The Blues Brothers is more than just a movie; it’s a cultural phenomenon. From its unforgettable music to its over-the-top car chases, the film has etched itself into the collective memory. Among the most iconic scenes is the chaotic pursuit through a shopping mall, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. But a burning question remains for many viewers: was the Blues Brothers mall scene real? Did they really wreck a functioning shopping center for the sake of cinematic mayhem? The answer, as with many Hollywood productions, is a complex blend of reality, illusion, and sheer movie magic.
Unpacking the Mall Scene: A Symphony of Destruction
The mall scene in The Blues Brothers is a masterclass in comedic action. Jake and Elwood, on a mission from God, find themselves pursued by the Illinois State Police, the Good Ole Boys, and even the local SWAT team. Their escape route leads them straight into the Dixie Square Mall, a sprawling shopping center that becomes an unwitting participant in their high-octane getaway.
Cars crash through store windows, mannequins are sent flying, and a general sense of pandemonium reigns supreme. The scene is both hilarious and visually stunning, leaving viewers to wonder just how much of the destruction was real.
The Dixie Square Mall: A Ghost of Retail Past
To understand the reality behind the Blues Brothers mall scene, it’s crucial to understand the history of the Dixie Square Mall itself. Located in Harvey, Illinois, the mall opened in 1966 with great fanfare. It was intended to be a premier shopping destination, boasting major department stores like J.C. Penney, Montgomery Ward, and Sears.
However, the mall’s success was short-lived. Economic downturn, changing demographics, and rising crime rates contributed to its decline. By the time The Blues Brothers came calling in 1978, the Dixie Square Mall was already a shadow of its former self. It had been closed for nearly two years.
The Truth Behind the Wreckage: A Controlled Demolition
While the Dixie Square Mall was indeed a real location, the level of destruction seen in the movie was not entirely authentic. The filmmakers were given permission to use the abandoned mall, but they weren’t allowed to completely demolish it. Instead, they employed a variety of techniques to create the illusion of widespread chaos.
Many of the “stores” that were wrecked were actually carefully constructed sets built within the existing mall space. These sets were designed to be easily destroyed, allowing the filmmakers to stage dramatic crashes and explosions without causing irreparable damage to the building’s structure.
Stunt drivers, including the legendary Craig R. Baxley, were brought in to execute the car chases with precision and skill. They used reinforced vehicles and carefully planned routes to ensure the safety of the cast and crew while still delivering the high-octane action that the movie demanded.
Visual effects also played a crucial role in enhancing the destruction. Explosions were augmented with pyrotechnics, and the impact of the car crashes was amplified with clever editing and sound design.
The Economics of Destruction: Why a Real Mall Wouldn’t Work
The idea of wrecking a fully operational shopping mall for a movie scene might sound appealing from a purely cinematic standpoint, but the reality is that it would be prohibitively expensive and logistically impossible.
The cost of acquiring the necessary permits, compensating the businesses for lost revenue, and repairing the damage would be astronomical. Furthermore, the safety concerns associated with staging such a large-scale stunt in a public space would be immense.
Instead, filmmakers typically rely on a combination of techniques to create the illusion of destruction, including:
- Using abandoned or dilapidated locations: As in the case of the Dixie Square Mall, using a pre-existing, abandoned structure can significantly reduce the cost and complexity of filming a destructive scene.
- Building sets: Constructing sets allows filmmakers to control every aspect of the environment, making it easier to stage stunts and create the desired level of destruction.
- Employing visual effects: Visual effects can be used to enhance the realism of the destruction, adding explosions, debris, and other elements that would be too dangerous or expensive to create practically.
Behind-the-Scenes Ingenuity: How the Magic Happened
The Blues Brothers mall scene is a testament to the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the filmmakers. They were able to transform a decaying shopping center into a dynamic and unforgettable setting, using a combination of practical effects, stunt work, and visual enhancements.
The cars used in the scene were often bought at auction for very low prices, and the filmmakers replaced the engines to make them more powerful for the stunts. They also reinforced the frames of the cars to protect the stunt drivers.
The mannequins that were sent flying through the air were made of lightweight materials to minimize the risk of injury. They were also carefully positioned to create the illusion of greater impact.
The overall effect is a scene that is both visually stunning and comedically absurd, perfectly capturing the spirit of The Blues Brothers.
The Legacy of the Dixie Square Mall: More Than Just a Movie Set
While the Blues Brothers undoubtedly put the Dixie Square Mall on the map for movie fans, the mall’s story is more than just a footnote in cinematic history. It serves as a reminder of the economic and social changes that can impact communities and the lasting effects of urban decay.
The mall remained abandoned for over three decades after filming. It became a popular destination for urban explorers and photographers, who were drawn to its eerie atmosphere and crumbling architecture.
Finally, in 2012, the Dixie Square Mall was demolished, bringing an end to its long and troubled history. The site has since been redeveloped. While nothing remains of the mall itself, its memory lives on in The Blues Brothers and in the stories of those who remember its glory days.
The Blues Brothers’ Enduring Impact: Beyond the Mall
The Blues Brothers is more than just a collection of funny scenes and catchy songs; it’s a celebration of American music, culture, and resilience. The film’s themes of redemption, brotherhood, and fighting for what’s right continue to resonate with audiences today.
The music from The Blues Brothers has become iconic, introducing a new generation to the sounds of blues, soul, and R&B. The film’s soundtrack remains a best-seller, and The Blues Brothers Band continues to tour and perform around the world.
