No Way Out is a thrilling American action movie that was released in 1987. Directed by Roger Donaldson, this neo-noir film stars Kevin Costner, Gene Hackman, Will Patton, and Sean Young. The story is about a coverup and a tense search for a suspect after a politician accidentally kills his mistress. The film is based on the 1946 novel “The Big Clock” by Kenneth Fearing, which had been adapted into movies before, including “The Big Clock” (1948) and “Police Python 357” (1976). The movie is dedicated to its director of photography, John Alcott, who passed away after the main filming was completed in July 1986.
Where was “No Way Out” Filmed?
“No Way Out” was filmed in several locations, including Washington, D.C., Alexandria, and Arlington in Virginia. Additional scenes were shot in Baltimore, Maryland, Annapolis, and Auckland, New Zealand, between April and June 1986. The film is dedicated to its director of photography, John Alcott, who passed away in July 1986, after principal photography was completed, over a year before the film’s release.
Washington, D.C.
A significant part of “No Way Out” was filmed in Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. The movie’s thrilling scenes were shot in and around the city, giving it an authentic feel. The Pentagon, one of the most secure government buildings, was used for many scenes. The film crew actually got permission to shoot in the foyer and corridors of the Pentagon, which is very rare. However, most of the interior shots were recreated in a studio because of security concerns.
The movie starts with a party where the main characters, Tom Farrell (played by Kevin Costner) and Susan Atwell (played by Sean Young), meet for the first time. This party scene was filmed at the Omni Shoreham Hotel, located at 2500 Calvert Street NW in Rock Creek Park. This beautiful hotel is to the northwest of Washington, D.C., and is known for its historical significance and stunning architecture.
One of the most exciting parts of the movie is the foot chase scene. In the movie, it looks like the chase takes place in a subway station in Georgetown, a famous neighborhood in D.C. However, Georgetown doesn’t actually have a subway line. The filmmakers used the Georgetown Park Mall, located at M Street and Wisconsin Avenue, to shoot this scene. Interestingly, this same mall was also used in the movie True Lies for a major shoot-out scene. The mall has a unique green and gold design, which was inspired by the Bradbury Building in Los Angeles, famously known as Sebastian’s home in Blade Runner.
Hotel Washington: Another important location in the movie is the rooftop of the Hotel Washington, located at 515 15th Street NW, Washington, D.C. This is where two characters, Pritchard and Bryce, meet secretly. The rooftop offers stunning views of the city and is a perfect spot for such a tense and secretive conversation.
Alexandria, Virginia
Susan Atwell’s apartment, where some key scenes take place, was filmed in Alexandria, Virginia. The exact location used was 101 Quay Street. Alexandria is a historic city known for its well-preserved 18th- and 19th-century architecture, and it provided a picturesque backdrop for the movie’s dramatic scenes.
The Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia
Some scenes in No Way Out were also shot at The Pentagon, which is located at 48 N. Rotary Road, Arlington, Virginia. The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense and is one of the largest office buildings in the world. Filming at The Pentagon added a level of authenticity and seriousness to the movie, as it is an important and iconic building.
“No Way Out” is a film that used its locations brilliantly to enhance the tension and drama of its story. From the busy streets and historic buildings of Washington, D.C., to the secure corridors of The Pentagon, each location was carefully chosen to fit the movie’s intense atmosphere. The use of real locations, along with some creative filmmaking tricks, helped to make “No Way Out” a memorable and thrilling experience for audiences. The film’s dedication to realism and detail is one of the reasons it remains a classic action thriller even today.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – No Way Out
Q: Where was No Way Out filmed?
A: No Way Out was filmed in various locations, including Washington, D.C., Alexandria in Virginia, and Arlington in Virginia. Some scenes were also shot in Baltimore, Maryland, and Annapolis. Additionally, parts of the film were shot in Auckland, New Zealand.
Q: When was No Way Out filmed?
A: The filming of No Way Out took place between April and June 1986. The movie completed its principal photography just before the death of its director of photography, John Alcott, in July 1986.
Q: What are the main filming locations of No Way Out?
A: The main filming locations include the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C., Georgetown Park Mall in Washington, D.C., and Susan Atwell’s apartment in Alexandria, Virginia. The rooftop scenes were filmed at the Hotel Washington in Washington, D.C.
Q: When was No Way Out released?
A: No Way Out was released in the United States on August 14, 1987.
Q: What is the significance of the filming locations in No Way Out?
A: The use of real locations like the Pentagon and various sites in Washington, D.C., added authenticity to the film’s intense and suspenseful atmosphere, making it a memorable action thriller.
