After nearly two years of post-production work, The Coen Brothers’ film Inside Llewyn Davis, which was partially filmed on Pace’s Briarcliff campus, was finally released last month.
The film follows a week in the life of a folk singer (played by Oscar Isaac) in 1961, which was around the time that Bob Dylan rose to fame. After Isaac’s partner commits suicide his life spirals downhill during an unforgiving New York City winter. Directors Joel and Ethan Coen pulled in major stars like Justin Timberlake, Carey Mulligan, and John Goodman as the supporting cast, earning it some extra brownie points with the Academy.
For anybody that lived on Briarcliff campus in 2012, they should remember the film crews shooting at the cafeteria over spring break.
“No one knew what they were filming, or even that they were filming, until the last minute. Everyone was thinking, why Pace? It just didn’t really add up,” junior communications major Christina Cuduco said.
Assisted by a former Pace student, the location was scouted for its high ceilings, window walls and brick walls, which are reminiscent of that era.
“It was really awesome to see how they transformed our cafeteria into a 1950’s era diner, they did a great job,” Cuduco, who is a film minor, said.
The Coens, Timberlake, Isaac, and Goodman were all in attendance for the filming, which is the first time Briarcliff campus had the honor of hosting guests of such notoriety.
“I was upset, especially as a Communications student, that I wasn’t allowed to meet any of the talent or crew, but it’s still cool we have that claim to fame,” Cuduco said.
Though it was a small scene, it was a pivotal moment for the characters’ development. It features a couple wide shots of the cafeteria, the notorious brick spiral staircase, the back entrance facing Dow Hall and then an additional shot outside looking inside.
The film’s original soundtrack is the product of legendary producer T-Bone Burnett and features Marcus Mumford, from Mumford and Sons, Justin Timberlake, Bob Dylan, and other folk icons.
Inside Llewyn Davis has been nominated for two Academy Awards, including achievements in cinematography and one for sound mixing. In addition to the Oscars, it was also nominated for three Golden Globe Awards and has won another 30 various awards so far, primarily for its achievements on the soundtrack and photography.