Film Locations that Are Tucked Away in Secluded Parts of the World
Do you watch films and wonder where in the world the scenes were shot? We have the answers with some of the most remote film locations ever.
Although filmmakers have the option of using studio sets, many prefer to hunt down incredible real-life locations from around the world instead. With such a vast array of different types of terrain and landscape available on our planet, it’s possible to find locations to represent anything from hot and arid locations to deep ice.
However, to get the right location for filming, there may somewhat of a trek involved. Here’s a look at five filming locations which are situated in some of the most inaccessible spots.
Alive — Purcell Mountains, Canada
The 1993 film Alive told the true tale of a group of Uruguayan rugby players who were involved in a horrific plane crash in the Andes. Some of the players died either in the crash or the aftermath but 16 survived. Those that didn’t perish were forced to eat the flesh of those who had died in order to survive, an ordeal that is straight out of the script of a horror movie.
Directors chose the Purcell Mountains in Canada to shoot the scenes and spent four months on location filming 10,000 feet above sea level. Those involved in the production say it was the hardest film they have ever made.
On the face of it, the Purcell Mountains don’t sound terribly remote, lying to the southeast of British Columbia. It is possible to have skiing and snowboarding holidays at select ski resorts there where the snow is top-class. However, there are only two mountain lodges and the only way in or out is via the air. If you opt for this skiing holiday, you will feel as if you are in one of the most remote regions of the world, with no way of leaving via the ground. No wonder this mountain range was chosen to represent the desolate Andes plane crash!
Castaway — Monuriki
In Castaway, Tom Hanks plays a character who ends up stranded on a desert island for four years, striking up a friendship with a ball in a bid to alleviate the crushing loneliness. The remote location plays an enormously important part in the film as it was essential to show how far Hanks was from humanity and quite why he was not found for so many years.
Although the island was never named in the film, it was soon identified as Monuriki, a tiny uninhabited island close to Fiji. In real life, Monuriki is just as beautiful as the film portrays with stunning, unspoilt beaches and lush jungle vegetation.
The tranquillity and warm climate of Monuriki has meant that it has become somewhat of a tourist attraction for determined travellers. It is possible to visit the island but you’ll need to travel by boat to reach it, sailing from Denarau Island which is just off the main island in Fiji, Viti Levu.
Lawrence of Arabia — Wadi Rum, Jordan
Wadi Rum is an Arabic term meaning valley, and is sometimes known by its alternative name of Valley of the Moon. It lies in the southern part of Jordan and is cut into the sandstone and granite.
The valley has been inhabited by humans since prehistoric days and if you look closely, you’ll find rock drawings and etchings on the stone walls. Today it’s inhabited by the Bedouin and although it’s not completely inaccessible, you’ll need to have an adventurous spirit to get there.
Most people who travel to Wadi Rum are experienced climbers and trekkers, or tourists looking for a very different type of holiday. It’s possible to reach Wadi Rum by camel safari with a camping retreat provided for overnight accommodation upon arrival. Travellers who want to sleep under the stars in a location which is away from regular civilisation will find the potential of Wadi Rum appealing.
The ethereal beauty of Wadi Rum means it has been a popular spot with film-makers who are looking for something different. The red colour and natural features mean it’s often used for sci-fi films, especially those which are set on the planet Mars.
Lawrence of Arabia was famously filmed here in 1962 but more recently, Prometheus, The Martian and Rogue One also featured some scenes shot in Wadi Rum.
Ice Planet Hoth, Star Wars: Empire Strikes Back — Finse, Norway
Hoth is a planet that features in the Star Wars universe, making its appearance in the Empire Strikes Back. A frozen landscape which is blanketed in snow and ice all year round, Hoth is too cold for intelligent life to develop. Only the lizard-life known as Tauntauns and the sinister Wampas live on the planet.
So where on this world could possibly create this kind of landscape realistically? The answer was Finse, in Norway.
The landscape is frozen and cold and although it is possible to visit, you’ll need to be determined as there are no roads into the town. The only way to get there is via a train journey which involves travelling for 4–5 hours across the desolate snowy landscape in Norway.
James Bond — Skyfall — Glencoe, Scottish Highlands
In the 2012 film, Skyfall, we discover the location of James Bond’s childhood home as he returns reluctantly. When he arrives in the area, he stops at the side of the road to contemplate the landscape and viewers are rewarded with magnificent views of hills, mountains and greenery, with just a tiny winding road carved into the scenery.
This was filmed in Glencoe in the Scottish Highlands, as were parts of Harry Potter. This part of Scotland is remote and desolate, a raw beauty that offers true isolation from the masses. This isn’t a convenient hill perched on the side of a town; you’ll be journeying right into the belly of the highlands to experience the true essence of the Scottish countryside.
Time for a Road Trip?
It might be a bit too ambitious to book a road trip to most of these locations, although it is possible to enjoy a tour to Glencoe. Why not take a look and see what other movie-inspired trips you could take both home and abroad?
