The 1988 film Big, starring Tom Hanks, utilized several locations to create its whimsical atmosphere. While the fantasy sequences depicting the Zoltar machine and the FAO Schwarz toy store were filmed in New York City, a significant portion of the movie, including Josh Baskin’s home and workplace scenes, was filmed in White Plains, New York. Additional filming took place in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.
Knowing the filming locations provides context and enriches the viewing experience. It allows audiences to connect with the film on a deeper level, appreciating the filmmakers’ choices in crafting the narrative’s visual landscape. Furthermore, these locations often become points of interest for fans, fostering a sense of community and nostalgia. Identifying the real-world settings can also illuminate how practical effects and set design were utilized in an era preceding extensive CGI reliance.
This exploration of the film’s production geography provides a foundation for further analysis of Big‘s enduring appeal. Understanding the choices made in setting the scene allows for a deeper appreciation of the movie’s themes of childhood, adolescence, and the complexities of navigating the adult world.
1. New York City
New York City serves as a crucial backdrop for Big, inextricably linked to its narrative and thematic development. The city’s iconic landmarks, particularly FAO Schwarz, ground the fantastical elements of the story in a recognizable reality. The film leverages New York City’s inherent energy and larger-than-life atmosphere to mirror Josh’s emotional journey as he navigates a world suddenly too big for him. The juxtaposition of a child in an adult environment is amplified by the city’s bustling streets and towering skyscrapers. This visual contrast underscores the film’s central themes of childhood innocence and the abrupt transition to adulthood. For instance, the scene where Josh plays the giant piano at FAO Schwarz becomes emblematic of this, showcasing childlike joy within the adult world of a high-end toy store in the heart of Manhattan.
Beyond FAO Schwarz, the film utilizes various New York City locations to establish a sense of place. While much of the suburban setting was filmed elsewhere, establishing shots and key scenes cement the narrative’s connection to the city. This reinforces the idea that Josh’s experience, while extraordinary, unfolds within a tangible and relatable urban environment. This realistic grounding allows audiences to connect more deeply with the film’s fantastical premise. The film effectively utilizes the city’s visual dynamism, offering a stark contrast to the quieter suburban settings featured in other parts of the movie.
In conclusion, New York City is not merely a filming location for Big; it functions as a vital character, contributing significantly to the film’s narrative and thematic resonance. The city’s visual presence enhances the story’s exploration of childhood, adulthood, and the challenges of navigating the transition between the two. The specific choice of New York City as a backdrop adds a layer of complexity and richness to the film, solidifying its enduring appeal.
2. FAO Schwarz (toys)
The FAO Schwarz toy store plays a pivotal role in Big, directly impacting the film’s production and narrative. The iconic “Walking Piano” scene, where Josh and MacMillan bond over a spontaneous musical performance, was filmed inside the actual FAO Schwarz flagship store at 767 Fifth Avenue in Manhattan. This real-world location grounds the film’s fantastical premise in a tangible setting, adding to its charm and relatability. The store’s presence provides more than just a visually appealing backdrop; it becomes integral to the plot, facilitating a key turning point in Josh’s journey as he navigates the complexities of adulthood while retaining his childlike spirit. Choosing to film within this specific location, rather than constructing a set, lends authenticity and reinforces the film’s themes of wish fulfillment and the magic of childhood.
Beyond its narrative function, FAO Schwarz’s inclusion contributes significantly to the film’s lasting cultural impact. The “Walking Piano” scene became an instant classic, solidifying the store’s image as a place of wonder and imagination. This association boosted the store’s popularity and contributed to its enduring recognition in popular culture. The scene’s iconic status has also led to numerous recreations and parodies, further cementing its place in cinematic history. This enduring legacy underscores the symbiotic relationship between the film and the location: Big gained an authentic and memorable scene, while FAO Schwarz gained lasting cultural relevance.
In summary, FAO Schwarz is not merely a filming location for Big; it serves as a crucial element contributing to the film’s narrative, thematic resonance, and cultural impact. The store’s presence enhances the film’s exploration of childhood wonder and the allure of fulfilling childhood dreams. The enduring popularity of the “Walking Piano” scene highlights the symbiotic relationship between film and location, showcasing how a real-world setting can become inextricably linked to a fictional narrative, contributing to its lasting impact on popular culture. This specific choice of location had a profound influence on the film’s success and continues to resonate with audiences today.
