Saturday, March 23, 2019

Miscellaneous Films

There are some movies filmed in the general area of Albuquerque that feature just a few, if any, filming locations that I could easily identify. Here are those films:

Last updated: April 3, 2023

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Movies That Appear Not To Have Been Filmed in the Albuquerque Area

Disaster Movie (2008) - The movie seems to have been filmed instead in Louisiana.
Five-O (2016) - There are no filming locations in this movie in New Mexico.
The Fortune (1975) - There is no indication that portions of this movie were filmed in the Albuquerque area. The airstrip building looks Pueblo-stylish, but the mountains in the distance are not from the Albuquerque area.
Human Desire (1954) - There's apparently an error in imdb.com's data. None of the station-arrival scenes are from Albuquerque.
The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009) - I couldn't identify any Albuquerque-area filming locations.
Miss Lillian: More Than A President's Mother (2021) - I couldn't identify any Albuquerque-area filming locations.
The Muppet Movie (1979) - I couldn't identify any Albuquerque-area filming locations.
The Natural: The Best There Ever Was (2016) - I see no indication this movie was filmed in Albuquerque.
Private Lessons (1981) - A quick scan indicates no ABQ sites are present in this movie (although a Wikipedia article on "Private Lessons" suggests it's possible some incidental footage from NM is in the film).
Punk Band (2018) - There is no sign that this movie was filmed in the Albuquerque area. (I recognize Tucson, AZ, though.)
Twelve Strong (2015) - Portions of this film are said to have been filmed in the Socorro area, and I was hoping to tease them out, but have not succeeded as yet.
Voice of the Unknown: A Paranormal Investigation (2011) - Appears to have been filmed entirely in central Texas.
Walkout (2006 TV Movie) - There are no signs this movie was filmed in Albuquerque.
Wisdom (1986) - There are no indications of Albuquerque filming locations in this movie.
With Great Power: The Stan Lee Story (2010) - No indication in the credits that the movie was filmed in New Mexico. Apart from footage of an atomic explosion, possibly the Trinity shot, there is no sign of it being filmed in New Mexico.



Movies That Appear To Have Only Glancing Contact With The Albuquerque Area

Death Hunt (1981) - According to the end credits, the portion of this movie filmed in New Mexico's Cibola National Forest is confined to the Main Title.
End of the Road (II) (2022) - No apparent connection to the Albuquerque area, but some sites are determined nonetheless (see details below).
5th World (2005) - The band is likely in Albuquerque. There is a takeout menu for 2000 Vietnam Restaurant, which is in Albuquerque.
The Half-Life of Genius Physicist Raemer Schreiber (2017) - There are many views of Los Alamos. Interestingly, there don't seem to be any Albuquerque locations here.
House of Flying Squirrels (2013) - This movie may have been filmed in Albuquerque, but the use of stock imagery makes it impossible to tell.
How We Met (2016) - The credits indicate Albuquerque is a filming location, probably Lozoya Studios, 1205 Broadway Blvd SE, but which scenes were filmed there, I can't tell.
Independence Day: Resurgence (2016) - Apart from a background displaying the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, I couldn't identify any Albuquerque-area filming locations.
The Long Ride Home: Run for the Wall (2007 Video) - This documentary features various scenes on I-40 from Needles to Albuquerque, but remarkably few bits from Albuquerque itself - close to none. In New Mexico, three sites stand out: Red Rock Park near Gallup; Route 66 Casino parking lot at the Rio Puerco; and Raton, NM - Rio Grande Ave. & S. 2nd St.
Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992) - According to imdb, 522 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA is a filming location, as well as locations in Las Vegas, NM. I don't think that's correct, though.
Ministry: Sphinctour (2002 Video) - On May 9, 1996, Sphinctour passed through the Albuquerque Convention Center. There is no clear indication, however, that any of their concert footage comes from there.
Monstroid (1980) - There are some indications that they filmed out near Espanola somewhere, but no obvious indications of Albuquerque filming locations.
New Mexico (1951) - Parts of the movie were filmed near Gallup. There seem to be no Albuquerque locations in this film.
Return to Hardwick (2019) - Perhaps Joe Duran, who sounds as if he has a slight NM accent, is the interviewee in Albuquerque.
Split Estate (2009) - Albuquerque has only a peripheral role in this documentary - folks at KNME TV-5 had a hand in the film. Colorado is the primary center of gravity, and northwestern New Mexico.
Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie (1995 Video) - Very interesting movie about U.S. nuclear testing. NM sites include: Los Alamos, Trinity Site, the pre-Trinity 100 Ton Test site, the rocket sled test, and a view of Sandia Base, ABQ (35.052620°, -106.550355°)
Two Days in April (2007) - There are two sites in the film from Roswell: Immanuel Church of God in Christ, 1002 North Union Ave., and Hampton Inn & Suites Roswell, 3607 N Main St. There is archival footage of Moore playing for UNM, probably in UNM's Football Arena, but otherwise, there seem to be no Albuquerque filming locations.
Wander (2020) - This movie is filmed in southern New Mexico, particularly in Carrizozo.  It is possible that some sets are in Albuquerque.  Nevertheless, I cover this film.



Other Movies

Ace in the Hole (1951)

AKA: The Big Carnival, Thirty, The Human Interest Story (working title). Drama involving newspaperman Kirk Douglas using the story of a man trapped within the cave-in of some Indian ruins to regain his career. Directed by Billy Wilder. Filming locations in Albuquerque, Laguna Pueblo, and landscapes around New Mexico, with bulk of film shot near Gallup.

http://www.themoviedistrict.com/ace-in-the-hole/

From the link above, the Albuquerque Sun-Bulletin is shown to actually located at Pacific Avenue & Market Street, Los Angeles, California, United States

Minosa’s Indian Curios / The cliff
The old U.S. 66 (near the border leading to Arizona), near Gallup, NM, at about (35.398341°, -109.019957°)

Chuck drives to the church. San Jose Mission, Laguna, New Mexico, United States

I could not establish any locations in the Albuquerque area.



Addicted to Porn: Chasing the Cardboard Butterfly (2017)

The only Albuquerque scenes in this film are connected with the interview with David Ley, an Albuquerque authority on sexual disorders. Thanks are given in the credits to KNME-TV, but where the interview was done is quite unclear.



