The Bates House from Psycho is an iconic representation of a haunted house in film.
• 💝 Deconstructivism, a style popular in the late '80s, is showcased in the renovation of Beetlejuice's house.
• 😒 Frank Lloyd Wright's Ennis House demonstrates his innovative use of textile blocks.
• 🎨 The architectural design of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining reflects its remote location and adds to the film's unsettling atmosphere.
• 🏘️ The house in Get Out combines various architectural styles to create an unexpected and disorienting effect.
• 😱 Architecture plays a crucial role in setting the tone and atmosphere in horror movies.

Questions & Answers

Q: What is the significance of the Victorian style in horror movie houses, such as the Bates House from Psycho?

The Victorian style, known for its ornate details and large mansions, evokes a sense of grandeur and decay, contributing to the haunted and spooky atmosphere in horror movies.

Q: How does the renovation in Beetlejuice's house incorporate deconstructivism architectural style?

Deconstructivism, a style popular in the late '80s, emphasizes breaking apart architecture and highlighting specific elements. In Beetlejuice, the renovation incorporates deconstructivist ideas through emphasized ridge beams, expanded porches, and exterior walls without windows.

Q: How did Frank Lloyd Wright construct the Ennis House?

Frank Lloyd Wright used textile blocks made of concrete, created on-site using aluminum forms. The blocks were tied together with rebar and had built-in ornamentation, resulting in a unique architectural style.

Q: How does the design of the Overlook Hotel in The Shining reflect its remote setting and size?

The deep roof, rustic stone base, and roof lines echoing the mountain range reflect the remote location surrounding the Overlook Hotel. The vast, empty building amplifies the isolation and eerie atmosphere in the film.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• The Bates House from Psycho is a Victorian-style mansion with a prominent central tower, ornamental brackets, and a decaying aesthetic.

• Beetlejuice's house features a prominent tower, wraparound porch, small windows, and tall pitched roofs, with a mix of Victorian and farmhouse elements.

• The House on Haunted Hill is a modern house with ancient influences, including Mayan and Egyptian styles, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.

• The Overlook Hotel in The Shining has a deep roof, rusticated stone base, and unique roof lines that mimic the surrounding mountain range.

• The house from Get Out is an amalgamation of different styles, with a Cape Cod appearance, plantation-style porch, and brick gables.