The Blues Brothers has also had a lasting impact on popular culture, inspiring countless homages, parodies, and tributes. The characters of Jake and Elwood Blues have become instantly recognizable, and their signature look – black suits, sunglasses, and fedoras – remains a popular Halloween costume.
Conclusion: The Mall Scene – A Perfect Illusion
So, was the Blues Brothers mall scene real? The answer is a resounding “sort of.” While the Dixie Square Mall was a real location, the destruction seen in the movie was carefully orchestrated using a combination of practical effects, stunt work, and visual enhancements. The filmmakers transformed a decaying shopping center into a cinematic playground, creating one of the most memorable and iconic scenes in movie history. The brilliance lies not in the sheer destruction, but in the masterful illusion of it.
Was the Blues Brothers’ mall chase scene filmed in a real, operational shopping mall?
No, the Blues Brothers’ mall chase scene was primarily filmed in a vacant and partially demolished shopping mall. The Dixie Square Mall, located in Harvey, Illinois, had already fallen into disrepair and was closed to the public when filming began. This allowed the production team to stage the chaotic and destructive chase sequence without disrupting a functioning business or endangering shoppers.
The decision to use a derelict mall provided the filmmakers with the freedom to execute the elaborate stunts and visual gags that characterize the scene. Had they attempted to film in a live mall, obtaining permits, managing crowds, and ensuring safety would have been prohibitively difficult, if not impossible. The choice of the Dixie Square Mall ultimately contributed significantly to the scene’s authenticity and impact.
How much damage was inflicted on the Dixie Square Mall during the filming of the Blues Brothers?
The film crew significantly exacerbated the existing damage to the Dixie Square Mall. While the mall was already in a state of disrepair, the Blues Brothers production involved crashing cars through storefronts, knocking over displays, and creating general mayhem. These actions caused further structural damage and contributed to the mall’s eventual demolition.
The precise monetary value of the damage is difficult to quantify, but it’s safe to say that the filming accelerated the mall’s decline. After the movie was completed, the Dixie Square Mall remained abandoned and in ruins for many years, becoming a symbol of urban decay. Ultimately, it was demolished in 2005, partly due to the extensive damage it sustained during filming.
What specific vehicles were used in the mall chase scene, and how many were damaged or destroyed?
Several vehicles were featured prominently in the Blues Brothers’ mall chase scene. The Bluesmobile, a 1974 Dodge Monaco, was the primary vehicle used by Jake and Elwood Blues. Other cars, including police cars and civilian vehicles, were also involved in the sequence, crashing through storefronts and colliding with each other.
While a precise count is difficult to ascertain, it’s estimated that several cars were significantly damaged or completely destroyed during the filming of the mall chase scene. The Blues Brothers movie is known for its record-breaking number of cars wrecked, and the mall scene contributed substantially to that total. The filmmakers employed a combination of stunt drivers and creative editing to create the illusion of even greater destruction.
Are there any anecdotes about unexpected events or challenges during the filming of the mall scene?
One notable challenge during the filming of the Blues Brothers mall scene was dealing with the dilapidated state of the Dixie Square Mall. The mall had been abandoned for some time, and the set was rife with hazards, including asbestos and other environmental concerns. The cast and crew had to take precautions to protect themselves from potential health risks.
Another anecdote involves the use of real police cars in the chase sequence. Local law enforcement agencies reportedly contributed vehicles and personnel to the production, adding to the realism of the scene. However, managing the logistics of coordinating stunt drivers, police officers, and special effects in a chaotic environment proved to be a complex undertaking.
Did the Blues Brothers’ mall scene have any lasting impact on the surrounding community or the Dixie Square Mall itself?
The Blues Brothers’ mall scene arguably accelerated the demise of the already struggling Dixie Square Mall. The extensive damage inflicted during filming made redevelopment even more challenging, and the mall remained abandoned for decades, becoming a symbol of economic decline in Harvey, Illinois. The film contributed to its infamous reputation.
The film also had a mixed impact on the surrounding community. While it brought temporary economic benefits during filming, the long-term consequences were largely negative. The abandoned mall became a haven for crime and vandalism, further eroding the quality of life in the area. The community grappled with the legacy of the mall’s demise for many years.
How does the mall scene contribute to the overall themes and narrative of the Blues Brothers movie?
The mall chase scene in the Blues Brothers serves as a powerful symbol of the film’s themes of chaos, disruption, and rebellion against authority. Jake and Elwood’s reckless actions within the sterile, consumerist environment of the mall highlight their disregard for societal norms and their commitment to their mission, even if it means causing widespread destruction. The scene underscores their role as outsiders challenging the status quo.
Furthermore, the scene reinforces the film’s comedic tone, juxtaposing the absurdity of the Blues Brothers’ actions with the exaggerated reactions of the police and other characters. The over-the-top nature of the chase sequence, with its crashing cars and improbable stunts, contributes to the film’s overall sense of fun and lightheartedness, even amidst the chaos.
Is it possible to visit the location where the Blues Brothers’ mall scene was filmed today?
No, it is not possible to visit the location where the Blues Brothers’ mall scene was filmed. The Dixie Square Mall was demolished in 2005 after years of abandonment and decay. The site is now vacant land, with no remaining structures from the original mall.
While the physical location is no longer accessible, the memory of the Blues Brothers’ mall scene lives on in the film itself and in the collective cultural consciousness. Fans of the movie can still experience the scene’s iconic moments through screenings and online videos, ensuring that the legacy of the Dixie Square Mall endures, albeit in a virtual form.