After Tiller (2013)

This movie is filmed in several locations - Nebraska, Maryland - as well as in Albuquerque, principally at Southwestern Women's Options, 522 Lomas Blvd NE. There are various incidental views of the city, including two I recognize: The rooftop of Total Community Care, 904-A Las Lomas Rd. NE, and the bus stop, about 5350 Central Ave. SE, near the Trade Winds.


Alex Reymundo Hick-Spanic

https://www.amazon.com/Alex-Reymundo-Hick-Spanic/dp/B00ID34FK2?tag=mobilea0a81e1-20

I did not watch this film, but readily accept imdb's assertion that it was filmed at the national Hispanic Cultural Center.



American Drug War: The Last White Hope (2007)

Gary Johnson interview site looks like it's near the base of the tram, but apart from that, Albuquerque-area locations are hard to determine.



Army of the Dead (2008)

Most locations I wasn't able to determine: the Cave, the Cliffs, the Old Radio Tower. The movie spends much of its time at the end of Rio Rancho, in the area where the 2004 movie "Dreamland" was filmed. I knew this area in high school. Nothing makes me sadder than seeing these beautiful lands getting ripped up by vehicles, and that's what they spend much of the movie doing.

Three sites seemed determinable: Unser Blvd. NE, Rio Rancho (35.356896°, -106.665854°); Near Dreamland Area - Guesstimate (35.242141°, -106.863067°); Overlook (35.245667°, -106.870925°).



The Ballad of Buster Scruggs (2018)

A series of views at the start highlight the Southwest. First scene looks like Monument Valley. Next scene looks like Chimney Rock near Abiquiu Ghost Ranch. I agree with imdb regarding the third scene: Diablo Canyon, near Santa Fe.

Based on views of the mountains in the background, the Near Algodones exterior is somewhere south of Cerro Pelon Ranch, along Highway 41.



Beyond the Blackboard (2011)

AKA: Let Them Shine. Hallmark Hall of Fame drama based upon a true story and the book Nobody Don't Love Nobody by Stacey Bess. A young teacher learns to teach homeless children with meager resources. Starring Emily VanCamp, Steve Talley, Treat Williams, Colin Baiocchi, Luce Rains, Isabella Acres, Lora Cunningham, and Judy Herrera. Filmed around Albuquerque.

Filmed in Albuquerque - set in Salt Lake City. Views of Salt Lake City used.

Could not determine location of Home. School offices might be the former school on 7th St. used in other movies, but uncertain. Recognized locations: Railyards, Roosevelt Park, and Gibson Hospital.



Big Sky (2015)

Drama thriller. An agoraphobic traveling to a desert treatment center must address her condition to fight off assailants. Starring Kyra Sedgwick, Bella Thorne, Frank Grillo, Aaron Tveit, Francois Arnaud, and Ricky Tollman. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Placitas, and Zia Pueblo.


Very unusual film. I had real troubles finding filming locations. It's clear my understanding of the Placitas area is sadly lacking. The only location I felt strongly enough about was the Fork in the Road, out on Pajarito Mesa (34.997542°, -106.859882°).



Bombardier (1943)

Kirtland AFB has changed utterly since World War II, so it's very difficult to know precisely where the scenes of the movie were filmed.



The Book of Eli (2010)

Post-apocalyptic film about a drifter (Denzel Washington) making his way across the country through harsh and hostile conditions to protect a sacred book. Also starring Gary Oldman, Mila Kunis, Ray Stevenson and Jennifer Beals. Filming locations: Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Carrizozo, Cochiti Pueblo, Elephant Butte Dam, Santa Fe (State Penitentiary), Santo Domingo Pueblo, White Sands.

Interesting and compelling film, apparently filmed mostly near Carrizozo, but I did not recognize any Albuquerque-area filming locations.



The Brotherhood of Satan (1971)

Numerous scenes were filmed in and near Hillsboro, NM - Downtown Hillsboro (32.920375°, -107.567623°); 2nd St. & Highway 152 (Sheriff's Office & Riot); Elenore St. & 2nd, where the car turns and where the ruins are. Nevertheless, there is no outward indication that this movie was filmed in the Albuquerque area.



Buffalo Girls (1995)

This TV Mini-Series featured scenes filmed in New Mexico, and also in England. I didn't watch it in detail, but it is clear from the horizon that it was filmed at the Cerro Pelon Ranch.



Chicks, Man (2000)

Entertaining movie, but I can't figure out these places - a total loss.



Child of the Earth (2014)

Much of time northwest of Albuquerque, somewhere in the Jemez Mountains. The Big Chief gas station near Zia makes a cameo appearance. I was really surprised by the appearance of what may very well have been Alabaster Cave (Ojo del Diablo), as well as the adjacent streambed under the Highway 550 bridge, but can't fully confirm it. Many happy hours spent up there in high school.



Cliffs of Freedom (2019)

I'm curious where this movie was filmed. I suspected they were filming at the Bonanza Creek Ranch (listed in credits). I also thought they were somewhere near Bandelier (Puye Cliffs is listed in credits). St. Catherine's Indian School in Santa Fe is listed in credits (but I don't know if the various handsome stone buildings of the village are there, or somewhere controlled by them). The only location I recognized for sure were the white stone pillars on the Zia Reservation south of San Ysidro - the Cliffs of Freedom at the end of the movie: (35.506079°, -106.814335°). And I wondered, who played General Kolokotronis? (Not listed in credits.)


Clockers (1995)

Most of the movie is - Brooklyn? In any event, the Southwest doesn't show up till the end. The lead character rides into the Southwest on a train. Looks like west of Albuquerque - out near Grants, Gallup, or somewhere in between.



The Comedy Jesus Show (2009)

Filmed at the Revolutions Theatre and Film Festival, January 2008, perhaps at the Tricklock Theatre Company performance space (The Box), at 110 Gold Avenue SW (but I see no sign of the seating risers that are currently there). Since I'm unsure of location, I don't list it.



