Licorice Pizza (2021)

January 15, 2022December 4, 2022 / filmoblivion / 2 Comments

The 2021 Paul Thomas Anderson film “Licorice Pizza” is set in the 1970s San Fernando Valley, with the production likewise staying pretty faithful to that area. This article contains some minor spoilers, so we only recommend reading if you’ve seen the film.

The opening scene where Alana, played by Alana Haim, first meets Gary, played by Cooper Hoffman, was filmed at Gaspar De Portola Middle School in Tarzana. There are a couple of similar looking corridors located at the school. Alana walks near the southwest corner, facing the towards Linnet St. The same school appeared in the films “Thirteen,” “Crazy, Stupid, Love” and “Akeelah and the Bee.”

LOCATION: 18720 Linnet St, Tarzana, CA 91356

Gary eats at this hot dog stand, where he tells Greg he met the girl he’s going to marry one day.

LOCATION: 9039 Lindley Ave, Northridge, CA 91325

Gary’s house can be found in North Hollywood.

LOCATION: 7902 Goodland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91605

The Tail O’ The Cock scenes were filmed inside the former Billingsley’s Restaurant, located on the grounds of the Van Nuys Golf Course. While the restaurant closed in 2004, it remains in tact and Anderson previously used the same location for his film “Magnolia.” Some websites state the Tail O’ The Cock scenes were filmed at Barone’s, but this is incorrect. These exterior shots of the building were kindly provided to us courtesy of Ingo Schmoll (schmollywood1).

LOCATION: 6550 Odessa Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406

Alana’s house can also be found in North Hollywood, on a cul de sac located very close to the scenes where Gary and Alana run together later in the film.

LOCATION: 12801 Miranda St, North Hollywood, CA 91607

The wig shop where Gary first sees a waterbed for sale is located in Canoga Park. The store is currently vacant, but the lettering on the windows from the film is still there.

LOCATION: 21819 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

You can see the nursery & hardware sign behind him as he enters the store.

The Teen-Age Fair scenes were filmed at the Hollywood Palladium. Gary and his friends are seen loading in from the side entrance on Argyle Ave. Police mistakenly arrest Gary because his description matches another suspect.

LOCATION: 6215 Sunset Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Gary is taken to the police station, where he is seen in this hallway. The real building is actually a youth center in Hollywood.

LOCATION: 6501 Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90028

Alana is seen across the street.

After a witness confirms Gary is not the suspect, he is released. Gary and Alana start running from this point.

They are seen running together down Cole Pl.

LOCATION: Cole Pl / Fountain Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90038

The film seamlessly jumps to North Hollywood and the two continue running along Burbank Blvd, with Bellaire Ave visible behind them. To find the exact area, look for this spot where there is a second fence running perpendicular, with the building on the left and towers. They as seen running past these exact spots. This is close to the location of Alana’s house.

LOCATION: 12755 Burbank Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91607

After Alana gets an advertisement on the radio for Gary’s water bed business, sales pick up as they start shipping out numerous orders. They load a truck from this location in Studio City. This is just behind Ventura Blvd, at the rear alley near Laurel Terrace Dr.

LOCATION: 12444 Ventura Blvd, Studio City, CA 91604

Here is where the UPS truck is parked. Alana then heads back inside and yells at the other boys for not helping her carry the dolly up the stairs.

This is also where the film’s poster image was shot, with Alana and Gary standing in front of a car, facing the camera

Gary opens his own store, Fat Bernie’s, selling waterbeds. Later in the film, Gary re-brands his business as the Pinball Palace, using the same location. The actual storefront can be found in Chatsworth.

LOCATION: 21758 Devonshire St, Chatsworth, CA 91311

Here is the front of the store, seen numerous times in the film.

We were actually able to visit the set of the film back when production was taking place. Here you can see the Fat Bernie’s signs and the crew prepping the location.

Here’s a look at the interior, which is also featured heavily in the film.

Alana follows Gary to the back of the store, as she jealously watches him take interest in another girl.

Alana, angered by Gary’s behavior, walks along the side of the building and kisses a random guy on the sidewalk. Here’s how the area appeared in the film, with the Jurgensen’s Grocery Co. advertisement painted on the wall.

Here’s the same area, repainted as it appears since filming completed.

The back of the store appears again when they load up the truck to leave the store.

