Since Seraphim Falls is set in the 1800s, the filmmakers, like those behind other films that transported audiences to bygone eras, had to choose filming sites that could authentically evoke bygone eras.
Directed by David Von Ancken and written by Von Ancken and Abby Everett Jaques, the 2007 revisionist Western centers on a Confederate colonel who tracks down a Union soldier with the intention of killing him.
The actors and crew succeeded in capturing the spirit of the West in the 1800s, just after the American Civil War, by going to Western locales.
To film multiple scenes, the Seraphim Falls cast and crew traveled to a few different locales in the western states. Starting on October 17, 2005, principal photography ran for 48 days, during which time the cast and crew put in a lot of effort to realize Von Ancken’s idea for a Civil War film.
Seraphim Falls Primarily Shot in New Mexico
On site in Taos and Lordsburg, New Mexico, Seraphim Falls was shot. Principal photography began on October 17, 2005.
The city’s picturesque desert plains and breathtaking scenery showcased the beauty and ugliness of the untamed west while also providing a gripping foundation for the violent chase scenes starring Pierce Brosnan as Gideon and Liam Neeson as Carver.
The immense expanse of the desert plains also made for the ideal setting for Carver and Gideon’s last showdown.
The scorching sun and the rough and tumble terrain of New Mexico gave the two competitors ample opportunity to display their animosity in a heated duel on an open field.
Part of Western history, Lordsburg, New Mexico served as the main place for Stagecoach’s final destination.
Discover the breathtaking filming locations of Seraphim Falls on Crossover99! Dive into the authentic settings of New Mexico and Oregon that brought the 1800s West to life.
The National picture Registry chose to preserve the 1939 picture, starring John Wayne, for preservation in 1995. The American Film Institute ranked it as the ninth greatest Western film of all time.
Gideon tried to steal a horse at one point in the film, but Shannon Zeller’s character Charlotte stopped him. The two were captured on camera interacting in Taos, New Mexico.
Taos, New Mexico is no stranger to film productions; it was the principal location for The Nine Lives of Elfego Baca (1960) and And Now Miguel (1966).
Taos is renowned for possessing over 20 locations that fall under the purview of the National Register of Historic Places, including the Kit Carson House, the Bernard J. Beimer House, and the Harwood Foundation.
Opening Scenes of Seraphim Falls Were Filmed in Oregon
The opening scenes of Seraphim Falls were shot in Oregon along the McKenzie River, showcasing spectacular waterfalls including Koosah Falls and Sahalie Falls.
The shooting site served as a double for Nevada’s Ruby Mountains and reflected the melancholy atmosphere of the film’s opening sequence, in which Gideon is shot by Carver’s men and eventually removes the bullet from his left arm through excruciating pain.
In addition, it provided a compelling setting for Gideon’s unrelenting flight from his adversaries and the mysterious perils of the forest.
Even though the McKenzie River served as the setting for one very exciting scene in the film, adventure enthusiasts are known to frequent the waterway for top-notch experiences including fishing, waterfall hikes, and water rafting.
The famous river passes through the Willamette National Forest, showcasing a variety of verdant woodlands, a profusion of wildlife, and even lava landscapes.