3. White Plains, New York
White Plains, New York, holds significant relevance to the production of Big. Serving as the primary location for Josh Baskin’s home and neighborhood, White Plains provided the necessary suburban backdrop crucial to the film’s narrative. This choice of location directly influenced the film’s aesthetic and thematic development. The contrast between the bustling cityscapes of Manhattan, where Josh experiences his adult life, and the quieter, more familiar suburban setting of White Plains underscores the film’s exploration of childhood and the abrupt transition to adulthood. The residential streets and houses used in filming provided a realistic portrayal of suburban life in the 1980s, further grounding the fantastical elements of the story in a relatable context. For example, the scenes of Josh riding his bike and interacting with his friends were filmed in actual White Plains neighborhoods, contributing to the film’s authentic portrayal of suburban youth.
The decision to film in White Plains had practical implications for the production. Its proximity to New York City allowed for efficient travel between the two key filming locations, optimizing logistical aspects of the shoot. Additionally, the availability of suitable housing and neighborhood settings in White Plains likely contributed to the filmmakers’ decision. Beyond the practical considerations, the town’s distinct character added a specific visual and atmospheric element to the film. The suburban setting provided a crucial contrast to the urban environment, enhancing the narrative’s exploration of Josh’s emotional journey as he navigates two vastly different worlds. This choice allowed the filmmakers to visually represent the dichotomy between Josh’s childhood and his sudden immersion in the adult world.
In summary, White Plains, New York, played a vital role in shaping the aesthetic, narrative, and logistical aspects of Big. The town’s suburban environment provided a critical contrast to the urban backdrop of New York City, enhancing the film’s thematic exploration of childhood and adulthood. The practical advantages offered by White Plains, coupled with its unique character, solidified its importance as a key filming location, ultimately contributing to the film’s overall success and enduring appeal. The choice of White Plains reflects a deliberate decision by the filmmakers to ground the fantastical elements of the narrative in a relatable and visually distinct suburban setting.
4. Residential streets
Residential streets played a crucial role in establishing the suburban atmosphere essential to the narrative of Big. The film’s depiction of Josh Baskin’s childhood environment relied heavily on the visual authenticity provided by filming in actual residential neighborhoods. Specifically, streets in White Plains, New York, served as the backdrop for scenes depicting Josh’s home life, interactions with friends, and bicycle rides. This choice grounded the fantastical elements of the story in a relatable context, enhancing the film’s emotional resonance. The use of practical locations, rather than studio sets, contributed to a sense of realism, making Josh’s experiences more believable and emotionally impactful for the audience. For example, the scene where Josh races his friends on their bikes through the neighborhood gains authenticity from the use of real residential streets, fostering a stronger connection with viewers.
The selection of residential streets in White Plains offered several advantages to the filmmakers. These locations provided readily available settings that accurately reflected the suburban aesthetic of the 1980s. Filming in these environments offered a cost-effective alternative to constructing elaborate sets, while simultaneously enhancing the film’s visual authenticity. Furthermore, the use of residential streets allowed for seamless integration of practical effects, such as the depiction of Josh and his friends interacting with their surroundings. This contributed to the film’s overall sense of realism and believability. The decision to film in established neighborhoods also allowed the filmmakers to capture the nuances of everyday suburban life, further enriching the narrative.
In summary, the utilization of residential streets as filming locations contributed significantly to the overall success and impact of Big. The choice of White Plains’ neighborhoods provided a visually authentic and relatable backdrop for Josh Baskin’s story. This decision, driven by practical considerations and artistic vision, enhanced the film’s realism, making the fantastical elements of the narrative more believable and emotionally engaging. The careful selection of residential streets ultimately strengthened the film’s thematic exploration of childhood, adolescence, and the challenges of navigating the complexities of the adult world.
5. Cliffside Park, New Jersey
Cliffside Park, New Jersey, holds a specific significance within the production of Big, serving as the filming location for the exterior and some interior shots of MacMillan Toy Company, where the adult Josh Baskin navigates the corporate world. While less prominent than the New York City locations, Cliffside Park provides a crucial setting for a significant portion of the film’s narrative, directly contributing to the portrayal of Josh’s experience in the adult world.
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MacMillan Toy Company Headquarters
The building used to represent MacMillan Toy Company is located in Cliffside Park and offers a visual representation of the corporate environment Josh enters. This specific location grounds the fantastical element of a child in the adult world within a tangible setting. The buildings architecture and surrounding environment contribute to the films overall aesthetic, providing a distinct visual contrast to the suburban setting of Josh’s home life and the vibrant backdrop of New York City.
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Corporate Setting and Narrative
Cliffside Park’s role as the location for MacMillan Toy Company directly influences the narrative’s exploration of themes related to work, corporate culture, and the challenges Josh faces in adapting to the adult world. The setting emphasizes the contrast between Joshs childlike perspective and the often-absurd realities of the corporate environment. This juxtaposition is crucial for the film’s comedic and emotional impact.