Cowboys & Aliens (2011)

Science Fiction Action Western. Starring: Daniel Craig, Olivia Wilde, Harrison Ford, Noah Ringer, Sam Rockwell, Paul Dano, Ana de la Reguera, Clancy Brown, and Keith Carradine. Filming locations: Abiquiu Lake (Abiquiu), Bonanza Creek Ranch, Diablo Canyon (Santa Fe), Ghost Ranch (Abiquiu), Plaza Blanca (Abiquiu), San Cristobal Ranch (Galisteo), Santa Ana Pueblo, Zia Pueblo.

I recognized very little from this movie (just too far outside my zone). Pedernal, Pinnacles (maybe just west of Ghost Ranch), Ghost Ranch area, Abiquiu Lake, and the Bonanza Creek Ranch.



Dark Country (2007 production, 2009 release)

Thriller about a couple whose honeymoon trip turns hellish after they find a body along the road. Starring Thomas Jane, Ron Perlman, Lauren German, Chris Browning, Con Schell, Rene Mousseux, Aynn Kirby, Jonathan Lund, Nikki Kelly. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Cerrillos, Cochiti Pueblo (Cochiti Lake), Rio Rancho, Santa Ana Pueblo, Santo Domingo Pueblo, Zia Pueblo


The Big Chief Trading Post near Zia Pueblo is easily-recognized in the film. There is a momentary appearance of a square underpass (maybe University Blvd. SE at Los Picaros Rd., in Tijeras Arroyo), and the police chase in the wash looks like it could be in Tijeras Arroyo (the dimensions are about right), but no specific determinations can be determined from the screen alone. The rest area - I don't know where that is.


Big Chief Trading Post, NM State Highway 44, just east of the main turnoff to Zia Pueblo. (35.494607ø, -106.728325ø)


Big Chief Trading Post, NM State Highway 44, just east of the main turnoff to Zia Pueblo.




Dead Billy (2016)

Large parts of this movie are filmed in Colorado. For example, the opening sequence is apparently filmed in Colorado Springs (e.g., Courtesy Motors, 2921 E Platte Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80909). Other scenes are filmed in Pueblo (e.g., 500 E. Abriendo Avenue, Pueblo, CO).

The extensive scene under the overpass was filmed in Albuquerque (e.g., Marquette & Commercial). The Leaflet refers to 407 Central Ave., which is the address of Anodyne Bar, but it's unclear to me that was the bar used in the standup comedy scene. The Comedy Night marquee is at the YDI on 1st Street - 516 1st St NW.



Dead Man's Burden (2012)

I looked at this film because Albuquerque is listed as a filming location on imdb.com, plus the Mule Creek and Gila areas, but as far as I can tell, the entire movie is filmed in the Ghost Ranch area near Abiquiu. There's Pedernal, so Abiquiu, right? Thinking, for the house: (36.309528°, -106.406936°).

But what a glorious western Dead Man's Burden is! BEAUTIFUL cinematography!



Death Hunt (1981)

According to the end credits, the portion of this movie filmed in New Mexico's Cibola National Forest is confined to the Main Title. I did not recognize any New Mexico scenes.



Death Rink (2019)

This movie was filmed entirely in, and just outside, Skate-O-Mania (formerly Roller King), 400 Paisano St. NE. Apparently "Stranger Things" has been filming there too.



Death Valley (2004)

It's clear that the filming sites are on Zia land, not in the Sandia Mountains. Nevertheless, I wasn't able to figure out where the 'Death Valley' is. The only clear location is the Big Chief Gas Station.



DMT: The Spirit Molecule (2010)

Interviews with Rick Strassman and others at UNM. Unclear where the Albuquerque interviews were conducted, but presumably most were conducted at UNM Health Sciences Center. In credits, Santa Fe is also listed as a filming location.





The Donor Conspiracy (2007)

I had a very hard time with locations in this film. The only location I successfully got from watching was Central Ave. in front of Maisel's, and continuing east. Some locations may likely be those listed in the Thanks in the end credits. Such Thanks include: CNM, Reihani's Food Mart (Circle R, 3609 Comanche Rd NE *), College of Santa Fe, Good Sheppard Homeless Shelter, Town Lodge Motel (4101 Central Ave NE *), Petroleum Club (500 Marquette Ave. NW *), Sherwin Williams Paint Co. (816 1st St NW), ZEA's Bar and Restaurant (4800 Montgomery Blvd. NE *). Locations with asterisks, the ones I feel most-comfortable about, will be entered on my main Albuquerque map.



The Dry Land (2010)

Drama. A returned soldier struggles with PTSD. Set in Texas with some filming there; NM locations include Albuquerque, Edgewood, Moriarty, Stanley, and Tijeras. Starring America Ferrera, Ethan Suplee, Wilmer Valderrama, Melissa Leo, Jason Ritter, June Diane Raphael, Ana Claudia Talancón, Benito Martinez, Evan Jones.


I recognize Edgewood as a primary filming location (mobile home scenes), and the Tijeras Canyon driving scene, but I don't recognize any specific place. The few urban locations in the movie do not look like Albuquerque(!) I am not familiar enough with Moriarty or Stanley to recognize them.



Due Date (2010)

Unlikely-buddy road comedy about a man who hitchhikes across the country to be present when his child is born. Starring Robert Downey Jr., Zach Galifianakis, Jamie Fox, Alan Arkin, Juliette Lewis, Danny McBride, Michelle Monaghan, Matt Walsh, Rhonda Griffis, RZA, James Martin Kelly, Joseph Harold, Jon Gould, Paul Reneteria, Robert Anthony Brass, Cesar Aguirre, Jeremy Ambler, Tymberlee Hill, Barry Hopkins, John Macho, Jeanette Stout, Mimi Kennedy. Filmed across the country. New Mexico filming locations: lbuquerque, Albuquerque Studios, Las Cruces, Las Vegas, Santa Fe.

Several NM filming locations along freeways seem to be in this movie, but I couldn't make any identifications.



