Mel Gibson Draws Crowd in Northampton

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By Lesley Tanner

Story Published: Oct 7, 2008 at 7:11 PM EDT

Story Updated: Oct 7, 2008 at 7:11 PM EDT

"Mel Gibson is one of my favorite actors, and it's a really fun thing to come down and watch them shoot," says Anna Dagarin.

In the film "Edge of Darkness" Gibson stars as a Boston Police Detective investigating his daughter's murder. And Northampton isn't just a location for filming, but will be referred to by name and visited by Gibson's character several times in the finished product.

"Even though we're only shooting here two weeks, what we're going to get, and the personality of it, is throughout the whole film," says Executive Producer Bennett Walsh.

Tuesday the crew took over Main Street, using the inside and out of the Old Courthouse. The location was suggested by the film's writer, a Massachusetts native.

"Given the architecture, and the unique stone, we felt that it was just going to give us what Northampton is," says Walsh.

But it's not only the town that will make an impression on the big screen. About 700 local extras will get a chance to be in the movie, and nearly 200 will be on the set on the streets of Downtown Northampton.

"It's easy to bring people in, but it's also nice to be part of the community," says Walsh. "For me a big part of film making is trying to make it less mysterious."

Part of that mystery was uncovered for fans as they watched Gibson tape numerous takes. And though the star didn't greet the crowds outside, he did take time to thank the staff who helped secure the scenery.

"He was very gracious, and very kind and he shook my hand," says Hampshire County Clerk of Courts Harry Jekanowski. "It was quite exciting to meet him, because he is quite a star."

Gibson is expected to film at least one more day in Downtown Northampton, before moving to locations in Deerfield later in the week.

Next article Teenager Shot Dead in Holyoke

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