The visually stunning and suspenseful neo-noir thriller, Bad Times at the El Royale, directed by Drew Goddard, was primarily filmed on a sprawling soundstage in Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada. While exterior shots incorporated locations around British Columbia, the majority of the film’s evocative and claustrophobic atmosphere was meticulously crafted within the controlled environment of a purpose-built set.
Crafting the El Royale: A Studio Masterpiece
The decision to construct a substantial set for the El Royale hotel wasn’t merely a matter of convenience; it was a deliberate artistic choice. This allowed Goddard and his team, including production designer Michael Grasley, unprecedented control over every detail of the hotel, from its distinctive architecture to its period-specific furnishings. The El Royale wasn’t just a backdrop; it was a character in itself, and building it from the ground up ensured that character’s story was told precisely as intended.
The Vancouver soundstage provided the space and flexibility needed to realize the intricate design. Key elements like the hotel’s two-state-line division, the secret observation corridors, and the rooms filled with period-appropriate decor were all meticulously constructed within this controlled environment. This allowed for specific lighting setups, controlled camera movements, and the creation of the necessary atmosphere to amplify the film’s suspenseful narrative.
Beyond the Soundstage: Real-World Locations
While the majority of the film was shot on the soundstage, certain establishing shots and exterior scenes utilized the natural beauty of British Columbia. This helped to root the fantastical hotel in a tangible reality, providing a contrast to the contained and sometimes surreal events unfolding within its walls.
Leveraging British Columbia’s Landscapes
The vast landscapes of British Columbia offered stunning vistas that served to establish the El Royale’s isolated location. Rugged coastlines and dense forests contributed to the overall sense of mystery and remoteness, reinforcing the idea that this was a place where anything could happen, far from the prying eyes of civilization. These locations, though limited, added a vital layer of authenticity to the film.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filming Locations
Here are some common questions about the filming locations of Bad Times at the El Royale, providing further insight into the film’s production:
1. Was the El Royale Hotel a Real Place?
No, the El Royale Hotel depicted in the film is entirely fictional. While inspired by roadside motels and hotels of the era, it was a creation of the filmmakers, specifically designed to serve the story. The architectural details and the bi-state theme were artistic choices to enhance the narrative’s themes.
2. Why Was a Soundstage Primarily Used?
Using a soundstage allowed for complete control over every aspect of the El Royale. This included the lighting, camera angles, and even the weather conditions, which were crucial for creating the film’s specific mood and atmosphere. A real location wouldn’t have offered this level of control.
3. What Specific Locations in British Columbia Were Used?
While precise location details are often kept under wraps, it’s known that areas around Vancouver Island and other coastal regions of British Columbia were likely used for establishing shots. The filmmakers sought landscapes that evoked a sense of isolation and remoteness.
4. How Long Did It Take to Build the El Royale Set?
The construction of the El Royale set was a major undertaking, taking several weeks, if not months. The production team meticulously crafted every detail, from the period-specific furniture to the hidden passageways, ensuring that the hotel felt both authentic and unsettling.
5. Did Any Other Movies or TV Shows Film in the Same Location?
Vancouver is a popular filming location, often dubbed “Hollywood North.” Many other movies and TV shows have utilized the soundstages and landscapes of British Columbia, although it’s not publicly known if Bad Times at the El Royale specifically shared the same soundstage with any particular prominent production immediately before or after its shoot.
6. How Did the Filmmakers Recreate the 1960s Aesthetic?
The filmmakers employed a variety of techniques to recreate the 1960s aesthetic. This included meticulous research into the era’s fashion, music, and design trends. They sourced authentic props and furniture from the period and used vintage film techniques to enhance the visual authenticity.
7. Were Any Real Hotels Used as Inspiration for the El Royale?
While not directly based on a specific hotel, the filmmakers drew inspiration from various mid-century roadside motels and hotels. They incorporated elements of Googie architecture and the overall aesthetic of that era to create the El Royale’s distinctive look.
8. How Did the Special Effects Enhance the Filming Locations?
While the primary filming location was the soundstage, special effects were used to enhance the realism of the exterior shots and to create certain dramatic sequences within the hotel. This included adding visual details like smoke and fire, as well as enhancing the overall atmosphere.
9. Did the Actors Spend Much Time on Location?
The actors spent a considerable amount of time on the El Royale set, as that’s where the majority of the filming took place. This allowed them to fully immerse themselves in the environment and develop their characters within the context of the hotel’s unsettling atmosphere.
10. Was It Challenging to Film in a Single, Contained Location?
Filming in a single, contained location presented both challenges and opportunities. While it required the filmmakers to be creative in terms of camera angles and visual storytelling, it also allowed them to create a sense of claustrophobia and tension, which was essential to the film’s overall atmosphere.
11. How Did the Filming Locations Contribute to the Film’s Themes?
The deliberate choice of filming locations, particularly the construction of the El Royale set, directly contributed to the film’s themes of secrecy, duality, and moral ambiguity. The hotel itself became a symbol of these themes, a place where hidden truths are revealed and where characters are forced to confront their own dark sides.
12. Where Can I Learn More About the Filming Locations?
Information about specific filming locations can be found through online film databases, production notes (if available), and interviews with the filmmakers. Production design websites and documentaries about filmmaking can also offer valuable insights into the creative process behind selecting and utilizing filming locations. Searching for “Bad Times at the El Royale filming locations” will also yield relevant articles and blog posts.