End of the Road (II) (2022)

This movie touches New Mexico - the locations where the NM crosses I-40, at the AZ boundary and the TX boundary at Glenrio are clearly seen. Some of the rest areas look like NM, but no other locations seem to fit. There appears to be no connection to the Albuquerque area.  Quite a few scenes are in Needles, CA, and points west. Determined locations are: 

  • American Smokehouse Stadium, 5580 IN-62, Jeffersonville, IN, 47130 (38.356921°, -85.699707°);
  • Probably Deam Lake State Recreation Area in Indiana;
  • Tucumcari city limits sign;
  • Econolodge, 625 W. Broadway St., Needles, CA;
  • Duke Watkins Park in Needles, CA. (A very nice symbolic use of 'End of the Road'! at Duke Watkins Park.);
  • Next Services 55 miles sign - a famous location, EB on I-40, at Ludlow, CA (34.724905°, -116.172243°)


Felon (2008)

Prison drama; a family man endures time in jail after killing an intruder in his home. Starring Val Kilmer, Stephen Dorff, Harold Perrineau, Sam Shepard, Nick Chinlund, Marisol Nichols, and Anne Archer. Filming locations: Old Main Penitentiary Set (Santa Fe), Rio Rancho, Santa Fe.

The only location I could clearly identify was that of the State Penitentiary in Santa Fe.



5th World (2005)

There are a number of very pretty views of the Navajo Reservation in this movie, whether in Arizona or NM, but I'm not familiar with most of the terrain. I recognize a very distant view of Cabezon. The band is likely in Albuquerque. There is a takeout menu for 2000 Vietnam Restaurant, which is in Albuquerque. There are various views of Shiprock and the San Juan River, but I did not attempt to establish those locations.



Five Days From Home (1978)

Two locations are determined pretty easily - View of Presbyterian Hospital & I-25 SB (35.080825°, -106.637190°), and similarly (35.077055°, -106.638497°). Other locations - gas station (looks like Broadway Blvd. SE) and Hotel/Restaurant - are unclear. Credits give thanks to Carson National Forest. Imdb also lists Espanola, Santa Fe, and Las Vegas, NM, as filming locations.



Gambit (2012)

Comedy crime caper. An art expert enlists a rodeo queen to help him sell a fake Monet to embarrass his boss. Starring Cameron Diaz, Alan Rickman, Stanley Tucci, Colin Firth, Cloris Leachman, Anna Skellern, and Tom Courtenay. Filmed in the UK and New Mexico. New Mexico filming locations: Albuquerque, Bingham (driving scene), Galisteo, Laguna Pueblo, Los Lunas, Rio Rancho.


I recognized two sites: Gas Station - Maybelle's Diner (from a 1992 movie), aka Wild Horse Mesa Bar, plus the Bar (Wild Pony).

Three sites remain unclear: Rodeo, Office, and Trailer - To'hajiilee?


Wild Pony Bar, 4555 Highway 314 SW, Los Lunas, NM 87031.













Ghosts of Mars (2001)

AKA: John Carpenter's Ghosts of Mars. Science fiction / horror film involving a mining town on Mars besieged by people possessed by ancient Martian spirits. Production offices and interior studios were in Rio Rancho, with the bulk of the filming at a set on Zia Pueblo land at the gypsum mine south of San Ysidro. The production involved spraying 40 acres of the open-pit mine with a vegetable-based red dye to simulate the red sands and rocks of Mars; the built set was largely destroyed by explosions for the final scenes of the film. Stars Natasha Henstridge, Ice Cube, Clea Duvall, Jason Statham, Joanna Cassidy, and Pam Grier.

Given the fantastical nature of the set, I couldn't confirm any filming locations, even the legendary gypsum mine site.



The Glass Castle (2017)

Biographical Family Drama, based upon the book by Jeanette Walls. Starring Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, Naomi Watt. Filming locations: To'hajiillee and Laguna Pueblo tribal lands.

One site is clear: Title - Road into To'hajiilee - (35.008121°, -107.097653°), but the Turnoff is unresolved, as well as: Fake Joshua Trees at To'hajiilee! - Mesa - Getting The Demon



The Goldfinch (2019)

Drama about a boy taken in by a family after his mother is killed in a bombing at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Based on the novel of the same name by Donna Tartt. Starring Ansel Elgort, Nicole Kidman. Filming around Albuquerque.

I didn't recognize Boris' house, but Potter's dad's house appears to be at Rainspot St. and Sandmark Rd. NW (35.183216°, -106.742141°). I also recognized Atrisco Vista High School.



Gyrus (2019)

Various views in this film (tallish building at Eastridge and Indian School; view of Vetran's Hospital and Sandia base, etc.) suggest a viewpoint somewhere in Four Hills, but an exact location I couldn't determine. Some interesting minor views (a house, three drainage pipes in a concrete arroyo) are intriguing. The most identifiable feature is the flood-control drainage structure in Embudo Canyon (35.097563°, -106.475191°).



The Half-Life of Genius Physicist Raemer Schreiber (2017)

There are many views here of Los Alamos, but given my lack of familiarity with the facilities there, I can't mark them down. Interestingly, there don't seem to be any Albuquerque locations here. Four sites of particular interest in nuclear history are present, though: SW corner of Santa Fe Plaza; 109 E. Palace Ave., Santa Fe; Trinity Site; and the McDonald Ranch House.



How We Met (2016)

I stopped watch the film in great detail once I realized the majority of the movie was filmed in Flagstaff, AZ. The credits indicate Albuquerque is a filming location, probably Lozoya Studios, 1205 Broadway Blvd SE, but which scenes were filmed there, I can't tell. The movie was made in association with The Knights Young Productions & Lozoya Studios, so the studios might be more producer than location. Flagstaff locations include: Vino Loco, 22 E. Birch Ave. Suite 1, Flagstaff, AZ, and Speedi Car Wash & Fuel, 915 S Milton Rd., Flagstaff, AZ. Thanks given in credits to: Alpine Pizza, Collin's Irish Pub, Northern Pines, Speedi's Car Wash, Horseman's Lodge, McMullin's Pub, Lozoya Studios, Vino Loco, (all Flagstaff addresses except maybe McMullin's Pub, and Lozoya Studios in ABQ), ASU School of Film, Dance, and Theatre.



The Hucksters (1947)

Albuquerque Train Station is evident, but no other New Mexico sites.



Human Desire (1954)

There's apparently an error in imdb.com's data. None of the station-arrival scenes are of Albuquerque.



In a Valley of Violence (2015)

Western starring Ethan Hawke, John Travolta and Taisa Farmiga. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Galisteo, Jemez Springs, Placitas, Santa Fe.

