Anatomy of a Fall, known in French as Anatomie d’une chute, is a 2023 French legal drama film directed by Justine Triet. The movie tells the story of Sandra, played by Sandra Hüller, who is a writer trying to prove her innocence in the mysterious death of her husband, Samuel. The film beautifully explores the complexities of their marriage, as they live in a secluded chalet in the French Alps with their eleven-year-old son, Daniel, who is blind. One day, when Samuel is found dead below the chalet, the question arises whether it was a murder or a suicide. As the investigation unfolds, it reveals the secrets of their troubled relationship.
The film is set against the breathtaking backdrop of the French Alps, which plays a significant role in creating the intense atmosphere of the story. The powerful performances by Sandra Hüller and the rest of the cast, including Swann Arlaud, Samuel Theis, and others, keep the audience engaged, while the beautiful locations captivate them. If you are curious about where the film was shot, here is a detailed look at the filming locations of Anatomy of a Fall.
Where was “Anatomy of a Fall” Filmed?
Anatomy of a Fall was filmed entirely in France, covering several picturesque and iconic locations. The principal photography for the film began in late February 2022 and was completed in about 45 shooting days, wrapping up in mid-May of the same year. The filmmakers chose several beautiful and interesting places across France to bring the story to life.
Savoie, France
A large part of Anatomy of a Fall was filmed in Savoie, a department in the French Alps located in the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region. The story is centered around a mountain house where Sandra and Samuel live, and this house is where most of the drama happens, including the tragic fall of Samuel. The filmmakers chose Fjällstuga chalet in the hamlet of Les Crevasses in the commune of Villarembert as the primary filming location for these scenes. The stunning mountain views and the serene yet isolated atmosphere of Savoie added a lot to the film’s intense and suspenseful mood. Additionally, some scenes were filmed in the province of Maurienne, also located in Savoie.
Isère, France
Some crucial scenes from the film were also shot in Isère, a department that borders Savoie to the east. Grenoble, Isère’s main city, used as a filming site, particularly for a scene in which the lawyers sat on a café patio. The lovely cafés and bustling ambiance of Grenoble were ideal for the setting of this scene. In addition, the cast and crew recorded a few sequences in the charming commune of Montbonnot-Saint-Martin, also in Isère.
Charente Maritime, France
The dramatic courtroom sequences in the second half of Anatomy of a Fall were all shot in Charente-Maritime, specifically at the Courthouse of Saintes, located on Square du Maréchal Foch in Saintes. These significant moments were filmed in both the courthouse’s outside and inside, lending reality to the courtroom drama. The cinematographer, Simon Beaufils, detailed his experience filming at the courthouse, explaining how the team was able to shoot the intricate courtroom scenes in just eight days, utilizing two cameras and a meticulously crafted lighting setup to capture the emotional moments of trial.
Paris, France
In addition to the other locations, the production team also filmed some scenes in Paris, the capital of France. Paris is known for its iconic landmarks such as the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Notre-Dame de Paris, and the Basilica of Sacré Coeur de Montmartre. These famous sites may appear in the background of some scenes, adding to the film’s visual appeal. Paris has always been a popular filming location for many movies and TV shows, and Anatomy of a Fall is no exception. The city’s timeless beauty and vibrant atmosphere provide a perfect setting for several scenes in the film.
Cast of Anatomy of a Fall
The film stars Sandra Hüller as Sandra Voyter, a writer trying to prove her innocence in her husband’s death. Swann Arlaud plays Vincent Renzi, a significant character who has appeared in films such as Romantics Anonymous (2010), Elles (2011), Les Anarchistes (2015), and The Wakhan Front (2015).
The film also features supporting roles by Milo Machado-Graner as Daniel Maleski, Antoine Reinartz as the prosecutor, Samuel Theis as Samuel Maleski, Jehnny Beth as Marge Berger, Saadia Bentaïeb as Nour, Camille Rutherford as Zoé Solidor, Anne Rotger as the President, Sophie Fillières as Monica, and even Messi as Snoop. These talented actors brought depth and realism to the film, making it a gripping and emotional experience for the audience.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Anatomy of a Fall
Q: Where was “Anatomy of a Fall” filmed?
A: “Anatomy of a Fall” was filmed entirely in France. The primary locations include Savoie in the French Alps, Isère, Charente-Maritime, and Paris. Key scenes were shot at the Fjällstuga chalet in Savoie, in Grenoble and Montbonnot-Saint-Martin in Isère, the Courthouse of Saintes in Charente-Maritime, and various iconic locations in Paris.
Q: When was “Anatomy of a Fall” filmed?
The filming of “Anatomy of a Fall” began in late February 2022 and was completed in about 45 shooting days, wrapping up around mid-May 2022.
Q: What are the main filming locations of “Anatomy of a Fall”?
A: The main filming locations include the Fjällstuga chalet in Savoie, the city of Grenoble and Montbonnot-Saint-Martin in Isère, the Courthouse of Saintes in Charente-Maritime, and various famous landmarks in Paris.
Q: When was “Anatomy of a Fall” released?
A: “Anatomy of a Fall” was released on March 22, 2024.
Q: Who are the main cast members of “Anatomy of a Fall”?
A: The film stars Sandra Hüller as Sandra Voyter, a writer trying to prove her innocence in her husband’s death. Swann Arlaud plays Vincent Renzi, and has appeared in films such as Romantics Anonymous (2010) and The Wakhan Front (2015). Other supporting roles include Milo Machado-Graner as Daniel Maleski, Antoine Reinartz as the prosecutor, Samuel Theis as Samuel Maleski, Jehnny Beth as Marge Berger, Saadia Bentaïeb as Nour, Camille Rutherford as Zoé Solidor, Anne Rotger as the President, Sophie Fillières as Monica, and Messi as Snoop.
Q: Why were the French Alps chosen as a filming location for “Anatomy of a Fall”?
A: The French Alps, specifically Savoie, were chosen for their stunning natural beauty and isolated atmosphere, which perfectly complemented the intense and suspenseful mood of the film. The mountain setting plays a crucial role in the story’s central mystery.
