Leonardo DiCaprio’s latest, One Battle After Another, is barreling towards the Academy Awards with a staggering 13 nominations, and it’s not just the performances driving the momentum. The film’s very landscape – the desolate highways and unforgiving deserts of California – is being positioned as a key element of its success, a deliberate choice that speaks to a broader trend of filmmakers leveraging location as a narrative force and a PR talking point.
- The film utilizes California locations ranging from lush forests to stark deserts, mirroring the character’s internal journey.
- Location manager Michael Glaser emphasizes the importance of locations as “a subconscious character” in the film.
- One Battle After Another is the frontrunner for Best Picture, marking a potential career high for director Anderson.
‘Subconscious character’
The focus on the filming locations, as highlighted by location manager Michael Glaser, isn’t accidental. It’s a carefully constructed narrative designed to elevate the film beyond a simple story of redemption and revenge. Glaser describes locations as having a mood and feeling, and creating a palette for the characters. This is a smart move; in an awards season saturated with “actorly” narratives, emphasizing the *craft* of filmmaking – the visual storytelling – can differentiate a project. It’s a subtle but effective PR strategy, appealing to the Academy’s appreciation for technical achievement.
The choice of locations – from the green landscapes of Eureka to the “bleak starkness of desert” – isn’t merely aesthetic. It’s symbolic, mirroring Bob Ferguson’s (DiCaprio) descent and struggle. Glaser’s description of the desert – “There’s nobody out here to watch over you or help you or confine you. You’re kind of on your own” – perfectly encapsulates the film’s themes of isolation and self-reliance. This isn’t just about finding pretty backdrops; it’s about finding locations that actively *contribute* to the storytelling.
The film’s production team clearly understood the power of place. The process of scouting, described as akin to a tree growing – “Some branches would die off, and others would sprout up” – suggests a willingness to let the landscape guide the narrative, rather than forcing the story onto a pre-determined setting. This approach is increasingly common, as studios recognize the marketing potential of unique and evocative locations.
With the Academy Awards looming on March 15th, the emphasis on the film’s visual elements feels particularly strategic. For Anderson, this represents his best chance at Oscars glory after 14 previous nominations. And for Glaser, whose role often goes unrecognized, the film’s success is a testament to the collaborative nature of filmmaking. As he puts it, “Everyone’s DNA is in the film.”
Should One Battle After Another take home Best Picture, expect to see a surge in tourism to these California locations – a phenomenon already seen with iconic filming spots like the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. The film isn’t just telling a story; it’s creating a cultural landmark, and that’s a win for everyone involved.
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