Cerro Pelon Ranch appears to be the town of Denton. Father's Ranch is in the Valle Grande Caldera (35.838944°, -106.494335°)



Independence Day: Resurgence (2016)

Sequel to Independence Day; the alien invaders return. Starring Liam Hemsworth, Charlotte Gainsbourg, Jeff Goldblum, Vivica A. Fox, Bill Pullman, Judd Hirsch. Scenes filmed around Albuquerque.

Apart from a background displaying the Sandia and Manzano Mountains, I couldn't identify any Albuquerque-area filming locations.



Jerome's Razor (2002)

Apart from Sandia Crest and the base of the tramway, I had trouble focusing on the other sites, principally various trails in the La Luz area of the west side of the Sandia Mountains.



Klown Kamp Massacre (2008)

Horror comedy. A humiliated clown returns for revenge. Starring Ross Kelly, Ashley Bryce, Isaac Kappy, Chris Payne, Jared Herholtz, Dan Gutierrez, Tara Hahn, Mathew Sanford, Sandor Gattyn, and Michael Miller. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Corrales, La Jara.

The advertisement location looked like Corrales, but exact location unknown. The Store/Gas Station location remains unknown to me. The Bonzo ranch was in La Jara, with the gate to Ranch at (36.103092°, -106.939353°). The old Haunted Camp is on the same property - (36.101736°, -106.944856°). Special Thanks in the movie were given to: The Gutierrez Ranch, Film Technician's Training Program at CNM, Tricklock Theater Company, The Magic and Juggling Shop.



Learning Curve (1990)

Most of the movie was apparently filmed in Sacramento and Lodi, CA. The last motorcycle race, however, was held at the NM State Fair Grounds.



The Lengths (2014)

There are some sites here I can't puzzle out. The trip starts in Jacksonville, FL (Primi Piaatti Italian Cuisine, 2722 Park St, Jacksonville, FL 32205). The party, parked van, and picnic tables are likely in New Mexico. The only location I know more or less is the remote dirt road - Does she know you're coming? & Looking for green glass & Fuck you! & Closing - Approximately (34.701886°, -106.682084°), and where dirt road intersects paved road.



Letters to Our Daughters (2010)

Locations were hard to puzzle out here. I got only three locations - an old restaurant: Four & Twenty Blackbirds, 620 Old Santa Fe Trl, Santa Fe NM - Old Town Plaza and Mt. Calvary Cemetery in Albuquerque.





The Life After Death Project 2: Personal Encounters (2013 Video)

http://www.lifeafterdeathproject.com/the-sequel
This film consists largely of a series of interviews with people in their own homes, including homes in Albuquerque. Still, two locations stand out: The Laguna Vista Saloon in Eagles Nest, NM, and The St. James Hotel in Cimarron, NM.



The Lone Ranger (2013)

Starring Armie Hammer and Johnny Depp. Shot on locations around New Mexico including Abiquiu, Albuquerque, Angel Fire, Cimarron Canyon State Park, Flying Horse Ranch near Eagle Nest, the Gilman Tunnels, Pajarito Ski Area, Saddleback Ranch near Lamy, San Cristobal Ranch near Galisteo, Santa Clara Pueblo, Shiprock, Ute Creek Ranch near Ute Park, and the Valles Caldera.

The only sites I could easily identify in this movie were associated with Shiprock: On the Hogback - very approximate location ( 36.669584°, -108.835559°). Also, it's possible to identify locations adjacent to the Hogback.



The Long Ride Home: Run for the Wall (2007 Video)

This documentary features various scenes on I-40 from Needles to Albuquerque, but remarkably few bits from Albuquerque itself - close to none. In New Mexico, three sites stand out: Red Rock Park near Gallup; Route 66 Casino parking lot at the Rio Puerco; and Raton, NM - Rio Grande Ave. & S. 2nd St.



Maze Runner: The Scorch Trials (2015)

Science fiction thriller; part of the Maze Runner series. Starring Dylan O'Brien, Ki Hong Lee and Kaya Scodelario. Filming locations around Albuquerque.

I recognize the Rail Yards and the Gilman Tunnels. I do not recognize the camp site. Apart from those locations, I do not recognize the many industrial-looking interiors.



Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992)

According to imdb, 522 Lomas Blvd. NE, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA is a filming location, as well as locations in Las Vegas, NM. I don't think that's correct, though. Or at least the locations weren't easy to spot.



The Men Who Stare at Goats (2009)

Comedic/absurdist film about a parapsychology branch of the military, based on the book of the same name by Jon Ronson. Starring George Clooney, Ewan McGregor, Kevin Spacey, Jeff Bridges, Robert Patrick. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Roswell (New Mexico Military Institute), White Sands, Willard, Zia Pueblo.

I couldn't identify any Albuquerque-area filming locations.



The Miller Prediction (2016)

If I understand this movie correctly, The Miller Prediction, often considered a failed American evangelical prediction of the Second Coming in 1844, was actually a successful prediction about the coming of Bahaullah in Persia. The pilgrims face off against bandits, but instead of being rescued by the cavalry, they are rescued by a fez-wearing representative of the Ottoman Empire. The Millerites went on to found the 7th-Day Adventists. And the Bahais are still with us too. (I guess the Bahais look upon the 7th-Day folks as related fellow religionists, which comes as a surprise to me.) And the drama is staged in NM, which doesn't look the least bit like the Middle East. I can hear Western Meadowlarks singing on the soundtrack. The coyote looks like a coyote, and not a jackal. Strangest damn movie ever.

I used to know a Bahai when I lived in Tucson. Peaceful religion. The world needs more Bahais.

Most of the scenes in this movie were filmed in a relatively-limited space: General area (35.594464°, -106.870689°); Penasco Tank building (35.593685°, -106.874034°); Water in stream - general area - (35.591093°, -106.864875°); and More Bandits (35.588981°, -106.879236°).



Ministry: Sphinctour (2002 Video)

On May 9, 1996, Sphinctour passed through the Albuquerque Convention Center. There is no clear indication, however, that any of their concert footage comes from there. Possible, but probably not.



My Friend Irma Goes West (1950)

The only clear Albuquerque site is the Albuquerque train station.



The Natural: The Best There Ever Was (2016)

I see no indication this movie was filmed in Albuquerque.



