Set aside the glistening pools and crimson carpets. Forget the Hollywood sign in perpetual sunshine and its star-studded premieres. The gritty underside of Los Angeles, a world of shadows and secrets where danger lurks beneath the surface, is immediately revealed to us in “The Little Things.” Behind the amazing cast and gripping storyline is a question that may pique your curiosity: Where was ‘The Little Things” filmed?
Where Was ‘The Little Things’ Filmed?
Even though the movie takes place in a busy city, the filmmakers worked hard to curate a certain mood and used actual places to depict a city full of sinister secrets. In addition to its gripping storyline, the neo-noir crime thriller “The Little Things” enthralled viewers in 2021 with its depiction of a recognizable but disturbing Los Angeles.
For those who have always wanted to know the areas where Denzel Washington, Rami Malek, and Jared Leto stalked the streets in search of a serial killer, this blog article will take you virtually through the places where “The Little Things” was filmed.
Set in California
Audiences are glued to their seats during “The Little Things.” The gorgeous settings used for the film’s filming are one element that heightens its appeal. Filming for “The Little Things” took place entirely in California, with Los Angeles and its environs serving as the main locations. The filmmakers purposefully picked these settings to represent a particular LA; one that eschews the typical glitz and glamour in favor of presenting a more somber and even gritty aspect of the city.
Downtown
“The Little Things” is centered around the vibrant streets of Downtown Los Angeles. The metropolitan setting of the metropolis makes the ideal backdrop for the noir style of the movie. Downtown LA sets the tone for the grungy and dramatic environment of the film with its renowned skyscrapers and neon lights. Each unique aspect of this colorful metropolis, from busy crossroads to softly lit passageways, gives the story more dimension.
Kern County
“The Little Things” travels into the barren landscapes of Kern County, even though most of the action takes place in Los Angeles. The rural area of Kern County, California, is a sharp contrast to the densely populated metropolis of Los Angeles. Large tracts of farmland and desert here provide as an unsettling setting for several important movie moments. The bleak landscapes of Kern County represent the protagonists’ sense of helplessness and loneliness as they make their way through the murky underbelly of crime.
North Hollywood
A significant amount of the filming was done in and around Los Angeles. Savvy viewers may identify streets and places throughout the film. The VIP Cabaret’s scenes were placed against the backdrop of North Hollywood’s busy streets. The production crew went out to a steakhouse in Lancaster, California, which is just north of Los Angeles, for the famous opening scene where the woman runs from her pursuer.
Going Outside The City Walls
While the majority of “The Little Things” was filmed in Los Angeles, for several scenes, the movie also traveled outside of the city.
Santa Clarita
Located in a suburban neighborhood north of Los Angeles, the production ventured beyond the city limits. With other sequences shot in more open spaces and residential areas, this site offered a varied visual texture. The general mystery of the movie was enhanced by the uneasy and anonymous atmosphere that Santa Clarita’s suburban sprawl contributed to.
Ventura County
Taking shots in Ventura County, northwest of Los Angeles, the film even went farther beyond its usual boundaries. A view of the Shell Road exit in Ventura County can be seen in the Denzel Washington pursuit scene. With Ventura included, there was a little break from the city and suburbs. The characters felt as though they were temporarily escaping, and the brief Ventura scenes offered a visual contrast.
Iconic Landmarks
Viewers are treated to snippets of famous sites that are closely associated with Los Angeles throughout the entire movie. These famous sites, which anchor the narrative in the city’s fabric, range from the ancient Bradbury Building to the famous Griffith Observatory. The story is made more intricate by the significance and history that each location holds.
Set Design With a Hint of Hollywood Magic
Remember that not every scene is a true representation of a place. The film’s setting, Los Angeles in the 1990s, was visually distinct from the metropolis today. To ensure a historically authentic portrayal, the production team hired set designers to reproduce particular characteristics of the era.
More Than Just A Scene
The careful selection of filming locations is a major factor in creating the mood of “The Little Things.” Los Angeles was chosen because it embodies the story’s dichotomy with its juxtaposition of glitz and squalor. The protagonists’ internal conflicts are represented by the wide, open highways, while the darkness they seek is reflected in the little dwellings and dubious underworld settings.
Next time you view “The Little Things,” take note of the setting. The meticulously selected shooting locations contribute significantly to the narrative, giving the neo-noir universe that filmmaker John Lee Hancock created more nuance and reality than mere scenery.
