The filming of "9 1/2 Weeks" took place in New York, USA. New York was chosen not by chance: its dynamic atmosphere and variety of locations were ideal for creating the tense and sensual atmosphere of the film. The cityscapes, including the famous streets of Manhattan and cozy interiors, added realism and depth to the plot, emphasizing the emotional experiences of the main characters.

Filming Locations:

Hotel Room

In the Movie

The scene where we see the budding relationship between Elizabeth McGraw, an art gallery employee, and John Gray, a mysterious and attractive man. Their relationship develops rapidly and unusually, including elements of play and dominance. The film has several scenes that take place in different hotels, including several scenes shot at the Chelsea Hotel. They are important for the development of the relationship between the main characters and for revealing their personalities. The hotel becomes a place where the characters can be together without fear of societal judgment, and they also use it as a place for their role-playing games.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Chelsea Hotel on 23rd East Street in Manhattan. This historic hotel is known for its bohemian atmosphere and has been home to many famous artists and musicians. Its unique architecture and interior create an ideal backdrop for the scene, emphasizing the intimacy and depth of the characters' relationship.

Comme des Garçons Boutique

In the Movie

The scene where John takes Elizabeth to the Comme des Garçons boutique so he can choose new clothes for her. John looks at how well the suit he picked fits her and goes to pay for it. Elizabeth asks if he is going to ask her if she likes the outfit, and he answers negatively. Their interaction becomes more playful and intimate, emphasizing their growing closeness.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Comme des Garçons boutique in New York. This luxury brand is known for its unique and avant-garde designs, making it an ideal place for the scene, emphasizing the experimental and innovative nature of the characters' relationship (although the outfit he chooses for her is quite classic). The interior and color palette of the boutique also fit perfectly into the film's color scheme. Unfortunately, the boutique has not survived to the present day, and now an optical store is located in this place; however, the design of the premises has been preserved.

Club

In the Movie

The scene where John wants Elizabeth to watch him have sex with a prostitute. After a brief pause, Elizabeth jumps up, hits them, and runs out into the street. She wants him to know how it felt for her to see that. She runs into one of the erotic salons on Times Square to watch a "real erotic show." She goes inside and sees a couple having sex, with men standing around watching. She feels disgusted and uncomfortable, she understands something and seems to want to leave, but one of the standing men starts kissing her and they begin to have sex. Meanwhile, John stands in the crowd and silently watches.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in a sex club on 42nd West Street in Manhattan near Times Square. This is one of the most famous streets in New York. With the onset of the Great Depression in the 1930s and in subsequent decades, Times Square gained a reputation as a dangerous area. From the 1960s to the early 1990s (the film was shot in 1986), the dilapidation and licentiousness of this area, especially due to its go-go bars, sex shops, adult theaters, and sex clubs, became a notorious symbol of the city's decline. In the film, this scene is climactic, as the heroine realizes that she is not ready for a no-strings-attached relationship and to be just a body for satisfying another man's needs. She hoped he would stop her, but that does not happen, and both characters draw their own conclusions from this situation. The moment of the heroine's maximum fall. Currently, all the seedy clubs on this street have been closed, and now there are shops, cafes, and other places typical of the central streets of large cities.