Introduction
The 2015 film The Revenant, directed by Alejandro G. Iñárritu and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, tells the story of 19th-century fur trapper Hugh Glass as he embarks on a journey of survival and revenge. This Academy Award-winning movie was filmed in a variety of remote locations across Canada and the United States, from Alberta and British Columbia to Montana and South Dakota. In this article, we’ll explore the real-life locations where The Revenant was shot and take a behind-the-scenes look at the making of this critically acclaimed movie.
Exploring the Real-Life Locations of “The Revenant”
The Revenant was filmed in a number of remote locations in Canada and the United States. In Canada, the production team traveled to Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario. Meanwhile, in the United States, they visited Montana and South Dakota.
According to executive producer Mary Parent, “We chose [these] locations based on their beauty, isolation and historical accuracy. We wanted to capture the grandeur and majesty of the wilderness that would have been encountered by the early frontiersmen.”
A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Filming Sites of “The Revenant”
In Canada, much of the filming for The Revenant took place in Alberta. This included the Calgary Film Centre, Kananaskis Country, Kootenay National Park and Bisti Badlands. The production team also visited Fort MacLeod in Alberta.
In British Columbia, the crew filmed in Glacier National Park and Red Rock State Park. And in Ontario, they used a soundstage in Toronto for some of the interior scenes.
The crew also traveled to Montana and South Dakota in the United States. According to Iñárritu, “The Dakotas were essential for us to shoot our movie because of the landscapes, the vastness and the beauty of them.”
A Tour of the Remote Locations Where “The Revenant” Was Shot
Let’s take a closer look at each of the remote locations that served as the backdrop for The Revenant.
Alberta
In Alberta, the production team filmed at the Calgary Film Centre, which is home to the largest soundstage in Canada. They also explored the rugged beauty of Kananaskis Country, Kootenay National Park and Bisti Badlands. Finally, they made a stop at Fort MacLeod, a historic town with well-preserved 19th-century buildings.
British Columbia
In British Columbia, the crew shot scenes in Glacier National Park and Red Rock State Park. Glacier National Park is known for its rugged peaks and pristine lakes, while Red Rock State Park is home to a variety of wildlife, including grizzly bears, wolves and elk.
Montana
In Montana, the production team visited the Flathead Indian Reservation, an area of land that was set aside for the Flathead Nation in 1855. They also traveled to the Blackfeet Indian Reservation and the Badger-Two Medicine area.
South Dakota
In South Dakota, the crew shot scenes at the Grand River Casino and Resort. They also visited the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is home to the Oglala Sioux Tribe.
How Nature Played a Starring Role in “The Revenant”
One of the most striking aspects of The Revenant is its breathtaking scenery. From snow-covered mountains to lush forests, the wild landscape of North America served as the perfect backdrop for this epic tale of survival and revenge.
Of course, shooting in such remote locations presented its own challenges. As Iñárritu noted, “We had to deal with extreme weather conditions, raging rivers, and the fact that we were deep in the woods with no access to electricity or running water.”
Capturing the Grandeur of the Wild West: A Look at the Making of “The Revenant”
Location scouting was an important part of the process for The Revenant. As producer Steve Golin explained, “We wanted to find places that still looked like they did 150 years ago. We wanted to be able to re-create history.”
The production team also worked closely with local communities in each of the countries they visited. For example, they consulted with the Blackfeet Nation when shooting in Montana and the Oglala Sioux Tribe when filming in South Dakota.
In addition, the crew paid close attention to detail when it came to re-creating the 19th-century frontier. As Iñárritu said, “We built entire sets and constructed period-accurate props and costumes to bring the story to life.”
Conclusion
The Revenant was filmed in a variety of remote locations across Canada and the United States, from Alberta and British Columbia to Montana and South Dakota. By exploring these stunning and isolated locales, the production team was able to capture the grandeur of the wild west and create an unforgettable cinematic experience. From breathtaking scenery to working with local communities, the making of The Revenant was truly a remarkable journey.
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