Where Was the Movie Hostiles Filmed? And Why Do Deserts Always Look So Mysterious?

The 2017 Western drama Hostiles, directed by Scott Cooper and starring Christian Bale, is a film that captivates audiences not only with its intense storytelling but also with its breathtaking landscapes. The movie, set in the late 19th century, follows the journey of a U.S. Army captain who escorts a dying Cheyenne war chief and his family back to their tribal lands. The film’s visual grandeur is a testament to the locations where it was filmed, which play a crucial role in immersing viewers in the harsh yet beautiful world of the American frontier.

The Primary Filming Locations

The majority of Hostiles was filmed in the southwestern United States, a region renowned for its rugged terrain and expansive vistas. The primary filming locations included New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona. These states were chosen for their ability to authentically represent the untamed wilderness of the late 1800s.

New Mexico: The Heart of the Film

New Mexico served as the central filming location for Hostiles. The state’s diverse landscapes provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s varied settings, from arid deserts to dense forests. Key scenes were shot in and around Santa Fe, Abiquiú, and the Ghost Ranch. The Ghost Ranch, in particular, is a notable location that has been featured in numerous films due to its striking red rock formations and vast open spaces. This location added a sense of isolation and grandeur to the film, emphasizing the characters’ journey through a land that is both beautiful and unforgiving.

Colorado: Capturing the Wild Frontier

Colorado also played a significant role in the filming of Hostiles. The state’s mountainous regions and expansive plains were used to depict the treacherous terrain that the characters traverse. The film crew utilized locations such as the San Juan Mountains and the Uncompahgre National Forest to capture the raw beauty of the American West. These areas provided a stark contrast to the desert scenes filmed in New Mexico, showcasing the diversity of the landscape and the challenges faced by the characters.

Arizona: The Final Stretch

Arizona was another key filming location, particularly for scenes that required a more desolate and barren setting. The state’s iconic desert landscapes, including areas near Monument Valley, were used to create a sense of vastness and emptiness. These locations helped to convey the isolation and danger that the characters experience as they make their way through hostile territory.

The Role of Landscape in Storytelling

The choice of filming locations for Hostiles was not merely about finding beautiful scenery; it was also about using the landscape to enhance the narrative. The film’s director, Scott Cooper, has spoken about how the environment plays a crucial role in shaping the story and the characters’ experiences. The harsh, unforgiving landscapes mirror the internal struggles of the characters, particularly Captain Joseph Blocker (played by Christian Bale), who is grappling with his own demons as he leads the dangerous mission.

The vast deserts and rugged mountains serve as a constant reminder of the characters’ vulnerability and the precariousness of their journey. The landscape is not just a backdrop but an active participant in the story, influencing the characters’ decisions and shaping their fates. This interplay between the characters and their environment is a hallmark of the Western genre, and Hostiles uses it to great effect.

The Challenges of Filming in Remote Locations

Filming in remote and rugged locations presented numerous challenges for the cast and crew of Hostiles. The extreme weather conditions, including intense heat during the day and freezing temperatures at night, made the production physically demanding. The cast, particularly Christian Bale, who is known for his dedication to his roles, had to endure long hours in these harsh conditions to bring authenticity to their performances.

Additionally, the remote locations meant that the crew had to transport equipment and supplies over long distances, often through difficult terrain. This logistical challenge required meticulous planning and coordination to ensure that the production stayed on schedule. Despite these difficulties, the filmmakers were committed to capturing the authenticity of the American frontier, and their efforts are evident in the film’s stunning visuals.

The Legacy of Western Filmmaking

Hostiles is part of a long tradition of Western films that have used the American landscape as a central character. From the classic Westerns of John Ford to the revisionist Westerns of the 1960s and 1970s, the genre has always relied on the natural beauty of the American West to tell its stories. The landscapes in these films are not just settings but symbols of freedom, danger, and the untamed spirit of the frontier.

In Hostiles, the landscapes serve as a reminder of the complex history of the American West, a history marked by conflict, displacement, and the struggle for survival. The film’s use of real locations, rather than relying on CGI or studio sets, adds to its authenticity and helps to ground the story in a tangible reality. This commitment to realism is a testament to the filmmakers’ respect for the genre and its traditions.

Conclusion

The filming locations of Hostiles are integral to the film’s impact and success. The rugged landscapes of New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona provide a stunning and authentic backdrop for the story, enhancing the narrative and immersing viewers in the world of the American frontier. The challenges of filming in these remote locations were significant, but the result is a visually breathtaking film that pays homage to the Western genre and its legacy.

As we reflect on the film’s locations, it’s worth considering why deserts always seem to hold such a mysterious allure in cinema. Perhaps it’s their vastness, their emptiness, or the way they seem to stretch endlessly into the horizon, inviting both danger and discovery. In Hostiles, the desert is more than just a setting—it’s a character, a force, and a reminder of the untamed beauty of the American West.

Q: Why were New Mexico, Colorado, and Arizona chosen as filming locations for Hostiles?
A: These states were chosen for their diverse and authentic landscapes that accurately represent the American frontier of the late 19th century. The rugged terrain and expansive vistas provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s narrative.

Q: How did the filming locations contribute to the storytelling in Hostiles?
A: The landscapes in Hostiles are not just settings but active participants in the story. They mirror the characters’ internal struggles and emphasize the challenges they face, adding depth and authenticity to the narrative.

Q: What were some of the challenges faced during the filming of Hostiles?
A: The cast and crew had to contend with extreme weather conditions, remote locations, and logistical challenges. These difficulties required meticulous planning and coordination to ensure the production stayed on schedule.

Q: How does Hostiles fit into the tradition of Western filmmaking?
A: Hostiles is part of a long tradition of Western films that use the American landscape as a central character. The film’s commitment to authenticity and realism pays homage to the genre’s legacy while telling a compelling and modern story.