While Liverpool still languishes in Tier 2 restrictions, I took the opportunity to visit Anfield Cemetery were some of ‘The Batman’ filming took place in October which I didn’t get a chance to see. There’s a large carpark across the road attached to Stanley Park, which is currently the site of a Covid-19 testing centre so parking up by that felt very 2020.
Lots of videos cropped up on YouTube of the days filming at Anfield Cemetery back in October – here’s a good compilation video which includes the cemetery shooting. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U8lHthtRTX4 It’s amazing how basic the crowd control was – just some metal barriers with no attempt to screen off the view from curious bystanders.
From the footage it looks like Batman and Catwoman ride their motorbikes towards and possibly through a stone archway. There’s greenscreen at one end so somewhere else will be inserted – possibly the Glasgow Necropolis which was also used for a motorbike sequence?
There’s quite a contrast between these grand Victorian cemeteries so I can see why they used both. Glasgow is built on a hill, with wandering pathways and many grand monumental graves. Liverpool’s Anfield is very flat with some long straight paths.
The archway the motorbikes head towards in the filming is found at the top of the cemetery – I’ve marked it on the map above. A handsome red sandstone gateway with a central road for vehicles and two side entrance for pedestrians. Interestingly the archway has the words ‘Liverpool Cemetery’ carved into it so I’ve been trying to make out if they tried to disguise for the filming. Ornate metal gates block one end – where the greenscreen was placed. Sadly, I discovered the gateway is also used as public conveniences by some as it stank rather unpleasantly of urine. Probably a place best visited during the daytime!
Anfield in early winter isn’t as romantic as Glasgow in summer, the cold wind and bare trees gave it a sombre feel. But it is worth a visit – and if you like football it’s slap bang in between Everton and Liverpool’s grounds. There isn’t as much over the top monumental stonework as the Glasgow Necropolis but there are the odd gems – this monument has to be my favourite – a gravestone with claws!
From scene to seen 