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Alex Cross movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Alex Cross filmed?

2012

City Locations

Detroit, MI; Cleveland, OH (USA); Côte d'Azur (France)

Location Types

Mansion, Museum, Modern Office, Cemetery, Theatres

Location Styles

Colonial, Modern Building, Retreat, Beach House, Beachfront

About Alex Cross

Step into the thrilling world of Alex Cross, a 2012 cinematic masterpiece directed by Rob Cohen and featuring dynamic lead actors, Tyler Perry and Matthew Fox. This film is an adaptation of the 2006 James Patterson novel, "Cross", and is the third installment in the Alex Cross film series. Shifting gears from Morgan Freeman's portrayal in prior films, Kiss the Girls (1997) and Along Came a Spider (2001), Tyler Perry takes the lead as the film's namesake character.

Thriving in a world of suspense and mystery, investigator Cross (Tyler Perry) must navigate through a series of gruesome murders to outwit a cunning, ruthless serial killer known as Picasso (Matthew Fox). Cross leads the audience on an action-packed, psychological roller-coaster by combining intellect with top-notch detective skills. As the plot unravels, viewers are met with unexpected twists as the killer targets Cross personally, embarking on a vengeful spree that escalates the danger and stakes for our hero.

While the film may not have been hailed as a box office success, earning $34.6 million worldwide against a $35 million budget, it nonetheless showcased the versatility of Tyler Perry, who deviated from his comedic roots to undertake a more severe, intense role.

Alex Cross Locations

The 2012 film Alex Cross masterfully utilized various locations in Northeast Ohio, skillfully portraying them as Detroit, Michigan, where the Detroit Police Department employs the lead character. The filming journey began in Ohio and later moved to Detroit itself for a short span of two weeks. In Ohio, the production team chose some truly picturesque locations, such as Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens and Glendale Cemetery, adding a unique charm to the cinematic experience.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, a historic mansion with over a century's worth of history, was ingeniously used as the home of a character played by Jean Reno. This location is particularly fascinating for its architectural grandeur and lush gardens. On the other hand, Glendale Cemetery, with its serene and solemn atmosphere, offered an interesting contrast.

Visiting these filming locations could be a rewarding experience for fans of Alex Cross and anyone interested in exploring historical landmarks, beautiful landscapes, and the cinematic process. The backdrop of Northeast Ohio, with its diverse scenery and cultural richness, certainly adds depth to the film's narrative and creates an intriguing visual experience for the audience.

Fun Fact

In the original novels featuring Alex Cross, the character and his family have always been portrayed as lifelong inhabitants of Washington, D.C. However, in this film adaptation, a twist is introduced: Cross and his family are depicted as residents of Detroit, with plans underway for a move to D.C. This relocation is motivated by Cross's ambition to join the ranks of the FBI.

Alex's house scene in Alex Cross

Cleveland Heights, Ohio, USA

A detective and psychologist, Alex (Tyler Perry) lives a serene life with his family in Cleveland Heights, Ohio. This peaceful existence is disrupted when he becomes entangled in a deadly game with a shrewd and merciless serial killer known as Picasso (Matthew Fox).

The scenes featuring the homes of Cross and his partner, Detective Tommy Kane (Edward Burns), were filmed in the historical suburb of Cleveland Heights. Founded as a village in 1903 and later achieving city status in 1921, Cleveland Heights sits atop the Portage Escarpment. This region mainly remained timber and farmland until the late 19th century, interspersed with orchards, quarries, and vineyards.

One notable location within Cleveland Heights is Coventry Village. Situated on Coventry Road, this commercial district is associated with Northeast Ohio's artistic, musical, bohemian, hippie, and emerging hipster communities, adding a layer of cultural richness to the backdrop of Alex Cross.

You can drive from downtown Cleveland via the US-322 E/Mayfield Rd to reach Cleveland Heights. Alternatively, public transportation options, like the bus line 9, are available from Cleveland. Once in Cleveland Heights, Coventry Village is easily accessible on Coventry Road.

Detectives visit Giles Mercier scene in Alex Cross

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N Portage Path, Akron, OH 44303, USA

Alex (Tyler Perry), Tommy (Edward Burns), and Monica (Rachel Nichols) visit the mansion, where Giles (Jean Reno) reveals his "New Vision of Detroit", discussing the city's future. However, the conversation takes a dramatic turn when Alex interrupts to warn Giles that he is in danger.

The scene was shot at the iconic Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, located in Akron, Ohio. This grand mansion, with a history spanning over a century and previously inhabited by F.A. Seiberling, stands as one of the most extensive residences in the U.S., earning it the status of a National Historic Landmark. The estate, boasting picturesque gardens, a greenhouse, a carriage house, and the main mansion, offers an impressive and ambiance-rich setting for the scene.

With a knowledgeable guide's assistance, visitors can delve into the past and discover what life was like for the Seiberling family at the Manor House. The tour showcases notable areas of the estate, such as the Music Room, the Great Hall, and the Plunge, an indoor swimming pool. In addition, the entry also grants access to the self-guided exploration of the Gate Lodge, the lush gardens, and the Corbin Conservatory.

