The 1990 David Lynch film “Wild At Heart,” starring Nicolas Cage and Laura Dern, filmed in Southern California, New Orleans, Louisiana and El Paso, Texas. The opening scenes were filmed at the MacArthur in Los Angeles, formerly known as the Park Plaza Hotel. No longer a functioning hotel, the MacArthur today serves primarily as a property for hosting filming and special events.  However, it is under renovation with apparent plans to open a portion up once again as a hotel in 2022. While we have been inside the hotel, the Grand Staircase seen in the opening was crowded at the time and we weren’t able to get photos the way we wanted. You can find plenty of shots of it online, the staircase is located just through the lobby doors of the main entrance.

LOCATION: 607 S Park View St, Los Angeles, CA 90057

We did get better shots inside the restroom of the MacArthur, where Marietta Fortune, played by Diane Ladd, makes a pass at Sailor Ripley, played by Nicolas Cage. The same bathroom has appeared in such films as “Reservoir Dogs” and “Barton Fink.” It has since been remodeled a bit, but remains largely recognizable.

The Pee Dee Correctional Institution, where Sailor is released from prison, is actually the property of the city’s Department of Water and Power.

LOCATION: 1630 N Main St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Lula, played by Laura Dern, picks up Sailor and they take off down Main Street.

Sailor and Lula drive past this restaurant as they travel across the country. The same restaurant was featured in the film “Duel,” as well as the TV series “Sharp Objects.”

LOCATION: 12625 Sierra Hwy, Santa Clarita, CA 91390

As Sailor and Lula arrive into New Orleans, they are seen driving past Antoine’s Restaurant, which still operates today.

LOCATION: 713 St Louis St, New Orleans, LA 70130

They stay at the Hotel Brazil, also located in New Orleans.

LOCATION: 532 N Rampart St, New Orleans, LA 70112

The interiors of Mr. Reindeer’s home were filmed at the Castle Green Apartments in Pasadena. Castle Green has been featured in countless films, such as “True Romance,” “The Sting,” “The Little Rascals,” “Deja Vu,” “Sneakers,” “Bugsy,” “The Last Samurai,” “Puppet Master” and many more.

LOCATION: 99 S Raymond Ave, Pasadena, CA 91105

Lula nearly gets into an accident at the intersection of E 4th Pl and Mateo St.

LOCATION: E 4th Pl / Mateo St, Los Angeles, CA 90013

Sailor tells Lula he’s leaving near the intersection of Naud St / Wilhardt St. This is located very close to the Pee Dee Correctional Institution location.

LOCATION: 1709 Naud St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

As Sailor is walking, some gang members approach him. He insults them and gets attacked.

LOCATION: E 2nd St / S Santa Fe Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Sailor runs back to Lula, jumping on top of cars in a traffic jam along Banning St, very close to the above location. The large building behind him is no longer there. Sailor sings “Love Me Tender” to Lula near the intersection of Banning St and N Vignes St.

LOCATION: Near Banning St / N Vignes St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

To see our “Wild at Heart” location page, click here.

Related articles: Eraserhead (1977), Lost Highway (1997), Mullholland Drive (2001), Twin Peaks