Hollywood Magic Transforms Joe Beef, Liverpool House for 'Pawn Sacrifice'

Director Ed Zwick (Blood Diamond, The Last Samurai) took over parts of Montreal and the Townships to shoot the biographical chess drama Pawn Sacrifice over 18 months ago. Stars Tobey Maguire, Liev Schreiber, and Peter Sarsgaard were duly spotted around town at the likes of Maïs, Maison Boulud, and at pho shops in Chinatown. A notable focal point of the production was Little Burgundy's restaurant row on Notre-Dame Ouest between Charlevoix and Vinet, punctuated by Joe Beef. The block was completely transformed, both physically and digitally, for the film, almost unrecognizably so. The interior of Liverpool House was made over and used as a set as well (see above). Have a look at the block's before and after.

Notre-Dame Ouest between Charlevoix and Vinet [Google Street View]

Still from Pawn Sacrifice trailer [YouTube]

Joe Beef principal Dave McMillan reflected on the Pawn Sacrifice shoot today. "I didn't want to change it back. I told myself next time we build a restaurant I'll use set designers. They were very generous with everyone in the neighbourhood. It was a great experience." Check out the Pawn Sacrifice trailer below (note the 0:18 and 0:28 second marks).