Secretary (2002)

The 2002 Steven Shainberg film “Secretary” was shot in Southern California. The home of Lee Holloway, played by Maggie Gyllenhaal, can be found in the Windsor Hills neighborhood. The same home appears in the film “Lords Of Dogtown.”

LOCATION: 4004 Kenway Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90008

E. Edward Grey, played by James Spader, works as an attorney in this building, where Lee Holloway becomes his secretary. The exterior scenes were filmed at the Huron Substation. The building was originally constructed for the purpose of converting electricity to power trolleys for the Yellow Car railway system, but was eventually sold off and operated as an event and filming venue. The same building appears in numerous films, including “The Fast And The Furious,” “The Kids Are Alright,” “Date Night,” “Catwoman,” “Must Love Dogs” and “Malibu’s Most Wanted,” as well as the TV shows “NCIS: New Orleans,” “True Blood,” “Heroes,” “Dollhouse” and “Major Crimes.” It has also appeared in such music videos as Jonas Brothers – Kids of the Future and Josh Groban – February Song.

LOCATION: 2640 Huron St, Los Angeles, CA 90065

Lee goes to a photo shop and gets a picture of herself made for Mr. Grey. Formerly known as The Darkroom, the storefront is currently vacant with rumors of possible redevelopment. The same location also appeared in the film “The Big Picture” and can briefly be seen in “Falling Down.”

LOCATION: 5370 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036

Mr. Grey’s house can be found in the Sierra Vista neighborhood of East L.A.

LOCATION: 4333 Berkshire Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90032

Donnie Darko (2001)

In the 2001 film “Donnie Darko,” a jet engine crashes into the bedroom of the Darko residence.  While set in the town of Middlesex, Virginia, the house can actually be found in Long Beach, California.

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LOCATION: 4225 Country Club Dr, Long Beach, CA 90807

Just up the same road, the house of Jim Cunningham, played by Patrick Swayze, can also be found.

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LOCATION: 4252 Country Club Dr, Long Beach, CA 90807

The high school seen in the film is Layola High School in Los Angeles.

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LOCATION: 1901 Venice Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90006

Donnie goes to a movie at the Aero Theater in Santa Monica, one of the best revival houses in the Los Angeles area.  The theater regularly shows classic films, often featuring Q&A’s with the filmmakers and cast.  It has been featured in many films, including “Get Shorty” and “Sleepwalkers.”

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LOCATION: 1328 Montana Ave, Santa Monica, CA 90403

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Related articles: Southland Tales (2006)