Introduction
Few films capture the quirky, paranoid spirit of suburban life quite like “The ‘Burbs.” This dark comedy, starring Tom Hanks, Rick Ducommun, and Carrie Fisher, has become a cult classic, celebrated for its satirical take on neighborhood watch gone awry and the anxieties simmering beneath the perfectly manicured lawns of suburbia. Central to the film’s charm is the iconic cul-de-sac, Mayfield Place, a seemingly idyllic location that quickly descends into a hotbed of suspicion and increasingly bizarre events. The question that lingers for many fans is: where exactly is this infamous *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot*? This article will take you on a journey to uncover the real-life location behind the fictional Mayfield Place, offering a glimpse into the movie magic that brought this suburban nightmare to life.
The ‘Burbs’, released in nineteen eighty-nine, tells the story of Ray Peterson, a stressed-out suburbanite who decides to take a week off work. However, his relaxing vacation quickly turns into an obsessive investigation when a mysterious and eccentric family, the Klopeks, move into the neighborhood. Ray, along with his equally inquisitive neighbors Art Weingartner and Lt. Mark Rumsfield, become convinced that the Klopeks are hiding something sinister. The film’s brilliance lies in its ability to exaggerate and satirize the underlying tensions and prejudices that can fester within seemingly harmonious communities. The setting, Mayfield Place, acts as a pressure cooker, amplifying the neighbors’ suspicions and fueling their increasingly outlandish theories. The *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* isn’t just a backdrop; it’s an active participant in the unfolding drama, a physical representation of the neighborhood’s claustrophobia and the characters’ growing paranoia.
Identifying Mayfield Place: A Fictional Slice of Suburbia
Mayfield Place, as portrayed in “The ‘Burbs,” is a picture-perfect example of suburban uniformity, albeit with a subtly unsettling edge. The houses are neatly spaced, each boasting meticulously maintained lawns and identical architectural styles. The *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* curves gently, creating a sense of enclosure and fostering a close-knit, albeit overly inquisitive, community. The layout encourages interaction, or in this case, constant surveillance, as neighbors can easily observe each other’s activities from their front porches and windows.
Several key houses stand out: Ray Peterson’s modest home, the epicenter of his escalating anxieties; Art Weingartner’s overly enthusiastic dwelling, a hub for neighborhood gossip; and, of course, the ominous Klopek residence, shrouded in darkness and mystery. The Klopek house, in particular, deviates from the standard suburban aesthetic, adding to the overall sense of unease. It’s overgrown, dilapidated, and exudes an aura of neglect, immediately setting it apart from its pristine neighbors. The power of the *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* lies in how easily it allows for comparison and judgment; the Klopeks’ nonconformity is all the more striking because of the uniformity that surrounds them. The layout of the street, and the houses located within it, create an inescapable sense of shared space, transforming private paranoia into a collective obsession.
It’s worth noting that there’s a deliberate artificiality to the setting of Mayfield Place. While it resembles a typical suburban street, there’s a heightened, almost theatrical quality to the design. The colors are vibrant, the angles are exaggerated, and the overall atmosphere is slightly surreal. This artificiality hints that the *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* might not be an actual residential street, but a carefully constructed set designed to amplify the film’s comedic and satirical elements.
The Real Location: Colonial Street at Universal Studios
The truth is that the *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* isn’t located in a real suburban neighborhood. Instead, it resides within the hallowed grounds of Universal Studios Hollywood, specifically on Colonial Street. Colonial Street is a legendary backlot set, a chameleon-like location that has been transformed into countless fictional worlds over the decades. From classic television shows to blockbuster movies, Colonial Street has played a vital role in bringing countless stories to life.
This street is more than just a backdrop; it’s a testament to the art of filmmaking. Created to be modular and adaptable, Colonial Street can be easily re-dressed and modified to suit the needs of different productions. Houses can be painted, facades can be added or removed, and landscaping can be completely transformed, allowing the same basic structures to appear radically different from one project to the next. Colonial Street has had countless identities. This versatility makes it a valuable resource for filmmakers, allowing them to create believable and visually stunning environments without the logistical challenges of filming on location. Today it also forms part of the Universal Studios Hollywood tour.
