Introduction
Big Jake is one of the most beloved western movies of all time. Released in 1971 and starring John Wayne, the film follows a family of ranchers on a quest to rescue their kidnapped grandson from a band of outlaws. It was an instant classic and remains a favorite among fans of the genre. But what many people don’t know is that the film was actually shot in several different locations across the American West.
In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at the filming locations of Big Jake. We’ll explore the wild west settings where the film was shot and take a tour of some of the most famous locations. By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of just how much work went into bringing this classic western to life.
A Look Back at the Filming Locations of Big Jake
Big Jake was filmed in a variety of locations across the American West. The film was shot in Utah, Arizona, and Colorado as well as other states. Each location provided its own unique backdrop, giving the film a truly authentic feel.
Exploring the Wild West
The American West has always been a source of fascination for filmmakers. Its wide open spaces and rugged landscapes provide the perfect setting for stories about cowboys, gunslingers, and outlaws. This is why the Wild West was chosen as the setting for Big Jake.
Of course, it wasn’t just the landscape that drew filmmakers to the area. The Wild West also offered a rich cultural history, which was essential for creating a believable world for the characters. As director George Sherman said in an interview, “The Old West was a very special place. It had its own rules, its own morality, and its own way of doing things. That’s why it was the perfect backdrop for Big Jake.”
On Location: Revisiting Big Jake’s Filming Sites
Big Jake was filmed in several different locations across the American West. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most iconic sites.
Behind the Scenes: Big Jake’s Filming Locations
Filming in Utah and Arizona
Big Jake was primarily filmed in Utah and Arizona. The majority of the film was shot in Monument Valley, a scenic region located in the Four Corners area of the United States. The area has long been used as a filming location for westerns, due to its stunning natural beauty.
In addition to Monument Valley, the crew also filmed portions of the movie in Kanab, Utah, as well as Flagstaff, Arizona. Both of these towns provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s outdoor scenes.
Filming in Colorado
The crew also spent time shooting in Colorado. They visited the town of Durango, which served as the backdrop for several scenes in the film. Durango was chosen due to its picturesque scenery and its proximity to the Rocky Mountains.
Other Locations
In addition to the locations mentioned above, the crew also spent time shooting in Nevada, New Mexico, and California. These states provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s western scenes.
A Tour of the Filming Locations for Big Jake
Now that we’ve taken a closer look at the filming locations for Big Jake, let’s take a tour of some of the most iconic sites.
Monument Valley
Monument Valley is one of the most recognizable locations in the film. It was used for several of the outdoor scenes, including the opening credits sequence. The location is known for its towering sandstone buttes, which provide a breathtaking backdrop for any western.
Flagstaff, AZ
Flagstaff, Arizona was another popular filming location for Big Jake. The town is known for its beautiful mountain views, which can be seen in several of the film’s outdoor scenes. The town also served as the backdrop for several key plot points, making it an important part of the story.
Durango, CO
Durango, Colorado was chosen for its close proximity to the Rocky Mountains. The crew spent several weeks shooting in the area, taking advantage of the stunning scenery and the small-town charm of the town. Several key scenes were filmed in Durango, providing an unforgettable backdrop for the film.
Conclusion
Big Jake was filmed in several different locations across the American West. From Monument Valley to Durango, Colorado, each location provided its own unique backdrop, giving the film a truly authentic feel. By exploring the filming locations of Big Jake, we can gain a greater appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into making this classic western.
So, next time you watch Big Jake, take a minute to appreciate the stunning locations where the film was shot. From Monument Valley to Durango, Colorado, the film’s settings provide a beautiful backdrop for this timeless classic.
Summary of Findings
In this article, we explored the various filming locations of Big Jake. We looked at the Wild West settings where the film was shot, from Monument Valley to Durango, Colorado. We also took a tour of some of the most iconic sites, such as Flagstaff, Arizona and Durango, Colorado. By exploring the filming locations of Big Jake, we can gain a greater appreciation for the hard work and dedication that went into making this classic western.
Final Thoughts
Big Jake is a classic western that continues to captivate audiences to this day. By exploring the filming locations of the movie, we can gain a greater appreciation for the stunning locations that brought this timeless tale to life. From Monument Valley to Durango, Colorado, each location provides its own unique backdrop, making Big Jake an unforgettable experience.
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