New Eden (1994)

New Eden, filmed in 1994 but available on YouTube only in February, 2020, bops between White Sands and White Mesa. They are all over White Mesa, but exact locations are hard to determine. I do estimate, though, that they got very close to this location: (35.531215°, -106.812210°)





New Mexico (1951)

Parts of the movie were filmed near Gallup, but the exact locations are uncertain to me. For the moment, I will ignore these locations. Nevertheless, there seem to be no Albuquerque locations in this film.



Outlaws and Angels (2016)

I did not investigate this movie in any detail, except to note that much of it was filmed in the immediate vicinity of the Eaves Western Set.



The Price of the American Dream II (2008)

It was difficult to determine locations for this movie, dominated as it was by interior scenes and dark exteriors. The only location I determined with assurance was for a market in Sandia Park - (35.163938°, -106.348322°) - where the kid shot. Special Thanks in the movie were given to Sandia Park Enterprise - Turquoise Trail Market; Molly's Bar; and Cedar Point Grille.



Project Legion (2022)

Much of the movie is filmed in just a few interiors, whose location I don't know.  The start of the movie (Carnage) appears to be filmed at Saints and Sinners, 503 S. Riverside Dr., Española, NM.  The Parking Garage is doubtlessly in Albuquerque (but not sure where).  The scene where zombies attack the dumpster is in the alley adjacent to the Copper Avenue Parking Garage, off of 5th Street.  The few views outside the motel that apparently served for Room 213 show a direct view of the volcanoes on the West Mesa.  I'm thinking maybe Motel One, 2001 Candelaria Rd NE, which seems to be a favorite go-to place for moviemakers.



The Resident (2011)

AKA: Invasion of Privacy. Thriller. A young woman has an uneasy relationship with her new landlord. Starring Hilary Swank, Jeffrey Dean Morgan, Lee Pace, Christopher Lee. Filmed in Albuquerque.

I scanned this film, but no locations external to the studio in the Albuquerque area.



Return to Hardwick (2019)

Albuquerque is one of eight credited interview locations, but it's unclear where the locations are. Perhaps Joe Duran, who sounds as if he has a slight NM accent, is the interviewee in Albuquerque.



The Revolution (2006)

Apparently filmed in Las Vegas, Albuquerque, and a few other places. Had trouble with most Albuquerque locations. Dennis Chaves Blvd. seems clear (35.024454°, -106.767899°). Balloon Fiesta Park may be there, but not certain. Intersection of Morris & Montgomery is mentioned, but can't confirm.



The Righteous and the Wicked (2011)

Western about strife within a gang of outlaws. Starring Craig Myers, Justin Tade, Jeremy Owen, Billy Garberina, Phil Duran, Alexander Thorne, A.J. Rome. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch, Makarios Ranch (Cerrillos).

I seemed to recognize Bonanza Creek Movie Ranch. Beyond that, not much.



The Roswell Crash: Startling New Evidence (2002 TV Movie)

There are several Roswell sites in this film - View of St. Andrew's Episcopal Church, W. 5th & N. Pennsylvania; View of 3rd & Main, looking south; Cowtown Boot Co./ Churchlike Bldg/Wing Barber Shop; Int'l UFO Museum/Plains Theater - but despite references, there is only one clear site in Albuquerque: University at Lomas Blvd., with Gov. Bill Richardson.



Santee (1973)

Credits at the start of the film list Santa Fe, NM, as the filming location. At least at the start of the film, the landscape resembles that around the Cerro Pelon Ranch. Other locations are certain to be in the hills and mesas out there.



Short Grass (1950)

Western crime drama. A drifter gets involved in a crime caper in New Mexico Territory just as the railroad is arriving. Starring : Rod Cameron, Cathy Downs, Johnny Mack Brown, Raymond Walburn, Alan Hale Jr., Morris Ankrum, and Jonathan Hale. Filmed around Albuquerque.

The country looks like New Mexico, but I don't recognize much of the terrain. There is one interesting view, however - a Panoramic view that resembles the Jemez Valley as seen from Highway 4, about here: (35.579106°, -106.751516°). It could be that the movie was filmed in the Jemez Mountains.



Sidewinder 1 (1977)

This film about off-road motorcycle riding focuses on southeast Albuquerque, particularly Tijeras Arroyo. Nevertheless, I spent very little time on it, as I hate off-road motorcycle riding, particularly in and around Tijeras Arroyo. One of these days, I may take more time with it.



Silent Thunder, aka Revenge on the Highway (1992)

I need to spend more time with this movie. It's likely that the highway scenes are out at Laguna Pueblo, but exactly where is unclear.



Silkwood (1983)

Two scenes in the movie are clearly located in the Albuquerque Sunport. The Los Alamos scenes could have been filmed anywhere, so I can't claim them without more information.



Skyjacked (1972)

Thriller starring Charlton Heston, Yvette Mimieux, James Brolin, Claude Akins, Jeanne Crain, Susan Dey, Rosey Grier, Mariette Hartley, Walter Pidgeon, Ken Swofford, Leslie Uggams, Mike Henry, John Hillerman. Scenes filmed around Albuquerque.

It's clear that the Military Ceremony Dream Sequences in this excellent movie were filmed in Albuquerque, but it's very unclear where the scenes were filmed.



Slacker Uprising (2007)

Various cities are represented in Michael Moore's movie covering his tour prior to the 2004 election. Two cities, in particular, I note: ABQ - The Pit, and TUC - McKale Center.



The Spanish Room (2010)

Documentary about Yjastros: The American Flamenco Repertory Company, based out of the National Institute of Flamenco in Albuquerque. Written and directed by Christopher Michael Roybal; featuring dancers and musicians from the troupe.

Interestingly, it wasn't clear to me whether they used the Flamenco studio on Gold Avenue, so I don't include it. Apart from interview sites, they used the Albuquerque Journal Theater at the National Hispanic Cultural Center, plus Rodey Theater at UNM.



The Spirit (2008)

Action Drama, based upon the comic book series by Will Eisner. Dark fantasy about a detective returned from the dead to right wrongs. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Samuel L. Jackson, Eva Mendes, Paz Vega, Jaime King, Gabriel Macht, Sarah Paulson, Stana Katic. Filmed entirely at Albuquerque Studios, with computer-generated scenery.

