Andrew Niccol’s directorial debut ‘Gattaca’ is a sci-fi drama that revolves around a ‘genetically inferior’ man named Vincent Freeman who struggles to fulfill his dream of space travel due to widespread genetic discrimination in future society. His desperation and determination for his dream make him assume the identity of a superior man to go into space. The 1997 film stars big names including Ethan Hawke, Uma Thurman, Jude Law, Xander Berkeley and Gore Vidal, delivering brilliant performances in a futuristic setting.
The dystopian sci-fi film consists of awe-inspiring, futuristic settings that are enough to make audiences wonder about the locations used to match the theme and setting of “Gattaca.” Well, you can stop wondering because we’re here to provide you with all the facts you need about the filming locations used in this movie!
Gattaca filming locations
There was one major location where all the scenes in the movie were filmed, and that was California. Filming was done in different parts of California, in order to use distinct city locations and perfectly capture the dynamics of the sets that were to be used for the film, which is set in the future. Along with the filming locations, the unique use of color also played a prominent role in giving the film a more advanced and modern perspective.
The filming of ‘Gattaca’ took place from April 22 to July 16, 1996. To support the futuristic themes of the sci-fi film, futuristic cars based on car models from the 60s such as Studebaker Avanti, Citroen DS19 and Rover P6 were used. Over the years, California has been used as a filming location for several movies like “Free Guy” and “Ghostbusters.” Let us give you the details of all the specific locations where this movie was shot!
San Rafael, California
Located in Northern California, San Rafael was one of many locations that were used for the filming of “Gattaca”. Marin County’s famous Civic Center located at 3501 Civic Center Drive between North San Pedro Road and Avenue of the Flags was used as the headquarters of Gattaca, a space exploration agency, where many exterior and interior shots were filmed.
Los Angeles County, California
Pomona, a town in Los Angeles County, California, was used to shoot various sequences involving the exterior of Vincent’s apartment, particularly at the CLA Building on the campus of California State Polytechnic University, located at 3801 West Temple Ave.
Inglewood is another town in this county, where several scenes were filmed. Several shots for the film’s DNA testing center were shot around the Forum located at 3900 West Manchester Boulevard.
Barstow, California
Several scenes in ‘Gattaca’ used Barstow, a town in San Bernardino County, California, as a backdrop to energize certain sequences in the film. Several classics were filmed at this particular location, such as “From Dusk Till Dawn” and “Lost Highway”.
Marin County, California
The scenic landscapes of Marin County located in Northern California were used as film sets for the filming of various scenes in the dystopian sci-fi film. Films like “Jurrasic World” and “American Graffiti” also used this site for production.
Los Angeles, California
Of all the filming locations used in California, Los Angeles is the city where the majority of footage was shot. The scene in which Irene reveals her heart problem to Jerome was filmed at the Sepulveda Dam, located in Encino. Los Angeles City Hall at 200 North Spring Street, Downtown, is another location that was used to film some scenes, including the Twelve Finger Pianist concert. The scene where Irene and Vincent are stopped at a police checkpoint in a tunnel and given a DNA test on their date was shot against the backdrop of the 2nd Street tunnel which is between Hill and Figueroa .
The Fancy Hall that was shown in the film during the date between Irene and Vincent that is interrupted by a police raid was filmed at the Los Angeles Theater at 615 South Broadway downtown. Aside from all of these locations in Los Angeles, Otis College of Art and Design at 9045 Lincoln Boulevard is another location that was used to film parking lot scenes, including the scene where Anton parks his car in front of the police building. after discovering that the killer had been caught. .
Culver City, California
Several kindergarten and middle school scenes depicted in “Gattaca” were filmed at Culver City High School located at 4401 Elanda Street. It was only fitting for the team to use a real school to shoot the school footage, as it made the film feel more realistic, even though it is set in the future.
Kramer Junction, California
The solar power station where Irene takes Vincent to watch the sunrise together after their date was filmed at Kramer Junction, Solar Electric Generating Station in Pipeline Road, Boron. The contrasting colors of the setting sun and the solar station in the scene form an extraordinary sequence.
Read more: Ending and Meaning of Gattaca, Explained
