Hollywood at Chatham!
It’s no secret that Chatham University’s campus is breathtaking, and it’s even managed to catch the eyes of quite a few film crews over the years. With screen productions spanning across multiple genres—from drama and history to crime and comedy, some dating all the way back to the ‘90s—Chatham’s dynamic resume of cinematic contributions stands as a testament to its natural and architectural beauty. Come see Chatham on the big screen as we walk through 5 movies and shows with scenes filmed right here on campus!
Rustin (2023)
📍 Laughlin Music Hall
With its insight, historical content, and incredible cinematography, Rustin is a must-watch. This biographical film highlights the life of Bayard Rustin, the Black, gay activist who fought alongside Martin Luther King Jr. for civil rights. Through shining light on a man whose contributions to the movement are sometimes forgotten, this film becomes even more impactful. In an office scene, our James Laughlin Music Hall can be seen! This film stars Colman Domingo, Chris Rock, and Jeffrey Wright.
The Chair (2021)
📍 Mellon Center, Jennie King Mellon Library, Coolidge Hall, James Laughlin Music Center
The Chair’s dark-academia aesthetic wouldn’t be complete without Chatham’s old, Georgian architecture! The dramatic comedy show follows Professor Ji-Yoon Kim (played by Grey’s Anatomy and Killing Eve star Sandra Oh) as she becomes the chair of Pembroke University’s failing English department—all while fighting for her colleagues, parenting a child, and navigating a crush on her coworker.
Mindhunter (2017)
📍 Mellon Center
Mindhunter brings a little crime to Chatham’s campus! This television series is a psychological thriller following a team of FBI agents, psychologists, and crime investigators who research serial killers. From intimate chats to social gatherings, various scenes showcase our very own Mellon Center, lit low to create the perfect, mysterious vibe for this show run by David Fincher. Starring Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, and Anna Torv.
Wonder Boys (2000)
📍 79 E Woodland Road
Eager to experience your own mid-life crisis? Wonder Boys is a dramatic comedy about an English professor named Grady Tripp (Michael Douglas), who finds himself burnt out with his career as he navigates multiple intersecting, messy affairs involving his colleagues and admirers. This movie contains scenes filmed at 79 E Woodland Road, just down the street from Fickes Hall. Starring Tobey Maguire (Spider-Man), Robert Downey, Jr. (Iron Man), and Michael Douglas (Ant-Man).
Bob Roberts (1992)
📍 Campbell Memorial Chapel
This political satire follows millionaire Bob Roberts (Tim Robbins), a conservative politician campaigning for a seat in the Pennsylvania Senate. In a B-plot exploring Roberts’ career as a personable folk singer, he can be seen singing in our beloved Chapel (though he can’t quite out-sing our choir 😉). Also starring Giancarlo Esposito, Ray Wise, and Alan Rickman.
Lyn Bigley ’26 is currently pursuing her BFA in creative writing alongside a BA in psychology. She works as a library aide and a digital content creator for Chatham University. In her downtime, she enjoys looking at pictures of animals, playing video games, impulse buying, and watching reality TV.