Filming for the 1996 gothic horror film, Mary Reilly, stars such as Julia Roberts and John Malkovich came to Scotland’s capital - the perfect setting for the 19th century blockbuster.
Transforming parts of Edinburgh for the period film, Mary Reilly was based on the 1990 novel of the same name, written by Valerie Martin - which was inspired by Robert Louis Stevenson’s 1886 novel The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde.
The film looks at the classic story from the point of view of Dr Jekyll’s Irish maid (Julia Roberts), as she is drawn in by both Jekyll and Hyde (both played by John Malkovich). It also stars Michael Sheen, Glenn Close, Michael Gambon and several other well known actors.
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The glittering cast came to Edinburgh in 1994, adding to the list of blockbusters that have taken advantage of the city’s historic façades. If you pop Mary Reilly on, you’ll see scenes filmed below Regent Bridge on Calton Road.
In other parts of the scene, we see Carrubbers Close as well as multiple scenes filmed in the Cowgate. Most of the movie was made in Pinewood Studios in Buckinghamshire, with some production in Bradford and London.
The film was made at a time when gothic period dramas were popular, and excitement for the film was high. The Dublin Evening Herald told readers in June 1994: “The role is made for Julia.”
Unfortunately, the multi-million dollar picture failed to live up to expectations. With reports of growing animosity between the two leads, poor word-of-mouth began to spread closer to the film’s release.
With a budget of $47 million, it scooped in just $12.9 million at the box office. A review published by Empire magazine stated: “Neither lead performer quite works.”
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Variety similarly reviewed: “Mary Reilly has plenty of production polish but little of the dramatic force and erotic spark needed to vivify a tale of the famous split personality and his young chambermaid.”
Several reviews found Roberts to be miscast, and took issue with her Irish accent. However, it wasn’t all negative.
Roger Ebert, famed American film critic, wrote: “Mary Reilly works as a Gothic melodrama because it understands the genre so well. It’s true to the underlying horror.”
If the reviews weren’t damaging enough, both the lead actress and director were nominated for Razzie Awards. The parody award show which honours the cinematic under-achievements of the year put forward Julia Roberts for Worst Actress, and Stephen Frears for Worst Director.
Both lost (or won), thanks to the comedy film Striptease starring Demi Moore and directed by Andrew Bergman - who both won (or lost) the titles. Harsh reviews aside, it's nice to see Edinburgh restored to its 19th century glory for the film - check out our gallery of snaps from on set below.
