LA Landmark Locations –
Los Angeles, the entertainment capital of the world, is not only home to the film industry but also to a myriad of iconic landmarks that have been immortalized in countless films. These locations, from the Griffith Observatory to the Los Angeles River, offer filmmakers unique opportunities to harness the physical and symbolic aspects of space to enhance their storytelling. One of the most crucial aspects of utilizing these locations effectively is the art of blocking, which involves the precise arrangement and movement of actors within a scene. This article explores the relationship between blocking and the use of space in Los Angeles landmark locations, examining how directors leverage these iconic settings to create visually compelling and narratively resonant scenes.
Griffith Observatory: A Symbolic Stage for Personal Revelation
Griffith Observatory, perched atop the southern slope of Mount Hollywood, offers panoramic views of Los Angeles and is one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. It has served as a backdrop for many films, with its distinctive architecture and elevated location providing a visually striking setting for moments of introspection and revelation.
In Rebel Without a Cause (1955), directed by Nicholas Ray, the Griffith Observatory is more than just a scenic location; it serves as a symbolic stage for the film’s exploration of teenage angst and existential questioning. The blocking in this film is meticulously crafted to highlight the characters’ emotional states in relation to their surroundings. For example, the scene in which James Dean’s character, Jim Stark, confronts his peers at the observatory is blocked to emphasize his isolation and internal conflict. The characters are positioned against the vast, open space of the observatory grounds, underscoring the themes of loneliness and the search for identity. The use of wide shots in conjunction with the blocking helps to convey the characters’ sense of being lost in the vastness of the world, both physically and metaphorically.
More recently, in La La Land (2016), directed by Damien Chazelle, Griffith Observatory is again utilized to great effect. The film’s famous dance sequence, set against the backdrop of the city’s twinkling lights, is a masterclass in the use of blocking and space. The characters’ movements are carefully choreographed to interact with the observatory’s architecture, creating a seamless blend of dance and environment. The blocking in this scene not only enhances the romantic and whimsical tone of the film but also uses the observatory’s elevated position to symbolize the characters’ lofty dreams and aspirations.
Union Station: The Convergence of Movement and Architecture
Union Station, the largest railroad terminal in the Western United States, is another iconic Los Angeles landmark that has been featured in numerous films. Its grand, Art Deco and Mission Revival architecture, combined with the constant movement of people through its halls, makes Union Station an ideal location for scenes that require dynamic blocking.
In Blade Runner (1982), directed by Ridley Scott, Union Station is transformed into the futuristic police headquarters. The film’s blocking within this space is crucial to establishing the oppressive and labyrinthine atmosphere of the dystopian world. Characters are often framed within the station’s massive arches and corridors, their movements carefully orchestrated to reflect the dehumanizing effects of the society depicted in the film. The use of long, tracking shots and deep focus cinematography, in conjunction with the blocking, allows the audience to take in the full scope of the space, enhancing the sense of scale and complexity.
Similarly, in Catch Me If You Can (2002), directed by Steven Spielberg, Union Station serves as a key location for the cat-and-mouse game between Frank Abagnale (Leonardo DiCaprio) and FBI agent Carl Hanratty (Tom Hanks). The station’s sprawling layout and constant flow of passengers are utilized in the blocking to create a sense of urgency and tension. Spielberg strategically positions the actors within the crowded station, using the architecture and the movement of extras to build suspense. The blocking in these scenes is integral to the film’s pacing, as the characters’ interactions with the space mirror the fast-paced, high-stakes nature of the narrative.
The Los Angeles River: A Canvas for Chase Sequences
The Los Angeles River, with its wide concrete channels and industrial surroundings, has become an iconic setting for chase sequences in films. The river’s unique landscape offers filmmakers the opportunity to stage high-octane action scenes that are both visually distinctive and spatially dynamic.
In Terminator 2: Judgment Day (1991), directed by James Cameron, the Los Angeles River is the setting for one of the film’s most memorable chase sequences. The blocking of this scene is meticulously planned to take full advantage of the river’s expansive, open space. The characters are positioned in a way that maximizes the sense of speed and danger, with the wide shots emphasizing the scale of the environment. The blocking is essential to maintaining the coherence of the action, as the characters’ movements are carefully choreographed to interact with the various elements of the river, such as the embankments and overpasses. This use of space not only enhances the intensity of the chase but also reinforces the film’s themes of survival and relentless pursuit.
Another notable example is in Grease (1978), directed by Randal Kleiser, where the Los Angeles River serves as the backdrop for the climactic drag race. The blocking of the race is integral to building tension and excitement, with the wide, empty expanse of the river providing a stark contrast to the crowded, vibrant world of the high school depicted in the rest of the film. The positioning of the cars and the characters within the frame creates a sense of anticipation, with the blocking guiding the audience’s focus as the race unfolds. The use of the river’s linear, unyielding space enhances the stakes of the race, as there is no room for error, reflecting the all-or-nothing mentality of the characters.
The Bradbury Building: A Study in Vertical Space
The Bradbury Building, one of Los Angeles’ most famous architectural landmarks, is renowned for its ornate ironwork, open atrium, and dramatic use of natural light. The building’s vertical space and intricate design make it a compelling location for scenes that require complex blocking.
In Blade Runner (1982), the Bradbury Building is used as the setting for the film’s climactic showdown. The blocking in this scene is particularly noteworthy for its use of vertical space, with characters positioned on different levels of the building’s open atrium. The positioning of the characters within this space creates a sense of unease and disorientation, as the lines between hunter and prey blur. The blocking also takes advantage of the building’s numerous staircases, balconies, and elevators, with the characters’ movements through these spaces reflecting the film’s themes of power and control. The interplay between light and shadow, combined with the precise blocking, creates a visually arresting sequence that underscores the film’s noir influences.
The Bradbury Building is also featured in 500 Days of Summer (2009), directed by Marc Webb, where it serves as the setting for a moment of personal reflection and realization. The blocking in this scene is more understated but no less effective, with the characters positioned in a way that emphasizes the building’s open, airy design. The use of space in this scene reflects the character’s internal journey, with the expansive atrium symbolizing the possibilities and uncertainties of life.
Blocking and the use of space are essential elements in the effective utilization of Los Angeles landmark locations in film. Whether it’s the panoramic views of Griffith Observatory, the bustling halls of Union Station, the expansive channels of the Los Angeles River, or the vertical space of the Bradbury Building, these iconic settings offer filmmakers a wealth of opportunities to enhance their visual storytelling.
By carefully considering the relationship between the characters and their environment, directors can create scenes that are not only visually striking but also deeply resonant, using the landmarks of Los Angeles as more than just backdrops, but as integral components of the narrative itself. As the film industry continues to evolve, the art of blocking in these iconic locations will remain a vital tool for filmmakers seeking to create memorable and impactful cinematic experiences. Contact us to learn more.