Alana auditions for Jack Holden, played by Sean Penn (reciting dialogue from the film “Breezy“), inside the Church of the Chimes in Sherman Oaks. The scene is only shown from interior views in the film. The property, which consists of several buildings, has also appeared in the film “Stepfather II: Make Room for Daddy,” as well as the TV shows “Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story,” “The Office” and “Scrubs.”

LOCATION: 14115 Magnolia Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91423

The scenes where Jack Holden does a motorcycle stunt were filmed at the the Van Nuys Golf Course (6550 Odessa Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91406).

As the gas crisis takes hold, Gary runs past a line of cars waiting to fuel up near the intersection of Victory Blvd and Lindley Ave in Tarzana, overlooking the L.A. River.

LOCATION: Near Victory Blvd / Lindley Ave, Tarzana, CA 91335

The camera follows him running up to the gas station, which is known as Signal Gasoline in the film. In reality, it’s not a gas station at all, rather a mechanic’s shop and smog check station.

LOCATION: 18102 Victory Blvd, Tarzana, CA 91335

The eccentric Jon Peters, played by Bradley Cooper, lives at this home in Encino, where Alana and Gary deliver a water bed.

LOCATION: 4450 Balboa Ave, Encino, CA 91316

While the home is located on a public road, it sits at the top of a long driveway up a dead end hillside and is not really visible from the street. There are additional views around the property available online via old real estate listings.

Alana and Gary give Jon Peters a ride to this gas station in Encino. The geography laid out in the film is somewhat plausible, in that Jon Peters’ home really is at the top of the hill on the road to the left. However, in the film, it is depicted as a long, steep and winding road, when in reality, it is a relatively short, straight path up Balboa Ave. The two locations are in near proximity, however.

LOCATION: 16900 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316

The actual winding road seen in the film is Palo Drive in Tarzana, near Rosita Street. This is where Gary smashes up Jon Peters’ car, only to realize their truck has run out of gas, forcing Alana to coast down a series of hills, back down to the gas station. Here is the curve they are seen taking in the film. The house in the background behind the trees and shrubs appeared in the film “Once Upon A Time In… Hollywood,” for the back yard scenes of Sharon Tate and Roman Polanski’s home.

LOCATION: Palo Dr, Tarzana, CA 91356 (GPS coordinates: 34°09’26.5″N, 118°33’26.4″W)

Here is the area where Jon Peters’ car was parked.

Here is another view of the general area where the car was parked.

Alana says in the film if she can make the light at Ventura, she can make a right and get them to the gas station. This is again geographically accurate, as the truck is seen turning at the intersection of Genesta Ave and Ventura Blvd, which turning right does indeed put you about one block from the gas station used in the film.

LOCATION: Ventura Blvd / Genesta Ave, Los Angeles, CA 91316

Afterwards, Alana sits on this curb in front of the Encino Post Office. Jon Peters walks by and throws a garbage can through the front window of the store next to it, before turning around to flirt with some women walking past. The real property does provide mails services, but is not a post office.

LOCATION: 18034 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316 (Jon Peters breaks the window out of 18034 1/2 Ventura Blvd, Encino, CA 91316)

Alana begins volunteering at the campaign offices of Joel Wachs, played by Benny Safdie. The building is actually a mattress and furniture store.

LOCATION: 21702 Sherman Way, Canoga Park, CA 91303

Later, she notices a man loitering across the street watching the office and confronts him.

Here is the reverse view, where Alana would have been looking out of the offices, which are mostly seen from interior views in the film.

Late in the film, Gary and Alana embrace under the marquee of the El Portal theater in North Hollywood. For those hoping to catch a screening there, the theater does not host theatrical films, rather stage productions by local performing artists.

LOCATION: 5269 Lankershim Blvd, North Hollywood, CA 91601

We leave you with a few more behind the scenes shots of some of the production design from when we visited the shoot. This was all around the Fat Bernie’s location in Chatsworth.

Into The Wild (2007)

July 26, 2020October 20, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 2007 Sean Penn film “Into The Wild,” which was based on true events, filmed across quite a few locations, including Oregon, Washington, Arizona, Nevada, Georgia, South Dakota, Mexico, California and Alaska.

Tracy, played by Kristen Stewart, invites Chris McCandless, living under the alias of Alexander Supertramp and played by Emile Hirsch, to take a walk over to Salvation Mountain. Salvation Mountain is a hillside sculpture created by Leonard Knight in Calipartia, Californa. It is located near Slab City and not far from the Salton Sea. Despite appearing quite remote in the film, Salvation Mountain is actually not far from nearby towns, such as Niland.