There are no identifiable locations in this film.



Split Estate (2009)

Documentary about petroleum drilling on land whose owners do not control the mineral rights. Narrated by Ali MacGraw. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Aztec, Bloomfield, Farmington, Santa Fe, Valle Vidal (Carson Nat’l. Forest).

Albuquerque has only a peripheral role in this documentary - folks at KNME TV-5 had a hand in the film. Colorado is the primary center of gravity, and northwestern New Mexico. The only film location I determined was that of the View of Piedra Vista High School near Farmington, NM (36.780565°, -108.162804°).



The Stink of Flesh (2005 Video)

Drama/romance revolving around a sign language instructor and a chimpanzee. Starring Karen Allen, Armand Assante, Holly Hunter, Richard Libertini, Josh Mostel, and Dr. Joyce Brothers. Filmed around Albuquerque.

According to imdb, filming locations are: Albuquerque, Carnuel, Placitas, and Tijeras, New Mexico.

Had trouble with locations for most of the movie. Two brief snippets are clear: Run, Jack, Run - NE corner of Gold & 2nd, looking SW; and Running - 1st St. between Stover and Iron.


First safe house - Carnuel (35.063488°, -106.461699°).


Final house out near Placitas somewhere.



The Story of The Church of Beethoven (2009)

Apparently the entire movie was filmed on Sunday, June 7, 2009 at the Kosmos at Factory on 5th. Perhaps at the factory part, and not the separate building for Kosmos.

The Kosmos Restaurant, 1715 5th St NW, Albuquerque, NM 87102



Taming the Wild West: The Legend of Jedediah Smith (2005)

The encounters with the Arikara and the Mojave look like they were filmed along the banks of the Rio Grande River, in the vicinity of the Baca Ranch/Santa Ana Pueblo/San Felipe Pueblo (you can see the Sandia Mountains in the background). Still, exact loactions are unclear.





Those Who Wish Me Dead (2021)

Imdb.com lists Santa Clara Pueblo and Rio Arriba County as principal filming locations.  I also suspect Valle Grande is used as well, especially in the ambush scenes.  I wasn't able to determine specific locations, except for the airport scene at Double Eagle Airport, and the TA Truck Stop in Moriarty (35.008368°, -106.067705°).



Transformers: The Movie (2007)

Science Fiction Action. Live-action adaptation of the toy franchise about alien robots bringing their war to Earth. Starring Josh Duhamel, Michael Clarke Duncan, Kevin Dunn, Megan Fox, Tyrese Gibson, Shia LaBeouf, Bernie Mac, Amaury Nolasco, John Robinson. NM filming locations: Alamogordo, Holloman AFB (Alamogordo), Albuquerque, Kirtland AFB, (Albuquerque), La Luz, Shiprock, Very Large Array National Radio Astronomy Observatory, White Sands Missile Range.

https://www.movie-locations.com/movies/t/Transformers.php
https://www.seeing-stars.com/Locations/Transformers1.shtml

In my quick scan, I noted the Rail Yards, but no other Albuquerque sites (despite the references above to Kirtland AFB, La Luz, and even the VLA). Shiprock and White Sands are noted, though.



Trinity and Beyond: The Atomic Bomb Movie (1995 Video)

Very interesting movie about U.S. nuclear testing. Several NM locations. I'm uncertain about the Los Alamos sites like the Main Gate, so I don't include them here. NM sites include: Trinity Site, the pre-Trinity 100 Ton Test site, the rocket sled test, and a view of Sandia Base, ABQ (35.052620°, -106.550355°).



Twelve Strong (2015)

AKA: Horse Soldiers. War drama, based on the book by Doug Stanton. A CIA team works in Afghanistan after the 9/11 attacks. Starring Chris Hemsworth, Elsa Pataky, Michael Shannon. Filming locations: Alamogordo, Albuquerque, Orogrande, Socorro.

Portions of this film were filmed in the Socorro area, and I was hoping to tease them out, but have not succeeded as yet.



21 Grams (2003)

Crime Drama. An accident brings together a group of very different people. Starring Sean Penn, Benicio Del Torro, Naomi Watts, Clea DuVall, Danny Huston, Marc Musso, David Chattam. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Grants, Milan, Moriarty, Zia Pueblo.

https://www.movie-locations.com/movies/0/21-Grams.php

This movie contains a real odd mix of Memphis, TN, filming locations, together with New Mexico filming locations. In the synopsis and link above, I can confirm the Leisure Lodge address, and the Earnestine's location, located directly across from the El Rey Theater in Albuquerque, but I didn't see the Milan, NM, police station in my scan, and can't confirm the Zia Pueblo scrub site, nor the NM Industrial zone location.

Leisure Lodge, 1204 E Santa Fe Ave, Grants, NM 87020


Earnestine's, Setup up directly across from El Rey Theater.




Two Days in April (2007)

This movie follows four athletes vying for the NFL draft pick. The New Mexico athlete, DonTrell Moore, is from Roswell, and there are two sites in the film from there: Immanuel Church of God in Christ, 1002 North Union Ave., and Hampton Inn & Suites Roswell, 3607 N Main St. There is archival footage of Moore playing for UNM, probably in UNM's Football Arena, but otherwise, there seem to be no Albuquerque filming locations.



Two Guns (2013)

AKA: 2 Guns. DEA agent Bobby Trench and U.S. naval intelligence officer Marcus Stigman are working undercover for a narcotics business. After a distorted attempt to infiltrate the drug cartel, they soon learn the secret of their dubious affiliation. Starring Denzel Washington, Mark Wahlberg, Paula Patton, Bill Paxton, and Fred Ward. Filming locations in Abiquiu, Albuquerque, Estancia, Rio Rancho, San Cristobal Ranch (Galisteo), Santa Fe, Zia Pueblo.