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Logistical and Production Considerations
The choice of Cliffside Park likely stemmed from logistical and production-related factors. Its proximity to New York City offered practical advantages for filming, allowing efficient movement of cast and crew between locations. Additionally, the specific building used may have offered suitable spaces and aesthetics for portraying the MacMillan Toy Company headquarters.
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Visual Contrast and Atmosphere
Cliffside Park’s visual character contributes to the film’s overall aesthetic and atmosphere. The towns suburban yet distinct setting, different from both the bustling city and the residential areas, provides a subtle visual distinction that reinforces the narrative’s exploration of different facets of Josh’s experience. This visual differentiation underscores the transitions Josh undergoes throughout the film.
In conclusion, Cliffside Park’s contribution to Big extends beyond simply serving as a filming location. Its selection as the setting for MacMillan Toy Company adds a layer of visual and narrative depth to the film, enhancing its exploration of childhood, adulthood, and the often-comical clash between the two. The choice of Cliffside Park, while less iconic than the New York City settings, reflects a deliberate decision by the filmmakers to utilize specific locations to underscore the narrative’s thematic complexities.
6. MacMillan, Inc. (office)
MacMillan, Inc., the fictional toy company where Josh Baskin works after his transformation, plays a significant role in the film Big and connects directly to its filming locations. Understanding the portrayal of MacMillan, Inc. requires examining the specific location chosen for filming and how it contributes to the narrative and overall aesthetic of the film. While the exterior shots and some interior scenes were filmed in Cliffside Park, New Jersey, the portrayal of the company’s interior spaces is a blend of this location and likely studio sets, creating a cohesive representation of the corporate world Josh navigates.
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Corporate Environment
The depiction of MacMillan, Inc. provides a visual representation of the corporate world Josh enters. The office setting, with its cubicles, boardrooms, and bustling atmosphere, contrasts sharply with the suburban environment of his home life. This contrast underscores the film’s central theme of a child navigating the adult world. The filming location in Cliffside Park, with its specific architectural style and surrounding environment, contributes to this visual representation.
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Narrative Function
MacMillan, Inc. serves as a crucial narrative element, providing the setting for Josh’s interactions with adult colleagues, his exploration of the corporate hierarchy, and his eventual realization that he longs for his childhood. The office space becomes a stage for comedic and poignant moments that drive the plot forward. The location chosen for filming plays a role in shaping these narrative developments, influencing the visual storytelling and overall atmosphere.
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Visual Storytelling
The visual portrayal of MacMillan, Inc. contributes to the film’s overall aesthetic and storytelling. The office design, color palettes, and the way the space is used in various scenes all convey information about the corporate culture and Josh’s place within it. The choice of filming location and the design of the sets influence these visual elements, shaping the audience’s perception of the corporate world.
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Thematic Resonance
The depiction of MacMillan, Inc., connected to the chosen filming location, reinforces the film’s themes of childhood, adulthood, and the challenges of navigating the transition between the two. The office environment represents the adult world’s complexities and expectations, highlighting the contrast with Josh’s childlike perspective and desires. The specific setting chosen for filming influences how these themes are visually communicated and perceived by the audience.
In conclusion, MacMillan, Inc. is not merely a backdrop in Big; it functions as a significant element that contributes to the film’s narrative, thematic exploration, and visual storytelling. The choice of Cliffside Park, New Jersey, as the primary filming location for the company’s exterior and some interiors, along with the likely use of studio sets for other interior scenes, directly influences the portrayal of this crucial setting. Understanding the connection between MacMillan, Inc. and the filming locations provides a deeper appreciation for the film’s overall impact and its enduring exploration of childhood and adulthood.
Frequently Asked Questions about the Filming Locations of Big
This FAQ section addresses common inquiries regarding the specific locations used in the production of the 1988 film Big. Understanding these locations provides valuable context for appreciating the movie’s visual storytelling and thematic development.
Question 1: Was the entire movie filmed in New York City?
While Big is strongly associated with New York City, and iconic scenes like the FAO Schwarz piano sequence were filmed there, a significant portion of the movie, including Josh’s home and neighborhood, was filmed in White Plains, New York. Additional filming took place in Cliffside Park, New Jersey.
Question 2: Where is the Zoltar machine located?
The Zoltar Speaks machine featured in Big was a prop created specifically for the film. While no permanent Zoltar machine exists at the depicted location, the scene was filmed on the boardwalk in Coney Island, New York.
Question 3: Can one visit the FAO Schwarz store featured in the film?
The original FAO Schwarz store at 767 Fifth Avenue, featured in Big, closed in 2015. However, a new flagship store opened at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in 2018, offering a similar experience, though the iconic giant piano is no longer present in its original form.
