Lafayette: Where Movie Magic Meets Ghostly Encounters
Lafayette, Louisiana, is a town steeped in history and culture. But beneath its charming facade, a spooky side lurks, especially in the locations used to film some iconic movies. If you're a fan of horror films and enjoy a good ghost story, then Lafayette is the place for you. Here's a look at some of the most haunted movie sets in the city:
The "Blair Witch Project" (1999)
You might not think of Lafayette when you think of "The Blair Witch Project," but the film's creators actually scouted locations in the city before heading to Maryland. The film's infamous woods, where the three student filmmakers disappear, are said to be inspired by the dark and foreboding forests surrounding Lafayette. Some people even believe that the filmmakers encountered real supernatural activity during their filming.
"A Confederacy of Dunces" (1980)
This hilarious film, based on John Kennedy Toole's novel, was filmed entirely on location in New Orleans and Lafayette. The novel, which won a Pulitzer Prize posthumously, is a bit of a cult classic, and its adaptation garnered a lot of praise for its authentic portrayal of 1960s Louisiana life.
One of the movie's most memorable scenes takes place in the old Lafayette City Park, where the main character, Ignatius J. Reilly, spends much of his time. Though not technically a "haunted" movie, there are reports of paranormal activity in the park, particularly near the old bandstand. This suggests that the movie might have inadvertently captured some of the city's spooky energy.
"The House of the Devil" (2009)
This indie horror flick is known for its chilling atmosphere and disturbing imagery. While it wasn't actually filmed in Lafayette, the movie's creators were inspired by the city's unique blend of Southern charm and unsettling folklore. The film's producers even spent time researching local ghost stories and legends while developing the script.
"Southern Comfort" (1981)
This cult classic horror movie, known for its brutal depiction of a group of hunters who get lost in the Louisiana bayou, was filmed on location in the swamps surrounding Lafayette. While the movie doesn't explicitly deal with ghosts, the film's director, Walter Hill, has said that he wanted to create a sense of dread and unease throughout the film. This eeriness is likely heightened by the fact that many of the locations used in the film were said to be haunted by local Native American spirits.
Haunted Lafayette: A Movie Lover's Paradise
So, if you're looking for a spooky experience, Lafayette is the perfect destination. Get ready for a thrilling combination of film history and ghostly encounters. Just don't forget to bring your camera, you never know what kind of paranormal activity you might capture!