Many scenes in this movie were filmed in the New Orleans area. For example, the Aloha Motel is located at 3300 Airline Dr., Metairie, LA (Room 42). A number of scenes were filmed in New Mexico, but the scenes frustrated my initial efforts to determine their locations. The only two scenes I could clearly determine were:

Border crossing - Lead Avenue Overpass - (35.080926°, -106.647291°)
Sandia Casino, near (35.203986°, -106.567818°)

I have vague ideas about some of the other scenes:

Road heading west, somewhere on south side of Estancia
Mesa.... Looks like Abiquiu country
Rio Rancho back country?
NM chase - MAYBE Zia Pueblo, or Abiquiu, west of Cerrito Blanco
Power lines - Zia Pueblo area? Resembles areas west of Cochiti and Santo Domingo, but are there power lines back there?



Two Men in Town (2018)

AKA: Bill's Law, Enemy Way. Drama. An ex-con who found Allah while in prison buddies with his parole officer. Starring Forest Whitaker, Harvey Keitel, Luis Guzmán, Ellen Burstyn, Brenda Blethyn, Tim Guinee, Matthew Page, and Sarah Minnich. Filming locations: Albuquerque, Belen, Columbus, Deming (Workforce Solutions), Las Cruces (Southern Correction Facility), Los Lunas, Sand Dunes Rest Areas (near Lemitar), Spring Canyon Park (Rockhound State Park).

I had trouble with these filming locations. Several locations in Belen are just out of reach. The only location I successfully determined was:

Gathering for returning Afghan veteran, 842 Desi Loop, Belen, NM (34.646338°, -106.806449°)



Various Albuquerque Punk Movies

Albuquerque punks have been regularly putting out movies about the punk lifestyle:

Bath Salts the Musical (2012)
Dungeon Brigade (2012)
Nazi Apocalypse (2012)
Duke City Wicked (2013)
Gutter Punk Massacre (2014)
Revenge of Bath Salts a Manson Musical (2015)


In general, these movies make for difficult viewing. I don't much like them, and I lack patience for ferreting out filming locations from them. A few locations are evident, however.


In Gutter Punk Massacre (2014) two locations are evident: Harvard & Central, SE & SW corners.


In Duke City Wicked (2013), the Home with the Pentagram is 515 Iron Ave. SE.




Walter White Funeral (2013 Video)

The Walter White Funeral occurred at just one site - Sunset Memorial Park.



Without Reservations (1946)

There are only a handful of Southwestern filming locations here: The train station and airport in La Junta, CO; the Phillips 66 in Raton, NM, currently occupied by the Phil Long Ford Dealership, 223 S 2nd St, Raton, NM 87740; and the railroad underpass on Central Ave. in Albuquerque, NM. The old First National Bank (Sunrise Building) between 2nd and 3rd Sts. looks like it's there, and the Bliss-Garcia Building (for the Hotel and where Lindy's Diner can be found), but that places the Gulf Station inside the Rosenwald Brothers Building, which I think doesn't work. Instead, I'm thinking they might have used a backlot in Southern California somewhere. Thus I'm only using the railroad underpass for a filming location in Albuquerque.



Woman Walks Ahead (2016)

Historical Drama Biography. In the 1890s a female artist travels from Brooklyn to the Dakotas to paint a portrait of Sitting Bull. Starring Michael Greyeyes, Sam Rockwell, Ciaran Hinds, Chaske Spencer, Bill Camp and Jessica Chastain. Filming in Albuquerque, Pecos, and Santa Fe.

I didn't review this movie very carefully, but can tell they filmed at Cerro Pelon Ranch.



Year One (2009)

Adventure/comedy about hapless tribesmen in Biblical times who end up in the city of Sodom. Starring Jack Black, Michael Cera, Olivia Wilde, June Diane Raphael, David Cross, Juno Temple, Oliver Platt, Hank Azaria, Garbriel Sunday, and Vinnie Jones. Filming locations: Abiquiu, Caballo Lake State Park, Ghost Ranch, Sandia Peak (Albuquerque), Santa Fe, White Sands National Monument.

I didn't spend too much time on this one. There are a number of scenes from the Ghost Ranch and White Sands areas, but I'm not very very facile with those places. I note two sites in particular: Sandia Crest - Kiwanis Cabin area; and Caballo Lake State Park - Approximate Location (32.983437°, -107.289199°)


View of Sandia Crest, and city as seen from the Crest.


Thursday, March 21, 2019

The Eye (2008)

Link to map

Last updated: May 30, 2019

Link to Top-Level Menu
Link to Top-Level Map

Horror thriller about a woman whose transplanted eye lets her see into a supernatural world; remake of Gin Gwai (2002). Starring Jessica Alba, Rachael Leigh Cook, Parker Posey, Alessandro Nivola, Chloe Moretz, and Aaron Paul. Filmed around Albuquerque and Isleta Pueblo.

Notes on Individual Scenes
-----------------------------


Left: Bobby Foster Rd. SE, near Q Studios, has been used for highway-related scenes in numerous movies.


General area of the roadblock location.


Road with ruined autos: All along Los Picaros Road, east of University Blvd. SE in Tijeras Arroyo.


San Agustín de la Isleta Mission

Los Llanos - 885 Habitantes sign. South side of Isleta Pueblo (34.905553°, -106.690890°)

La Bruja - Unresolved

Border Crossing - Unresolved

Wednesday, March 20, 2019

Continuing Blog Upgrade II

I've been associating pictures with locations for all Albuquerque-area movies currently-listed in the Atlas of ABQ Filming Locations, and bringing them all up to a certain standard, and I'm more-or-less at that point now. (Posts accessible through sidebar - Atlas of ABQ Filming Locations.)

It's been more laborious effort than expected. Nevertheless, there is a tendency for film projects to use the same suite of filming locations, and it's interesting to see what they like, and significant to see the city the way Location Scouts do.

More films upcoming. I have about twenty so far, but there are a hundred, or more, to look at.

Monday, March 18, 2019

Reading Meaning into Sets, Props, and Filming Locations of “Breaking Bad” and “Better Call Saul”

In recent years, I've become fascinated by the use of architecture, props, and sets to send coded messages in the backgrounds of the television series "Breaking Bad" and "Better Call Saul."

Here is a slightly-updated version of the talk I gave on the subject at the 40th Annual Southwest Popular/American Culture Association Conference in Albuquerque on February 22, 2019. The talk runs nearly 40 minutes, and focuses on Season 4 of "Better Call Saul."

My hope is to encourage discussion and to enhance appreciation for the amazing work of Vince Gilligan and his entire team.