Where Was Forsaken Filmed?

The 1998 Western film "Forsaken" was filmed primarily in the U.S. state of New Mexico, with additional scenes shot in Arizona and California.

Filming Locations

New Mexico

• Lincoln County: The majority of the film was shot in Lincoln County, New Mexico, including the towns of Lincoln, Capitan, and Carrizozo. These locations provided the backdrop for the film's Western setting, with its rolling hills, deserts, and historic buildings.
• Rio Grande Valley: Scenes featuring the character of Willis were filmed in the Rio Grande Valley, between the towns of Las Cruces and Deming. The riverfront and surrounding desert provided the perfect setting for Willis's isolated lifestyle.

Arizona

• Tombstone: A few scenes were filmed in Tombstone, Arizona, including the town's cemetery and courthouse. Tombstone's rich history as a mining town added authenticity to the film's Old West setting.

California

• Mojave Desert: The opening and closing scenes of the film were shot in the Mojave Desert, in California. The barren and desolate landscape of the desert provided a fitting backdrop for the film's themes of isolation and redemption.

Key Locations

Lincoln, New Mexico:

• Lincoln County Courthouse: Used as the courthouse where John Henry Clayton (Liam Neeson) is arrested.
• Lincoln State Monument: Used as the exterior of the Clayton ranch.
• Max Evans' Gallery: Used as the store where John Henry's wife, Sarah (Meg Ryan), hides from Frank (Kiefer Sutherland).

Capitan, New Mexico:

• Capitan Trading Post: Used as the general store.

Carrizozo, New Mexico:

• Church of the Immaculate Heart of Mary: Used as the church where Sarah prays.
• Pizzolo Cafe: Used as the cafe where John Henry and Sarah have their final conversation.

Production Details

The film was directed by John Sayles and produced by Lakeshore Entertainment. It was shot on 35mm film over a period of 55 days. The production budget was approximately $25 million.

Box Office and Critical Reception

"Forsaken" was released in the United States on August 21, 1998. It grossed $23.6 million at the box office, making it a modest commercial success.

Critical reception was generally positive, with critics praising the film's performances, writing, and direction. The film holds a 69% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, based on 65 reviews.

Impact on New Mexico

The filming of "Forsaken" had a significant impact on the economy of Lincoln County, New Mexico. The production crew brought in approximately 200 jobs and spent over $2 million in local businesses. The film also helped to promote tourism in the region, as visitors flocked to see the locations where it was shot.

Table 1: Filming Locations by State

Table 2: Key Filming Locations in New Mexico

Table 3: Production Details

Table 4: Box Office and Critical Reception

Effective Strategies for Filming in New Mexico

• Coordinate with the New Mexico Film Office: The New Mexico Film Office provides assistance to filmmakers with everything from location scouting to securing permits.
• Explore Tax Incentives: New Mexico offers generous tax incentives to film productions, which can significantly reduce production costs.
• Leverage Local Resources: New Mexico has a strong network of film professionals, businesses, and educational institutions that can provide support.
• Showcase the Unique Scenery: The state's diverse landscapes, from deserts to mountains to forests, can provide stunning backdrops for a variety of films.

Tips and Tricks for Filming in New Mexico

• Be prepared for the weather: New Mexico has a range of weather conditions, so it's important to be prepared for anything.
• Bring plenty of water: New Mexico can be very hot and dry, so it's important to stay hydrated.
• Respect the environment: New Mexico is home to a variety of fragile ecosystems, so be sure to tread lightly.
• Get to know the locals: New Mexicans are friendly and welcoming, so don't be afraid to ask for help or advice.

How to Step-by-Step Approach to Filming in New Mexico

1. Contact the New Mexico Film Office: Start by getting in touch with the New Mexico Film Office to learn about tax incentives and other resources.
2. Scout locations: Visit New Mexico to scout potential filming locations.
3. Secure permits: Once you've selected your locations, be sure to secure the necessary permits from the local authorities.
4. Hire a local crew: New Mexico has a talented pool of film professionals to choose from.
5. Shoot your film: Enjoy the creative process of filming in New Mexico!

Pros and Cons of Filming in New Mexico

Pros:

• Generous tax incentives
• Stunning and diverse scenery
• Welcoming and supportive community

Cons:

• Weather can be unpredictable
• Water can be scarce
• Limited population can make it difficult to find certain resources