LOCATION: Salvation Mountain, Beal Rd, Calipatria, CA 92233

Leonard Knight appears as himself in the film, giving the characters a guided tour through his creation. Leonard unfortunately passed away in 2014.

Originally built in 1984, the initial attempt at the project collapsed in 1989. Knight, however, rebuilt the sculpture with more sturdy materials and it remains standing to this day.

After Leonard’s passing, a public charity was established to preserve and maintain the site.

The “magic bus” seen in the film is not the actual bus Chris McCandless stayed in. It was also not filmed at the real location in Alaska, both out of respect for the family, as well as the major logistical issues of filming at the real site. Instead, a set was built about 50 miles south of the real bus, in the town of Cantwell, Alaska, with all traces of the set since removed. However, the replica bus featured in the film can be found at the 49th State Brewing Company in Healy, Alaska (248 Parks Hwy 5 mile, Healy, AK 99743).

In spite of the film’s use of an alternate site, many hikers still made the trek out to the real “magic bus” location, located on the Stampede Trail. The real site presents many dangers, much like those that McCandless encountered. After numerous cases of visitors needing rescued, with some even losing their lives, the bus was extracted by helicopter on June 19, 2020, due to public safety concerns. Officials stated the real bus may be put on display at a safe location someday in the future.

U Turn (1997)

April 1, 2020December 13, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 1997 Oliver Stone film “U Turn” is set in the small town of Superior, Arizona and that’s exactly where production mostly took place as well. In the film, Superior is depicted as a strange, sometimes hostile town. In reality, the town is quite welcoming to tourists, offering a variety of shops and antique stores. “U Turn” is not the only production to film scenes in Superior. “The Prophecy” and “Eight Legged Freaks” have as well.

Early in the film, Bobby, played by Sean Penn, is driving a desert road when his car breaks down. He takes his car to Harlin’s Garage, where he meets Darrell, played by Billy Bob Thorton. These scenes were filmed on E Magma Heights Dr, however the house and garage seen in the film are long gone. In fact, a copper company now owns the land and it is completely inaccessible to the public.

When Bobby first reached the Main St of Superior, he looks over and sees the sheriff’s station, quickly turning the other direction. The building seen in the film is the Superior Kearny Justice Court.

LOCATION: 60 Main St, Superior, AZ 85173

Bobby encounters blind man, played by Jon Voight, at the train station. Bobby tries to pet the man’s dog, only to be told it’s dead.

LOCATION: 100 Main St, Superior, AZ 85173

Bobby first sees Grace, played by Jennifer Lopez, walking by the building.

Later in the film, Bobby purchases a bus ticket at the same building.

Grace takes Bobby to her home, where she lives with Jake McKenna, played by Nick Nolte. Jake’s house is known as the Castle On The Rock. The house is located on N Picket Post Rd, Superior, AZ 85173. There are tours of the building on occasion, but most of the time the property and even the road are completely closed to the public.

Jake drops Bobby off back in town at this grocery store, where Bobby immediately finds himself in a robbery.

LOCATION: 50 N Pinal Ave, Superior, AZ 85173

Bobby uses a payphone to try to get money at the corner of this building.

LOCATION: 222 Main St, Superior, AZ 85173

Bobby calls the gangsters he owes money at the corner of this building. This same street was featured in the film “Eight Legged Freaks.”

LOCATION: 160 Main St, Superior, AZ 85173

Bobby visits this diner, where he is approached by Jenny, played by Claire Danes. Misreading the situation, Toby N. Tucker (“T.N.T.”), played by Joaquin Phoenix, has a confrontation with Bobby.

LOCATION: 149 Main St, Superior, AZ 85173

This building served as the realty office of Jake McKenna.

LOCATION: 271 Main St, Superior, AZ 85173

Bobby encounters the old, blind man once again in front of this building. Later in the film, this is also where he fights T.N.T.

LOCATION: 71 Main St, Superior, AZ 85173

Bobby passes Jenny’s house and the two walk past this church talking.

LOCATION: 94 N San Pedro St, Superior, AZ 85173

If you do make it to Superior, Arizona, most of these locations are quite a short distance from one another. Most of them, you can walk on foot from one location to the next.

Related articles: Natural Born Killers (1994)

Fast Times At Ridgemont High (1982)

October 1, 2017October 15, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

The 80s comedy “Fast Times at Ridgemont High,” like so many other films of that era, shot in the San Fernando Valley, north of Los Angeles, California.

