Did the Movie Gettysburg Film Its War Scenes in Gettysburg?

Many viewers who watch the critically acclaimed movie 'Gettysburg' have wondered if the film was primarily shot in the very place that it portrays, the Battle of Gettysburg. This article delves into the actual filming locations used for the movie and sheds light on why the decision to film elsewhere was made.

About the Film 'Gettysburg' (1993)

The movie 'Gettysburg' was written, directed, and produced by Ron Maxwell, based on the novel 'Killer Angels' by Michael Shaara. It stars a star-studded cast including Martin Sheen, Tom Berenger, Jeff Daniels, and Richard Jordan, portraying the battles of the Civil War.

Primary Filming Locations

While the movie is set in the iconic Battle of Gettysburg, it was not primarily filmed in the town of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A significant portion of the filming took place in nearby areas in Virginia, particularly the city of Petersburg and its surrounding areas. These locations provided vast landscapes that could effectively represent the historical environment of the Battle of Gettysburg.

The filmmakers chose these locations for the battle scenes due to their picturesque and expansive terrain, which complemented the historical setting. For example, the Battle of Gettysburg involved large-scale movements of troops over open landscapes, which are much easier to capture in the open fields of Virginia. Additionally, the landscapes of Virginia offered a diverse array of terrain, which could be convincingly modified to depict the rolling hills and farmlands of Pennsylvania.

Filming on the Gettysburg Battlefield

Despite the movie being set in Gettysburg, some scenes were indeed shot at the Gettysburg National Military Park. However, not many scenes were filmed here due to the presence of modern buildings and monuments that would be difficult to visually remove from shots from 1993. The decision to film these scenes within the National Park was for its proximity to the actual locations where the battle took place.

One of the most iconic filming locations for The Battle of Gettysburg was the Bushey Farm, which lies just south of the town. This site is still a popular location for Civil War reenactments to this day. The Bushey Farm provided a perfect blend of historical context and practical filming conditions, making it an ideal choice for many of the film's battle scenes.

Director's Choices and Authenticity

Ron Maxwell, the director of 'Gettysburg,' had a meticulous approach to recreating the Battle of Gettysburg. Given his expertise and passion for the Civil War era, he selected locations that could authentically depict the various aspects of the battle. Maxsons and his crew were keen on creating a film that would be both historically accurate and engaging for the audience.

My father and I toured the battlefield many years ago, and the authenticity of the film was evident in the care and attention to detail. The presence of authentic soldiers from battlefield reenactment groups, who were familiar with the period and knew how to act and speak like soldiers of that era, added an extra layer of realism to the movie. Scenes like the famous assault on Little Round Top, portrayed exceptionally well by the reenactors, are a testament to the filmmakers' dedication to historical accuracy.

Comparison with Other War Films

While 'Gettysburg' stands as a hallmark in the history of war film production, it's worth noting that not all films set in historical events adhere to this level of care and attention. For example, 'The Battle of the Bulge' is often cited as one of the worst war movies for its inaccuracy in terms of terrain and historical details. The movie uses a Spanish mountain range and lacks the necessary winter conditions, which are crucial for depicting the Battle of the Bulge effectively. Despite its shortcomings in historical accuracy, 'The Battle of the Bulge' still features a star-studded cast with actors such as Charles Bronson, Henry Fonda, and James MacArthur.

On the other hand, 'Gettysburg' succeeds not only in its historical accuracy but also in the authenticity of the performances and the setting. The use of reenactors in key scenes adds an extra layer of immersion for the viewers, making the battle scenes all the more gripping and compelling.