Monhegan is a fascinating place. The Island is decorated with beautiful beaches and coastlines. The cliffs and mountainsides are hanging gloriously over the waters. So, it is unsurprising that movie directors would want to shoot some films here. But these aren’t just ordinary films. These movies have made it to the top ratings with millions of viewers. Most likely, you have also watched them. But suppose anyone didn’t tell you, and you don’t live in Monhegan. In that case, you wouldn’t know that the lovely setting of these is nothing different from our glorious and ever-enchanting Monhegan Island.
The Sounding, 2019
The synopsis of the movie starts with the island as “remote”. But we all know it isn’t that remote. It is the beautiful and grand island of Mohegan.
In the movie, the show’s star, Catherine Eaton, also the writer of the film, refused to talk. Following a long silence, she gradually expresses herself using the language of Shakespeare’s plays. However, a neurologist sends her to a psychiatric hospital against her will, prompting her to resist and rebel to regain her freedom.
But aside from the exciting storyline, the movie showed the significant spots of the island as well as how inspiring the views are for every artist. In a publication that documented interviews with professional artists, a section answered a relative question.
The question was something along the lines of “Why do you [as an artist] love Monhegan?” The answer is much better in quote form than paraphrased. The artist Alison Hill said, “Everywhere you look, there’s a painting. It’s very inspirational to be here”.
Another artist, Alice Boynton, said she likes to paint the exquisite northern light. According to her, there’s a beautiful clarity about the island.
The fact that the movie incorporated elements of art and paintings makes so much sense. The star of the film was not only pictured as an art enthusiast but she was also scripted to be inspired by the scenery to paint some of the most beautiful works – again, that feels right.
The Congressman, 2016
The Congressman is another movie shot on the island, and this time, the island is the movie’s star – at least for the most part. The film is about a Congressman named Charlie Winship [his real name is Treat Williams]. At the start of the movie, he was shamed by the public for not publicly respecting the country during a pledge recitation.
Then after facing a continuous downturn of events, even in his marriage, he sought peace of mind on a far island. Again, we know this island is not that far. It’s the ever magical and healing Monhegan Island in Maine.
In the film, the island was pictured to have magical powers that heal pain and help people regain their footing – if they just opened their minds. One too many times, the main actor, Treat Williams [Congressman Charlie], and his supporting cast, Chris Conroy III [Ben], admitted they love the island and don’t plan on leaving.
The most intriguing part of the movie is where the island is depicted as the saviour, where the Congressman realizes what went wrong and how he could find himself again. The funny thing is that Monhegan does have that power. The scenic views, the peaceful sea, and the flourishing mountains give a sense of calmness that allows you to think and relax simultaneously.
At night, the sky is (at most nights) filled with stars that make it both peaceful, calming, and reflective. It is not just a place with a pure depiction of nature but also an iconic place where two great movies have been shot.
Conclusion
Monhegan Island in Maine is home to mountains, cliffs, beaches, beautiful towns, and iconic history. But it is not just about how great the place is; it is also about the power of the island. Like how islands are depicted to have magical powers and healing capabilities, the Monhegan island is true and real. Artists testify to its never-ending inspiring capabilities. Even musicians get inspired to create soulful music on this island. So why else won’t movie directors come to the island? With the properties of the island and its natural blessings, there are surely more movies to come from this place. So, keep an eye out, and we’ll be doing the same.