The mall scenes in the film were shot at the Sherman Oaks Galleria, which has since been completely remodeled and looks nothing like it did in the film, so we’ve opted to omit it here. However, it can be found at 15301 Ventura Blvd, Sherman Oaks, CA 91403.

The titular Ridgemont High was primarily filmed at Van Nuys High School in Van Nuys, California, with a few additional scenes shot at Canoga Park High School and James Monroe High School. The same high school was used in the films “Christine,” “Sleepwalkers,” “Rock ‘N’ Roll High School” and many more.

LOCATION: Van Nuys High School, 6535 Cedros Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91411

Brad, played by Judge Reinhold, and Stacy Hamilton, played by Jennifer Jason Leigh, live at this house in West Hills. Many scenes were filmed inside the house, including the infamous scene of Brad masturbating in the bathroom.

LOCATION: 24124 Welby Way, West Hills, CA 91307

The house is of course mostly remembered for the topless pool scene with Phoebe Cates. That scene really was filmed at the pool in the back yard, which remains more or less the same as it appeared in the film, aside from the diving board being removed. The changing room was also not authentic to the home. It was a exterior facade built by the production, while the interiors shot on a studio set.

Here is an alternate view of the pool. There are also public real estate listings available online, offering many ground level views of the pool and back yard.

The apartment of Mike Damone, played by Robert Romanus, can be found in North Hollywood.

LOCATION: 5944 Riverton Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601

“The Point,” where Stacy loses her virginity later in the film, was shot at the Mid Valley Youth Baseball fields in Encino. There are quite a number of fields here, which can be confusing, but each of them is numbered. The field from the film is field 4 and the dugout from the film is the third base dugout.

LOCATION: 17301 Oxnard St, Encino, CA 91316

The Game (1997)

June 5, 2017October 30, 2022 / filmoblivion / Leave a comment

David Fincher’s 1997 thriller “The Game” mostly shot around the San Francisco area. However, the home of Nicholas van Orton, played by Michael Douglas, is tucked away in Woodside, California. The house is known as the “Filoli Mansion.” The house has also been seen in the films “Heaven Can Wait,” “George of the Jungle,” “The Joy Luck Club” and the 1980s TV drama “Dynasty.”

It is not a private residence and tours of the property are open to the public. There are a couple things to keep in mind, however, if you do plan a visit. First of all, the house can be tricky to locate if you’re using GPS. The property is not visible at all from Cañada Road. All you’ll see is land and trees. Also, most GPS systems do not show the driveway to the property, which is off to the side a short drive, so it’ll appear on most maps as having no access. This is not the case of course. Simply head past the house until you see an opening to the north. This driveway will lead you up to the guard house. The second thing to keep in mind is the property is intermittently closed. Anything from special events to seasonal closings may prevent you from visiting, so be sure to schedule in advance and verify the place is open when you plan on stopping.

LOCATION: 86 Cañada Rd, Woodside, CA 94062

The office of Nicholas van Orton is seen through the alleyway of Leidesdorff Street in San Francisco.

LOCATION: 465 California St, San Francisco, CA 94104 (view seen in the film is from Leidesdorff St)

Nick’s brother Conrad, played by Sean Penn, becomes paranoid and accuses Nick of conspiring with the creators of the game. He runs from Nicholas down these stairs.

LOCATION: Joice St Steps, Joice St, San Francisco, CA 94108 (located between 740 and 750 Joice St, San Francisco, CA 94108)

Later in the film, Nicholas visits the home of Christine, played by Deborah Kara Unger, where they soon finds themselves under attack. This location can actually be found in Los Angeles, not far from Dodger Stadium.

LOCATION: 439 Savoy St, Los Angeles, CA 90012

After escaping from Mexico, Nicholas visits the former Johnie’s Broiler in Downey, where he attempts to get a ride back to San Francisco. The restaurant has a unique history, having appeared in many other films, such as “Heat,” “Short Cuts,” “License To Drive,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “One Hour Photo,” “My Stepmother Is An Alien” and many more. In 2007, the building was unfortunately demolished. However, Bob’s Big Boy purchased the property years later and rebuilt it based on the original blueprints and even some of the same materials. So what stands now closely resembles what was seen in the film.

LOCATION: 7447 Firestone Blvd, Downey, CA 90241

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