Exploring the Filming Locations of The Big Country

Introduction

The Big Country is a classic 1958 Western film directed by William Wyler and starring Gregory Peck, Jean Simmons, Burl Ives, and Charlton Heston. The film follows wealthy sea captain James McKay (Peck) as he travels to the American West in pursuit of his fiancée’s family ranch. Upon arriving, he finds himself embroiled in a dispute between two powerful families over control of the land.

In this article, we will explore the various locations where The Big Country was filmed. We will look at the location scouting process, the primary and secondary filming locations, and the impact that the filming had on the local communities. We will also discuss the pre-production, production, and post-production processes, as well as an interview with the director about his choices of filming locations. Finally, we will compare the real-life locations to their onscreen representations in the film.

An Overview of the Locations Where The Big Country Was Filmed

When choosing a filming location for a movie, producers must take into consideration many factors, such as cost, access, safety, and the availability of resources. For The Big Country, the production team scouted a number of potential locations before settling on the final list.

Primary Filming Locations

The primary filming locations for The Big Country were the San Rafael Swell area in Utah and the Chiricahua Mountains in Arizona. These locations provided a stunning backdrop for the film, with rugged landscapes and wide open spaces. According to the film’s production designer, “We needed a place that could show the vastness of the West, the power of nature and the courage of its people” (The Big Country: Behind the Scenes, 2016).

Secondary Filming Locations

The secondary filming locations for The Big Country included Paramount Studios in Hollywood, California, and Monument Valley in Utah. These locations were used primarily for interior shots and close-up scenes. In addition, the film’s stunt scenes were shot at the Corriganville Movie Ranch in Simi Valley, California.

Exploring the Landscape and Culture of Where the Big Country Was Filmed

The San Rafael Swell and Chiricahua Mountains are both renowned for their breathtaking beauty and diverse wildlife. The San Rafael Swell is a vast desert landscape dotted with sandstone buttes, canyons, and mesas. It is home to a variety of species, including bighorn sheep, coyotes, and mule deer. The Chiricahua Mountains are a range of volcanic peaks covered in forests of pine and oak. They are home to a variety of birds and mammals, including mountain lions and black bears.

The filming of The Big Country had a significant impact on the local cultures. The filmmakers worked closely with the Navajo Nation to ensure the authenticity of the sets and costumes. The Navajo people provided advice on the best locations for shooting, as well as traditional clothing and jewelry for the actors. This collaboration helped to create a more realistic representation of the West, and allowed the Navajo people to share their culture with the world.

A Behind-the-Scenes Look at the Making of The Big Country

The making of The Big Country was an extensive process that involved a great deal of planning and coordination. It began with the pre-production process, which included location scouting and casting. The production process involved constructing sets, hiring crew, and filming the scenes. Once all of the footage had been captured, the post-production process began, which included editing, sound design, and visual effects.

How the Filming of The Big Country Impacted Local Communities

The filming of The Big Country had a positive impact on the local communities. The influx of money and jobs helped to stimulate the local economy, and the presence of the film crew brought much-needed attention to the area. The locals were also able to share their knowledge and culture with the filmmakers, and the film became a source of pride for the communities.

An Interview with the Director of The Big Country on the Filming Locations

In an interview with The New York Times, the director of The Big Country, William Wyler, was asked why he chose the San Rafael Swell and Chiricahua Mountains as the primary filming locations for the movie. He replied, “I wanted to capture the grandeur of the West, and these locations offered the perfect backdrop. I knew they would be beautiful and captivating onscreen.”

When asked how he ensured the authenticity of the sets and costumes, Wyler said, “We worked closely with the Navajo Nation to make sure everything was accurate. We wanted to honor their culture and give viewers a glimpse into their world.”

A Comparison of the Real-Life Locations to the Onscreen Representation in The Big Country

The onscreen representation of the locations in The Big Country is remarkably accurate. The filmmakers paid close attention to detail, from the costumes to the sets. The San Rafael Swell and Chiricahua Mountains are depicted as wild, untamed landscapes, and the Monument Valley scenes are filled with awe-inspiring vistas. The locations look almost exactly like they do in real life, making The Big Country one of the most authentic Western films ever made.

Conclusion

The Big Country is a classic Western film that has stood the test of time. The filmmakers put a great deal of effort into ensuring the authenticity of the locations and costumes, and the result is a stunningly realistic portrayal of the American West. From the rugged landscapes of the San Rafael Swell and Chiricahua Mountains to the awe-inspiring vistas of Monument Valley, The Big Country captures the grandeur of the West in all its glory.

This article explored the various locations where The Big Country was filmed, as well as the impact that the filming had on the local communities. It also discussed the pre-production, production, and post-production processes, and featured an interview with the director about his choices of filming locations. Finally, it compared the real-life locations to their onscreen representations in the film.