“Bone Tomahawk” is a 2015 American Western horror film written and directed by S. Craig Zahler. This was Zahler’s directorial debut, and the film stars an ensemble cast including Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, Richard Jenkins, Lili Simmons, Evan Jonigkeit, David Arquette, Zahn McClarnon, and Sid Haig. The film tells the story of a sheriff and his posse who venture into a dangerous, isolated area to rescue people who have been kidnapped by a tribe of cannibalistic Native Americans.
The movie had its premiere at Fantastic Fest on October 1, 2015, and it was released in theaters on October 23, 2015. It grossed over $480,000 in theaters and an impressive $4.32 million in home media sales, against a production budget of $1.8 million. The film received positive reviews for its screenplay, direction, and acting, earning it a cult following over time.
Where was “Bone Tomahawk” Filmed?
The filming of “Bone Tomahawk” took place from September 29, 2014, to October 26, 2014 in Paramount Ranch in California. This timeline allowed the filmmakers to capture the necessary scenes while navigating the challenges and ensuring that the film’s visual and narrative elements were effectively portrayed.
Paramount Ranch, California
The primary filming location for “Bone Tomahawk” was Paramount Ranch, located in California. Paramount Ranch is a well-known site for Western-themed films and TV shows. The movie was shot here over a period of 21 days, and the ranch’s authentic Western appearance provided the perfect setting for the film’s narrative. The location has been used in various other productions, adding to its reputation as a versatile filming site.
Troglodytes’ Cave
The cave where the cannibalistic clan known as the Troglodytes lives plays an important role in the film. This cave was filmed in California and has previously appeared in projects such as the television series Weeds and the film Iron Man (2008). Zahler chose to present the brutality in a straightforward and honest manner, with long shots emphasizing the horror and severity of the scenes. This strategy helps to convey the film’s dismal plot.
Scouting and Location Decisions
Before deciding on Paramount Ranch as the principal setting, the film’s production team looked several other options in New Mexico, Utah, and Romania. Despite these considerations, the decision was taken to film in California. Budget restrictions and the suitability of Paramount Ranch for the film’s setting all influenced the decision.
Challenges During Filming
The production faced a number of hurdles, including issues with weaponry, special effects, makeup, and scene arrangement. These challenges contributed to the need to closely control the shooting process in order to stay on schedule. Despite these challenges, the crew completed the video in a reasonably short time.
Filming Techniques and Equipment
The film was shot using a RED Dragon camera, chosen for its high-quality visuals. However, director S. Craig Zahler later noted that he was not satisfied with this camera due to its visual noise, which led him to switch to a RED Weapon camera for his next film. The use of long shots and minimal close-ups was a deliberate choice to capture the characters’ interactions and body language more effectively.
“Bone Tomahawk” was primarily filmed at Paramount Ranch in California, with pre-filming location scouting in New Mexico, Utah, and Romania. The production faced several challenges but managed to deliver a gripping and well-received film. The choice of locations and filming techniques contributed significantly to the film’s unique atmosphere and storytelling.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Bone Tomahawk
Q: Where was Bone Tomahawk filmed?
A: Bone Tomahawk was primarily filmed at Paramount Ranch in California. This location provided the Western backdrop essential for the film’s setting. Additionally, the Troglodytes’ cave scenes were shot in California, in a location previously used in the TV series Weeds and the movie Iron Man (2008).
Q: When did the filming of Bone Tomahawk take place?
A: Filming for Bone Tomahawk took place from September 29, 2014, to October 26, 2014. The production team worked diligently to complete the film within this timeframe, managing various challenges along the way.
Q: What were some of the filming challenges faced during the production of Bone Tomahawk?
A: The production faced several challenges, including issues with firearms, special effects, makeup, and scene positioning. These challenges required careful management to ensure that filming stayed on schedule and within budget.
Q: When was Bone Tomahawk released?
A: Bone Tomahawk premiered at Fantastic Fest on October 1, 2015. It was then released in theaters on October 23, 2015. The film was well-received and went on to become popular in home media sales.
Q: What is the significance of the filming locations in Bone Tomahawk?
A: The choice of filming locations was crucial to creating the film’s Western atmosphere. Paramount Ranch provided an authentic Western setting, while the cave scenes shot in California added to the film’s intense and gritty visual style. The locations helped bring the story’s harsh and rugged world to life.
