Where was Shallow Hal filmed?
2001
City Locations
Charlotte, North Carolina
Location Types
Diners/Coffee, Buildings/Offices, Restaurant, Mansions, Church/Temple
Location Styles
Colonial, Modern Building, Gothic/Victorian, Office Building Style
About Shallow Hal
Shallow Hal is a 2001 American romantic comedy-drama film directed by the Farrelly brothers, Peter and Bobby Farrelly. The film stars American actor Jack Black as Hal Larsen, Gwyneth Paltrow as Rosemary Shanahan, and Jason Alexander as Hal's best friend Mauricio. Despite the Farrelly brothers' claims that this movie is a passionate critique of societal standards and is "pro-fat," Shallow Hal essentially ends up as a sequence of harsh jokes that ironically reinforce the same stereotype it purportedly seeks to dismantle.
The plot of Shallow Hal revolves around Hal, a shallow man who is only attracted to women based on their physical appearance. After meeting self-help guru Tony Robbins (playing himself) and getting hypnotized, he begins to see the inner beauty of women, which leads him to fall in love with Rosemary Shanahan, a 300-pound Peace Corps volunteer who is kind, funny, and intelligent. Despite the fact that Rosemary is overweight, Hal only sees her as a thin, beautiful woman, but Mauricio, Hal's best friend, is aware of the spell and must help him navigate the relationship with caution.
Upon its release, Shallow Hal was met with mixed reviews from critics. However, Jack Black was praised for his performance as Hal and Gwyneth Paltrow received acclaim for her portrayal of Rosemary. In 2002, the film garnered a nomination for Choice Movie: Comedy at the Teen Choice Awards. Black and Gwyneth Paltrow were also in the running for Choice Movie: Comedy Actor and Actress, respectively. Renowned critic Roger Ebert from the Chicago Sun-Times rated the movie with a commendable 3 out of 4, describing it as "Regularly filled with laughter, while unexpectedly pulling at the heartstrings occasionally."
Shallow Hal Locations
Shallow Hal was filmed in several regions across the United States. Most of the movie was filmed in Charlotte, North Carolina, offering a picturesque backdrop of the city's many historic landmarks and cultural attractions. The city of Charlotte is situated near the Catawba River and is surrounded by lush forests and rolling hills, making for a beautiful backdrop to the production. The film includes scenes shot in Los Angeles, California; Sterling, Massachusetts; and Princeton, Massachusetts.
The movie capitalizes on the beauty of Charlotte, with scenes taking place at locations such as St Peter’s Episcopal Church, 7th Street, popular retail stores, and restaurants. The movie offers viewers a glimpse into the city's vibrant culture and showcases some of its most iconic landmarks and attractions.
Any avid movie fans will find visiting the locations used for filming Shallow Hal worthwhile. There is much to explore, from the historic buildings in Charlotte's Uptown District to the cozy cafes and restaurants used for some of the movie's scenes. A trip to the filming locations will not only be an excellent opportunity to revisit an iconic movie but also an opportunity to experience the city's impressive culture and beauty in person.
Hal and Tony Robbins trapped in the elevator scene in Shallow Hal
Founders Hall, 100 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Hal gets stuck in an elevator with renowned life coach Tony Robbins. In a twist of fate, Robbins hypnotizes Hal, enabling him to physically perceive people's inner beauty. This transformative moment sets the tone for the rest of the film as Hal navigates his new perspective on beauty and attraction.
This memorable scene occurs in the JPS Funds building, filmed at Founders Hall, at 100 N Tryon St in Charlotte. The location has since been renovated extensively, so fans visiting today may not recognize its exterior or interior from the film.
To get to Founders Hall, you can use various modes of transportation available in Charlotte. If you're using public transportation, the LYNX Blue Line light rail conveniently has a stop at the 7th Street Station, which is a short walk from Founders Hall. Alternatively, several parking options are nearby if you're driving, including the Bank of America Corporate Center Parking Garage.
Hal asks Katrina out near the church scene in Shallow Hal
St. Peter's Episcopal Church, 115 W 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
A significant scene unfolds following Hal's hypnosis session in the elevator. Hal encounters Katrina (Brooke Burns) near their office and suggests they take a taxi. Upon her request, he accompanies her on the ride. Their journey leads them to a stop near a church, where Katrina asks for Hal's phone number.
This scene was filmed at St. Peter's Episcopal Church, at 115 W 7th St, Charlotte. The church and its surrounding square have retained much of their original appearance, making it an excellent location for movie fans to visit.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church is prominent in the rich tapestry of local history. Fondly known as the "mother church" of the region, it proudly stands as the inaugural Episcopal Church in Charlotte. Established in 1834 and granted parish status in the esteemed Diocese of North Carolina in 1844, its legacy is deeply ingrained in the community. This historical significance adds an extra layer of intrigue for visitors eager to explore the city's past.
St. Peter's Episcopal Church is easy to find right in the heart of Charlotte. In addition, the city offers public transportation with several bus routes passing by or near the church.