“The ‘Burbs” on Colonial Street: Specific Details
For “The ‘Burbs,” Colonial Street underwent a significant makeover to become the quintessential suburban street of Mayfield Place. The filmmakers meticulously transformed the existing houses, adding new facades, altering the landscaping, and creating the specific look and feel that defined the film’s setting. The *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* became a canvas for their vision of suburban satire, a place where the ordinary could quickly descend into the extraordinary.
Specific houses on Colonial Street were used as the basis for the iconic residences in “The ‘Burbs.” Existing structures were repainted in vibrant colors, and new architectural details were added to create the distinctive look of each home. The Klopek house, in particular, underwent a dramatic transformation. It was deliberately dilapidated and overgrown, contrasting sharply with the manicured lawns and pristine facades of its neighbors. A darker paint scheme, overgrown vegetation, and strategically placed debris contributed to the house’s unsettling aura. Viewing stills from the movie and comparing them to current photos of Colonial Street offers a fascinating glimpse into the art of set design and the power of visual storytelling. If you look carefully, you can still see traces of Mayfield Place hidden beneath the current facade of Colonial Street.
Visiting Colonial Street Today
Visiting Colonial Street today is like stepping into a time capsule of cinematic history. While the street has been re-dressed numerous times since “The ‘Burbs” was filmed, remnants of its past incarnations can still be seen, albeit subtly. The street has been used for productions like “Desperate Housewives” and “Providence”.
The good news is that visitors can walk through the *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* on the Universal Studios Hollywood tour. However, keep in mind that the street is constantly evolving, and the houses may not look exactly as they did in the film. Some of the structures used in “The ‘Burbs” may have been removed or significantly altered over the years to accommodate new productions. Still, the overall layout and atmosphere of Colonial Street remain captivating, offering a unique perspective on the art of filmmaking.
Behind-the-Scenes Information
Unfortunately, publicly available behind-the-scenes information about the specific filming of “The ‘Burbs” on Colonial Street is somewhat scarce. However, anecdotal evidence and general knowledge about filmmaking practices on Colonial Street offer some insights. The filmmakers likely chose Colonial Street for its versatility, its controlled environment, and its proven track record as a reliable filming location. The street provided the perfect blank canvas to create their vision of Mayfield Place, allowing them to control every aspect of the environment, from the color of the houses to the placement of the props. The ability to manipulate the setting so extensively was crucial for achieving the desired comedic and satirical effect.
Many other films and television shows have utilized the same houses or street before and after “The ‘Burbs”, so if you do visit, you might notice a striking similarity to a different movie, depending on the current set design. It’s a reminder of the collaborative nature of filmmaking and the enduring legacy of Colonial Street as a versatile and iconic location. Researching other shows that have used Colonial Street can offer a unique perspective on how the same structures can be transformed into vastly different settings.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot*, the seemingly ordinary Mayfield Place, is actually the extraordinary Colonial Street at Universal Studios Hollywood. This versatile backlot set has been the backdrop for countless films and television shows, transforming itself time and time again to meet the needs of different productions. While the specific houses may have changed over the years, the legacy of “The ‘Burbs” remains, etched into the very fabric of Colonial Street.
The enduring appeal of “The ‘Burbs” lies in its ability to tap into universal anxieties about suburban life, the fear of the unknown, and the tendency to judge others based on appearances. The *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* acts as a microcosm of society, reflecting our own biases and prejudices in a darkly comedic way. So, the next time you watch “The ‘Burbs,” take a moment to appreciate the magic of filmmaking and the power of location. Knowing that the *cul de sac where The ‘Burbs was shot* exists within the real world, albeit on a studio backlot, adds a new layer of depth to the film, inviting viewers to consider the artificiality of our own perceptions of reality. Perhaps consider visiting Colonial Street at Universal Studios Hollywood and see it for yourself!