Question 4: What is the significance of White Plains, New York, in the film’s production?
White Plains served as the primary location for Josh Baskin’s home, neighborhood, and school scenes. The town’s suburban environment provided a crucial visual and thematic contrast to the bustling cityscape of Manhattan, underscoring the film’s exploration of childhood and the transition to adulthood.
Question 5: Why was Cliffside Park, New Jersey, chosen as a filming location?
Cliffside Park provided the exterior and some interior shots for MacMillan Toy Company, where Josh works. This location, less iconic than the New York City settings, offered practical advantages due to its proximity and provided a distinct visual representation of the corporate environment.
Question 6: Are the residential streets depicted in the film actual locations or studio sets?
The residential streets featured in Big, primarily located in White Plains, New York, are actual locations, not studio sets. Filming in these real neighborhoods contributed to the film’s visual authenticity and enhanced the portrayal of Josh’s suburban environment.
Understanding the diverse filming locations used in Big provides a richer appreciation for the film’s visual storytelling and the nuanced portrayal of Josh’s journey. The specific choices of New York City, White Plains, and Cliffside Park contribute significantly to the film’s enduring appeal.
This detailed exploration of the filming locations provides a solid foundation for further analysis of the film’s narrative and thematic elements. Exploring these aspects will offer a more comprehensive understanding of Big‘s enduring legacy.
Tips for Exploring Filming Locations
Understanding the locations used in a film’s production can significantly enhance viewers’ appreciation of the final product. The following tips offer guidance for exploring filming locations, using the movie Big as a case study.
Tip 1: Research Beyond the Obvious: While major landmarks are often easily identifiable, research can uncover less prominent but equally important locations. Big, while associated with New York City, also utilized locations in White Plains, New York, and Cliffside Park, New Jersey. Investigating these less-publicized settings provides a deeper understanding of the film’s production.
Tip 2: Utilize Online Resources: Numerous online resources, including film databases and fan communities, offer detailed information on filming locations. Leveraging these resources can uncover specific addresses, behind-the-scenes anecdotes, and contemporary photographs of the locations.
Tip 3: Consider Historical Context: Recognize that locations can change over time. The FAO Schwarz store featured in Big has since relocated. Researching the historical context of filming locations provides insights into the time period of the film’s production and how the location may have evolved.
Tip 4: Visit Locations When Possible: Visiting filming locations firsthand provides a tangible connection to the film. While not always feasible, visiting locations allows one to experience the environment and visualize the filmmaking process.
Tip 5: Respect Local Communities: When visiting filming locations, it is crucial to respect the local communities and avoid disrupting residents. Be mindful of private property and adhere to any posted signage or regulations.
Tip 6: Connect with Fellow Enthusiasts: Sharing experiences and information with fellow film enthusiasts can enrich the exploration of filming locations. Online forums and social media groups provide platforms for connecting with others interested in film production geography.
Tip 7: Document Your Experiences: Documenting visits to filming locations through photographs and notes creates a personal record of the experience and provides valuable resources for future reference and sharing with others.
By following these tips, film enthusiasts can gain a deeper understanding and appreciation of the filmmaking process and the role locations play in shaping a movie’s narrative and visual impact.
This exploration of filming locations provides a framework for a concluding analysis of the impact of setting on the overall cinematic experience.
The Significance of Filming Locations in Big
Knowledge of where Big was filmed provides a deeper understanding of the film’s narrative and aesthetic choices. The strategic use of locations like New York City, with its iconic FAO Schwarz toy store, established a recognizable and fantastical urban environment. Conversely, White Plains, New York, offered a contrasting suburban backdrop essential for portraying Josh Baskin’s home life and emphasizing the thematic tension between childhood and adulthood. Cliffside Park, New Jersey, provided the setting for MacMillan, Inc., further anchoring the fantastical narrative in a relatable context. The interplay between these locations enhances the film’s exploration of themes related to childhood, the corporate world, and the challenges of navigating the transition between these distinct realms. The film’s lasting impact is partially attributable to the careful selection of these diverse locations, which contribute to its overall realism and emotional resonance.
The exploration of filming locations offers valuable insights into the filmmaking process and underscores the importance of place in shaping a narrative. Big‘s enduring appeal stems not only from its compelling story and memorable performances but also from the carefully chosen locations that ground the fantastical premise in a relatable reality. Further investigation into the interplay between location and narrative can enrich the viewing experience and foster a deeper appreciation for the art of filmmaking. Understanding the choices made in setting a scene enhances one’s appreciation for the collaborative effort required to bring a story to life on screen.