Hal and Rosemary's first date scene in Shallow Hal
214 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Hal goes on his first date with Rosemary Shanahan. Unbeknownst to Hal, he has been hypnotized by Tony Robbins to only see people's inner beauty. Rosemary, who is overweight, appears to Hal as slender and beautiful due to her kind and generous personality. The date goes smoothly until Rosemary's chair unexpectedly breaks, providing a moment of humor in their budding romance.
This iconic first date scene was filmed at Fuel Pizza, located at 214 N Tryon St, Charlotte. Although the pizzeria is now permanently closed, movie fans can still visit the exterior of the building.
To get to this location in Charlotte, you can use various modes of transportation. If you're using public transit, you can take buses or a tram to the 7th Street Station, and then it's just a short walk to Tryon Street. If you're driving, numerous parking options exist, including the Bank of America Corporate Center Parking Garage.
Hal introduces Rosemary to Mauricio scene in Shallow Hal
Freedom Park, 1908 East Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203, USA
Hal invites Rosemary to meet his friend Mauricio at a park. Mauricio, expecting to meet a different woman, is taken aback by Rosemary's appearance due to Hal's altered perception of beauty. This sets the stage for Mauricio to persuade Tony Robbins to provide him with the trigger phrase to undo Hal's hypnosis, adding a twist to the plot.
This scene was filmed at Freedom Park, located at 1908 East Boulevard, Charlotte. The park is a popular spot and offers many amenities, including paved trails, tennis and volleyball courts, sports fields, and playground equipment. A notable feature of the park is a 2-8-0 steam engine that's fenced off but accessible for visitors to walk into the cab.
Fans of the movie can easily visit Freedom Park and possibly find the exact filming location. The park is found roughly three miles south of the city center.
Rosemary sees Hal on a date with another woman scene in Shallow Hal
The Capital Grille, 201 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202, USA
Hal and Jill (Susan Ward) dine together. Jill acknowledges Hal's progress in overcoming his superficial tendencies and expresses her interest in dating him. Nevertheless, Hal realizes his emotions towards Rosemary are real.
As fate would have it, Rosemary arrives at the same restaurant with her family, spotting Hal and Jill together. Misinterpreting the situation, she leaves the restaurant in tears. Hal, failing to recognize Rosemary, walks right by her as he heads to the pay phone to reassure her of his feelings. This leads to a heartrending misunderstanding as a confused and troubled Rosemary calls Hal a "psycho" over the phone, effectively ending their relationship.
This pivotal scene was filmed at The Capital Grille on North Tryon Street, in Charlotte. The restaurant is widely recognized for its steaks and continues to operate today, maintaining the same atmosphere that was captured in the film. For those interested in visiting this iconic filming location, it is advised to make a reservation in advance.
The Capital Grille is located near Charlotte's city center and is easily accessible by both car and public transport.
Hal arrives at the Shanahan family mansion scene in Shallow Hal
4516 Belknap Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211, USA
The Shanahan mansion is a pivotal location for developing the romantic plot. Hal turns up at the mansion during a going-away party for Rosemary. His arrival is initially met with resistance from Rosemary, but she eventually accepts his apology when he professes his love for her.
Despite Hal's heartfelt confession, Rosemary informs him she is still leaving on her Peace Corps mission. In an unexpected turn of events, Hal announces that he is also joining the Peace Corps, having just been sworn in. This moment signifies a significant growth in Hal's character, showing his willingness to step out of his comfort zone for the woman he loves.
The scenes at the Shanahan mansion were filmed at a private residence at 4516 Belknap Road, Charlotte. Built in 1971, this house perfectly captured the affluent lifestyle of the Shanahan family. The house's exterior was used extensively in the film, creating an iconic backdrop for some of the movie's most memorable scenes.
If you want to visit this filming location, please remember it is privately owned. Therefore, respecting the residents' privacy and only observing the house from a distance is essential. If traveling by car or taxi from the city center, the estimated travel time is approximately 20 minutes.
Conclusion
Shallow Hal, a film penned by Sean Moynihan and directed by the Farrelly brothers, is a unique blend of comedy and cruelty characteristic of the directors' style. It navigates the delicate line between humor and empathy, and Jack Black delivers an outstanding performance in his first significant leading role. Despite not fitting the conventional mold of a romantic lead, he exudes an infectious confidence that makes his character, Hal, feel real and relatable. His chemistry with Gwyneth Paltrow, who plays Rosemary, adds to the film's charm. Paltrow's portrayal of Rosemary is genuinely touching, adding depth to her character beyond the physical appearance that the film often focuses on.
The script includes a variety of Farrelly gags, from a spray-on toupee to a man with a tail, making the film consistently entertaining. However, the underlying message about looking beyond physical appearances leaves a lasting impression on viewers. The film challenges societal standards and prompts viewers to question their own perceptions of beauty, making it a significant contribution to the movie industry.
And if you want to visit any Shallow Hal filming locations for yourself, several of them are easy to find in and around Charlotte.