FILM LOCATIONS: LOVE LIES BLEEDING
"Love Lies Bleeding" by Rose Glass is a thrilling exploration of a no holds barred love affair between gym owner and body builder, Lou (Kristin Stewart) and Jackie (Katy O’Brian), as they navigate 80s gym junkie culture in desert America. The film is a high octane, sexy, grotesque outpour of violence, action and lesbian dream making, but where on Earth were these cinematic scenes in the American outback shot? Take a look at the film locations of Love Lies Bleeding below and for God’s sake, go and see the film:
Albuquerque, New Mexico: Most of the film took place in and around Albuquerque and its surrounds in New Mexico. In this instance, the film shot where it was largely set, as the protagonist’s meet cute takes place in a rural town in New Mexico before the characters are set to drive to Vegas and beyond to California.
Mojave Desert, California: The film works hard to create incredible desert vistas with sprawling starry skies, setting the tone for the ‘no-one will hear you if you scream’ mentality that goes with rural thrillers. Key plot points in the father’s criminality are executed out in the barren lands of the Mojave Desert in California, where deep desert fissures and wide open spaces dominate the scenes.
Crown Plaza Hotel Albuquerque, New Mexico: Jackie’s pivotal body building competition takes place at the ever glamourous 1980s envisioned, Crown Plaza Hotel in Albuquerque. This location is Jackie’s dream and ultimately the home of her character objective. It is truly a moment where the audience finds out whether she will get what she wants or not.
Rio Rancho, New Mexico: Lou’s gym, home and neighbourhood can be found out in Rio Rancho, where the desert pallet of the suburb heightens the rundown retro vibe of the film.
Del Norte Gun Club: Lou’s father and criminal, Ed Harris, runs the local gun club, where Jackie initially takes work. This location adds to Glass’s show don’t tell philosophy to directing, where the audience gains a growing acceptance of the father’s underworld violence.
If you are looking to shoot an all out modern day Western for your next project and want a jump start on your location scouting, then check out our USA collection or alternatively reach out to see what else we have in the catalogue. Whether it is too in your face or just what you needed, Love Lies Bleeding is a hell of an American love story, made by our favourite production company A24. The location manager on this film is Deborah Wakshull, assisted by Ben Roe, Natalie Renfro, Makahla Harapat and Stephen Hanson.
Check it out.
