November 2014 marks the 25th Anniversary of “Mystery Train,” a famous independent film shot in Memphis written and directed by Jim Jarmusch, starring actors such as Steve Buscemi, The Clash’s Joe Strummer and many others.
The film portrayed Memphis as a gritty place, and was one of the first films to do so. The city was in a transitional period at the time, with Elvis’ death occurring 11 years prior and Beale Street being under construction.
“Mystery Train” was filmed in the summer of 1988 and released in November of 1989. The film tells three stories that happen on the same night and are linked by a run-down hotel and the spirit of Elvis Presley.
The movie was primarily filmed at the Arcade Hotel, which was on South Main Street. The shooting began on Aug. 4, 1988 and lasted for 38 days — 11 days and 27 nights.
Michael Berry, the set locator for the film, worked directly with Jarmusch finding locations to shoot.
“I had to read through the script and find places that met the description. Then I would take some pictures and, at the time, I would have to get them developed,” Berry said. “I would then show Jarmusch and he would make the final decision.”
According to Berry, some places just seemed like they were meant for the film.
“I remember we had to film a bar scene for the final act of the film, and I was scouting at this bar near Spottswood Avenue and East Parkway. I was almost scared to be in there, but I knew it would be great for the film.”
Berry claimed to have many great memories from the shooting, having worked with many actors.
“Almost everyone on set was in their mid-20s at the time. One of the main stars was Steve Buscemi in his breakout role, and he was one of the nicest guys ever,” Berry said. “It was interesting working with really artsy people. It showed me the city in a different light.”
“Mystery Train” was the first feature film that was shot in Memphis since 1984’s “Making the Grade” starring Judd Nelson, and the film really left an impact on the city, according to Berry.
“There is a plaque at the Arcade Restaurant marking the film and how it began the modern film era in Memphis,” Berry said.
Kathie Hersch, production manager of “Mystery Train,” has recently spent a lot of her time reminiscing about her time working on the film.
“We filmed each story in its entirety,” Hirsch recounted. “We were right up the road from the Lorraine Motel. Actually, we were extremely close to the sniper’s nest where the shooter holed up before assassinating Martin Luther King Jr.”
Although the crew filmed so close to this infamous location, Hersch said that their time in Memphis was nothing but great.
“Jarmusch had actually never been to Memphis before filming,” Hersch said. “But the city was really kind to us.”
However, the weather was not kind to the crew. Memphis summers are known for their swift showers, which became problematic.
“It would rain several times a day, but only for a couple of minutes at a time. If a set was dry in one shot but wet in the second, it would ruin the shot,” Hirsch said. “So the rest of the crew and I had to dry the street by hand whenever it rained. Even the star actors had to help us with it.”
Hersch explained that the cast of the film was very kind and treated everyone the same.
“Joe Strummer was a doll. He was just delightful and so nice,” Hersch said. “My favorite day of shooting was the last day. Everyone who worked on the film went to the hotel pool and drank beer together. We celebrated our hard work, and it was beautiful.”
For Memphis and Shelby County film commissioner Linn Sitler, “Mystery Train” was her first experience with a feature film.
“I remember walking with Kathie in the Amtrak Station and there were pigeon carcasses everywhere that we had to step over,” Sitler said. “They didn’t want us to film there because the building was in the most awful condition. But I think it was technically owned by the city, so City Hall made them let the crew use the space.”
Sitler still believes that the film helped the film industry in Memphis.
“In hindsight, we had one big studio feature film after another. ‘Great Balls of Fire’ began filming right after ‘Mystery Train’ ended, I believe,” Sitler said. “‘Mystery Train’ established Memphis as a site for indie films and large films alike.”
Mike McCarthy is a cult filmmaker in Memphis, who has made movies such as “Cigarette Girl,” “The Sore Losers” and “Teenage Tupelo.” Many aspects of "Mystey Train" shaped McCarthy's vision as a filmmaker.
“I loved the way ‘Mystery Train’ felt like a noir, even though it was shot in color,” McCarthy said. I listened to John Lurie's music quite a bit when I was writing "Teenage Tupelo." In that way, there is the sensual, slow, and sweaty pace where the camera lingers on young bodies and old buildings.”
McCarthy believes that “Mystery Train” showed the world that Memphis can be a desirable city to film in.
“It made our city aware of how worthy that seamy side of Memphis really is. Filmmakers don't want to come here and make art in a shiny office building,” McCarthy said. “Those interested in culture, whether it's film, literature, or music, want to see and feel a part of this 20th century America that, in part, belongs to myth.
According to McCarthy, "Mystery Train" helped establish what seperates creatives in Memphis from other in cities across the country.
"It's what sets us apart from other places, and we should fight to save that physical space where controversy over race, class, and music was hard-fought and won.”
The depiction of Memphis in the film was very gritty, and was one of the first films to portray it as such. But McCarthy argues that the city has become more accepting as time has gone on.
“I think there is a notion that new is better, but really, new just makes you like everybody else. Memphis has so much soul. We as residents should want to preserve that, to nurture those visitors who take that independent message to the rest of the world. Sometimes outsiders teach you that lesson."
