Directed by Christopher Nolan, ‘Inception’ is a complex science fiction heist thriller that follows Dominick ‘Dom’ Cobb, a thief who extracts valuable secrets by infiltrating the dreams of others. Cobb’s profession is intricate and adversely affects his personal life.
He is presented with a prestigious position that requires him to implant a dream into an individual’s mind. The position entails significant hazards, and a minor misstep may obliterate the remnants of Cobb’s existence.
It showcases stunning visuals predominantly captured in authentic settings. We resolved to investigate the filming locations further, and here are our findings!
Filming Locations of Inception
‘Inception’ was filmed in California and Alberta. In addition to these locations, filming occurred in many countries, including England, Japan, Morocco, and France. Here are the particulars regarding certain filming sites.
Los Angeles, California
The first scene shows Cobb stuck on the shore next to a Japanese castle. Despite its resemblance to Japan, the sequence was filmed at Abalone Cove Shoreline Park in Rancho Palos Verdes, Los Angeles. The castle drew inspiration from Nijo Castle in Kyoto, constructed in 1603.
The sequence with a locomotive traversing the streets was recorded on South Spring Street in Downtown Los Angeles. The locomotive was fabricated by the production team and affixed to a truck for the filming of the action scenario.
Certain action sequences were recorded near the intersection of West 7th Street and Broadway in Los Angeles. The bridge scene featuring Yusuf’s overturned car was filmed at the Commodore Schuyler F Heim Bridge, linking Terminal Island to Long Beach and Wilmington, south of Los Angeles.
Specific passages were also recorded at the promenade adjacent to the Ahmanson Theatre, on North Hope Street. The John Ferraro Building, home to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, appears in one scene. The California Walnut Growers Building at Mills Street Loft was also a significant filming site.
Certain sequences were recorded at Wilshire Boulevard, South Hope Street, and the Creative Artists Agency Building in Los Angeles. The warehouse where Cobb and his team conceal themselves is situated on South Anderson Street.
The sequence in which Mal perches on a window sill and invites Cobb to join her was filmed in the Chester Williams Building.
In addition to on-location filming, several scenes were recorded at Stage 16, Warner Brothers Burbank Studios in Burbank, California, and Universal Studios in Universal City, California.
The rocky beach, where Cobb observes his children playing in the sand, was filmed at Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, California.
The residence of Cobb seen in the film’s conclusion is situated on South Grand Avenue in Pasadena, California. Certain sequences of the film were additionally filmed in New York City.
London, England
University College London was a significant filming site for ‘Inception.’ Certain moments with Cobb and Miles were recorded in The Gustave Tuck Lecture Theatre and Flaxman Gallery at University College. Yusuf’s pharmacy was recorded in the Farmiloe Building in Smithfield, London.
Maurice Fischer’s upscale residence was filmed in one of the history chambers of Victoria House in Bloomsbury Square, London.
In addition to filming in London, certain sequences were shot in Bedfordshire, England. The hotel featured in the renowned action scene was filmed on an extensive studio set built at the Cardington Airship sheds in Bedfordshire.
The sets were capable of rotation, and the actors needed to rehearse intricate footwork for the action. The sequence in which Arthur elucidates the Penrose steps to Ariadne was recorded in the lobby of Samsung House located in Chertsey, Surrey.
The contemporary Kyoto airport depicted in the film was, in fact, filmed at Farnborough Airfield in Hampshire, England. The renowned Farnborough International Airshow has been conducted at the airfield biennially since its inception in 1948.
Paris, France
A notable sequence from ‘Inception’ was filmed in Paris, France. Cobb and Ariadne are seated at a modest café, discussing the technique of dream extraction. Shortly thereafter, the dream realm begins to manifest around them.
The establishment is an Italian deli called Il Russo, located on Rue César Franck in Paris. The film was also prominently filmed at the Pont de Bir-Hakeim Bridge in Paris.
The bridge spans the Seine River and is in proximity to the Eiffel Tower. Films such as ‘Last Tango in Paris’ and ‘National Treasure: Book of Secrets’ were filmed at this location.
Additional filming locations in Paris for ‘Inception’ comprise Avenue du President Kennedy, Passy station, and the Palais Galliera, a museum dedicated to fashion and fashion history.
Calgary, Alberta
The crucial scene in the strong mountain fortress was filmed in vicinity to Calgary, Alberta. The set was established at the Fortress Mountain ski resort in Kananaskis, about 55 miles west of Calgary.
Christopher Nolan shot several scenes of ‘Batman Begins’ at this location. Leonardo DiCaprio returned to Kananaskis to film certain scenes of ‘The Revenant.’
Tangiers, Morocco
The marketplace chase sequence in Mombasa was shot at the Grand Souk in Tangier, Morocco. The marketplace is a complex environment of traders displaying a variety of vibrant products, including spices and varied food items.
Tangier is a Moroccan maritime city situated on the Strait of Gibraltar. It has served as a crucial conduit between Africa and Europe since antiquity. Tangiers also used as a substitute for Mombasa, Kenya in several other scenes.
Tokyo, Japan
Cobb and his team awaken aboard a bullet train following the disruption of their dream. The scenario was recorded in Tokyo, Japan, under stringent constraints. In addition to Tokyo, specific parts were filmed in Shizuoka, which hosts Mount Fuji, a national emblem of Japan and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The rooftop heliport scene was filmed at the Ark Mori Building located in Minato, Tokyo.
Do you enjoy learning the magic behind the best flicks? Understand “Inception” with our broad review of its remarkable international filming sites. Enjoy the specifics of each locale, from Los Angeles to Tokyo. Do not miss the opportunity—visit our website immediately to discover additional exclusive insights and behind-the-scenes content!