Caution: This article contains spoilers about the film Red, White & Royal Blue. We all enjoy a captivating love story, especially one set against a backdrop of historical significance. The relationship between Prince Henry (played by Nicholas Galitzine) and Alex Claremon-Diaz (played by Taylor Zakhar Perez) in Red, White & Royal Blue is not only a game-changer in terms of cultural representation, but it also intertwines with tangible historical elements. One pivotal scene in the movie takes place at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, where the characters share a slow dance amidst an array of statues. Interestingly, the museum depicted on screen is the actual Victoria and Albert Museum, and the filming took place during the early hours of the morning, capturing its serene ambiance. This experience was particularly surreal for Galitzine, who grew up visiting the museum. He described it as a bizarre and enjoyable experience to explore its halls during a quiet and peaceful state. In fact, he drew parallels to the film Night at the Museum, highlighting the peculiar and dream-like atmosphere. Filming at the museum was not a straightforward process, as director Matthew López had concerns about obtaining permission. Given the museum’s treasured artifacts and sculptures, the team had to carefully navigate the approval process to ensure the safety of these priceless pieces. Eventually, they received permission to film, which was a momentous achievement. While the original novel by Casey McQuiston features the key scene in the Renaissance Gallery, López and cinematographer Stephen Goldblatt opted for a different setting within the V&A due to certain filming restrictions. López explains that the chosen gallery was not the most visually striking, as it tended to be dimly lit with spacious gaps between the statues. However, with Goldblatt’s creative thinking, they discovered an alternative location within the museum that had a captivating aura. This particular area featured a long corridor adorned with statues conveying homoerotic art and a narrow alleyway filled with busts. To set the mood, they returned to the museum after closing hours, strategically dimming the lights and highlighting the artwork with spotlights. The result was an enchanting environment where Henry and Alex could openly express their love for each other. It is worth noting that the filmmakers made use of the V&A’s available lighting, refraining from bringing in any additional external lighting. The scene was deliberately shot with the boys mostly in shadow, while the statues took center stage, illuminated by the spotlights. This creative solution not only compensated for the lack of exterior lighting but also added depth and beauty to the scene. The loss of light became a swoon-worthy gain for viewers, creating a truly magical and intimate atmosphere. If you’re eager for more insights and updates about movies, you can sign up for Entertainment Weekly’s free newsletter. Discover exclusive content such as trailers, interviews with celebrities, film reviews, and much more to enhance your movie-watching experience.