Introduction
The Glass Castle is an American drama film released in 2017, directed by Destin Daniel Cretton and starring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts. Based on Jeannette Walls’ best-selling memoir of the same name, the film follows the story of Walls’ unconventional childhood living with her family in poverty. The film was a critical success and was nominated for several awards, including two Golden Globe nominations and one Academy Award nomination.
This article explores the filming locations of The Glass Castle. We will take a look at the primary and secondary filming locations, tour the movie sets, and discover the real-life locations used in the film. We will also uncover the behind-the-scenes work done to choose and research these locations, as well as the process of recreating iconic moments from the film in the actual locations.
A Look at the Filming Locations for ‘The Glass Castle’
The Glass Castle was filmed on location in both British Columbia, Canada, and New Mexico, USA. According to production designer David Bomba, the main challenge of the film was finding locations that could be used to create the atmosphere of the 1980s, as well as locations that could double for various parts of the country without looking too similar. He said: “We wanted to make sure it felt like the characters were travelling from place to place, but we didn’t want the locations to look too similar.”
Primary Film Locations
The primary filming locations for The Glass Castle were Vancouver, British Columbia, and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Vancouver was used to portray the town of Welch, West Virginia, where the Walls family lived in the beginning of the film. Many of the exterior shots of the house, the streets, and the surrounding landscapes were shot in Vancouver. The city also provided the backdrop for many of the scenes set in New York City.
Santa Fe, New Mexico, was used to portray most of the other locations in the film, including Arizona, Texas, and California. The desert landscapes of Santa Fe were perfect for creating the atmosphere of the Southwestern states, and the city was also used for many of the interior shots of the house. In addition, Santa Fe was used for the scenes set in Las Vegas, where the Walls family eventually settles.
Secondary Film Locations
In addition to the primary filming locations in Vancouver and Santa Fe, several other locations were used to film The Glass Castle. Parts of the film were shot in Los Angeles, California, and Albuquerque, New Mexico. These locations were primarily used for interior shots, such as the scene in which Jeannette visits her father in jail. The exterior of the jail was actually filmed in Vancouver.
Parts of the film were also shot in rural areas around Vancouver and Santa Fe, including a farmhouse in Langley, British Columbia, and an abandoned mining town in New Mexico. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the scenes set in the countryside, and helped to capture the feeling of poverty and isolation that the Walls family experienced.
Touring the Sets of ‘The Glass Castle’
One of the most interesting aspects of The Glass Castle is the attention to detail in the set design. The crew worked hard to recreate the look and feel of the Walls’ home, and even built a replica of the house on a soundstage in Vancouver. This set included detailed replicas of the furniture, decorations, and artwork featured in the film.
The set designers also went to great lengths to create the atmosphere of the 1980s, using vintage furniture, appliances, and clothing. They even created a working jukebox for one of the scenes. According to Bomba, the goal was to make the sets feel lived-in and authentic: “We wanted to make sure every single thing in the frame had a purpose and a story to tell.”
Exploring the Real-Life Locations Used to Film ‘The Glass Castle’
The Glass Castle was filmed on location in several real-life locations, including the towns of Vancouver and Santa Fe, as well as rural areas around the cities. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the story, and the filmmakers were able to use the local scenery to create a sense of realism in the film.
The filmmakers also took advantage of the historical context of the locations. For example, they chose to shoot in Santa Fe because of its long history of Native American culture and art, which was reflected in the costumes and props used in the film. The town of Santa Fe also provides a unique visual style, with its mix of adobe buildings, desert landscapes, and mountains.
Behind the Scenes: Uncovering the Filming Locations for ‘The Glass Castle’
The filmmakers spent months researching the locations used in The Glass Castle. They studied photographs, maps, and books to get a better understanding of the places they were portraying. They also visited each location in person to get a feel for the atmosphere and to scout potential shooting locations.
The filmmakers also searched for rare images of the locations to help create an accurate representation of the places. For example, they found a photograph of the actual house used in the film, which allowed them to accurately recreate the interior set design. They also found old photographs of the town of Welch, West Virginia, which helped them create a realistic depiction of the town in the film.
Revisiting the Sites Where ‘The Glass Castle’ Was Filmed
The Glass Castle was filmed in several locations across North America, and fans of the film have since visited these locations to re-create iconic moments from the film. Fans often travel to Santa Fe and Vancouver to visit the sites where the film was shot, and they often post their photos and stories online. These visits help to deepen the connection between the viewers and the characters in the film.
Visiting the locations of The Glass Castle also helps viewers to understand the story in a deeper way. By visiting the actual locations used in the film, viewers can gain a better understanding of the geography of the story and the journey that the Walls family takes throughout the film.
On Location: The Filming Locations for ‘The Glass Castle’
The filming locations for The Glass Castle are a testament to the creativity and hard work of the filmmakers. By carefully choosing the right locations and researching the history of each place, they were able to create a vivid and realistic world for the story. This meticulous attention to detail can be seen in every frame of the film.
By visiting the locations used in the film, viewers can gain a better understanding of the story and connect with the characters in a deeper way. Exploring the sets and discovering the hidden details of the locations helps to bring the film to life, allowing viewers to experience the beauty and heartbreak of The Glass Castle in a more tangible way.
Discovering Where ‘The Glass Castle’ Was Filmed
The Glass Castle was filmed in several locations across North America, and each of these locations has its own unique story. From the streets of Vancouver to the deserts of Santa Fe, these locations come alive in the film, providing the perfect backdrop for the Walls family’s journey. By exploring these locations in person, viewers can gain a deeper understanding of the story and a greater appreciation for the work done by the filmmakers.
Whether you’re a fan of the film or just curious about the locations used in it, visiting the sites where The Glass Castle was filmed is a rewarding experience. Exploring the sets, meeting the local people, and connecting with the characters in the film can help you to understand the story in a deeper way.
Conclusion
The Glass Castle was filmed on location in several locations across North America, from Vancouver to Santa Fe. By carefully selecting the right locations and researching the history of each place, the filmmakers were able to create a vivid and realistic world for the story. Fans of the film have since visited these locations to re-create iconic moments from the film and to gain a deeper understanding of the story.
Exploring the filming locations of The Glass Castle is an interesting and rewarding experience. Whether you’re a fan of the film or just curious about the locations used in it, visiting the sites where The Glass Castle was filmed can help you to understand the story in a deeper way.
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