To reach Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens from Cleveland, you can take the I-77 S and OH-8 S to Akron, which is approximately a 40-minute drive. Once there, the estate is located at 714 North Portage Path. Additionally, the public bus with several transfers is available to take from Cleveland; the road will take 3 hours.

Maria's burial scene in Alex Cross

Glendale Cemetery, 150 Glendale Ave, Akron, OH 44302, USA

The plot thickens as Cross (Tyler Perry) finds himself in the crosshairs of Picasso (Matthew Fox), a formidable adversary with a personal grudge against him. The audience is gripped by the poignant scene where Picasso ruthlessly takes the life of Maria (Carmen Ejogo).

This harrowing incident leads to a heart-wrenching sequence set in a cemetery. A devastated Alex is seen sitting on a bench, struggling to come to terms with his wife's untimely demise. In a chilling revelation, Picasso is shown observing the burial from the car, sketching Alex in his moment of profound grief.

The filming location for this emotionally charged scene is Glendale Cemetery; This active burial ground, known for its serene setting, is also a nature park. Spanning over 85 hilly acres, the cemetery is adorned with mature trees that provide a canopy over the undulating landscapes and meandering roads. An architectural marvel at Glendale is the Memorial Chapel, a historical structure dating back to 1876, which can accommodate small gatherings of up to 100 people, including weddings.

To reach Glendale Cemetery, you can take I-76 W if you're coming from the east; the cemetery entrance will be on your left. If you're coming from the west, take I-76 E, exit at Main St (exit number 21B), and head north until you reach Glendale Ave. Turn right, and you'll find the cemetery entrance about half a mile down the road. Please remember to respect the sanctity of the site during your visit.

The final fight scene in Alex Cross

The Michigan Building, 220 Bagley St, Detroit, MI 48226, USA

The high-tension scene unfolds as Picasso (Matthew Fox) manipulates Alex's (Tyler Perry) emotions. The SWAT team descends upon a building, aiming to apprehend the elusive murderer. Alex Cross arrives on the scene and speculates that Picasso might not be inside the building. Alex pursued Picasso all the way to the old theater, where their climactic battle unfolded.

This adrenaline-pumping scene was masterfully filmed at the historic Michigan Building in Detroit. With a history dating back to 1925, this 13-story structure served as the Michigan Theater before being transformed into an office building. It boasts diverse facilities, including a restaurant, bar, retail and office spaces, and a shared coworking space known as Cowork at The Michigan.

Architecturally, the high-rise is a testament to the Renaissance Revival style. Its exterior is beautifully adorned with brick and accented with terracotta and granite details. The ground level, home to retail spaces, still retains its original decorative metalwork framing the large windows - a nod to its illustrious past.

If you're in downtown Detroit, head towards Bagley Street to visit this iconic location — just a short 13-minute walk from downtown. The Michigan Building is situated at 220 Bagley Street, Detroit. Please remember to respect the business operations and other activities occurring within the premises during your visit.

The beach house at Bali scene in Alex Cross

French Riviera, Côte d'Azur, France

Giles (Jean Reno), who is currently residing in Bali, receives an unexpected call from Alex (Tyler Perry). With the cryptic words, "I think you know who it is", Alex reveals a shocking truth to Giles, adding another twist to the complex narrative.

Even though the mesmerizing scene purports to be in Bali, it was, in fact, shot in the famed French Riviera, also known as the Côte d'Azur. This region, located along the Mediterranean coast in southeastern France, is renowned for its luxurious beach resorts, such as Cannes and Saint-Tropez, and the independent city-state of Monaco. Beginning its journey as a health retreat in the 18th century, the Riviera steadily transformed into a sought-after spot for aristocrats, artists, and the glamorous "jet set" of the 1960s. It remains a favorite vacation destination today, with an array of pathways interconnecting the coastal towns and villages.

To visit the French Riviera, you can fly to Nice Côte d’Azur Airport, which is well-connected to major European cities. From there, you can rent a car or use public transportation to explore the Riviera's picturesque locations, including Saint-Tropez and Cannes. Please remember to respect local customs and regulations during your visit.

Conclusion

The 2012 film Alex Cross marked a significant shift for Tyler Perry, best known for portraying the towering matriarch Madea. Taking on a role outside of his usual repertoire, Perry's performance as the titular character in Alex Cross surprised his avid fanbase. This film sees Perry in a dramatic thriller and engaging in intense physical scenes, such as a fierce struggle with a serial killer in a Detroit movie theater.

However, the film received mixed reviews; critics pointed out that the thriller felt disjointed, with too many characters vying for attention. The character dynamics, especially those involving Cross's partner (Edward Burns), his overbearing mother (Cecily Tyson), and his wife (Carmen Ejogo), who is reluctant about his move to the FBI, felt somewhat convoluted.

Despite its narrative shortcomings, Alex Cross showcased some remarkable filming locations. The film crew skillfully utilized various spots in Northeast Ohio, portraying them as Detroit, Michigan, contributing to the authenticity of the setting. This unique use of locations added depth to the film and provided a visually rich experience for the viewers.

Is Alex Cross worth watching? It might be worth your time if you're a fan of Tyler Perry and are curious to see him in a different light or if you appreciate films with visually appealing locations. As for visiting the filming locations, the beautiful Northeast Ohio spots used in the movie, including the Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, certainly make for exciting and picturesque destinations.