Ever wondered where the action-packed thriller Criminal (2016) was filmed? Well, buckle up, movie buffs and travel enthusiasts, because we're about to embark on a journey to uncover the real-world locations that brought this gripping story to life. From the bustling streets of London to the serene landscapes of Belgium, Criminal utilized a variety of settings to create its intense and suspenseful atmosphere. Let's dive into the details and explore the fascinating filming locations of this star-studded film.

London, England: The Heart of the Action

London, the vibrant capital of England, plays a significant role in Criminal. The city's iconic landmarks and diverse neighborhoods provide a dynamic backdrop for the film's thrilling plot. One of the key locations in London is undoubtedly the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich. This magnificent architectural marvel, with its stunning baroque design, served as a stand-in for several important scenes, adding a touch of grandeur and history to the film. Its expansive courtyards and historical buildings offered the perfect setting for both dramatic confrontations and clandestine meetings.

Beyond the Old Royal Naval College, various other parts of London contributed to the film's gritty realism. The production team cleverly utilized the city's diverse architecture, from modern skyscrapers to historic streets, to create a sense of authenticity. Imagine walking down a street and recognizing it from a high-octane chase scene or a pivotal plot point! This immersive experience is part of what makes location scouting so crucial for filmmakers.

Filming in London presented unique challenges and opportunities. The city's bustling nature required careful planning and coordination to manage traffic and crowds. However, the readily available infrastructure and experienced local crew made London an ideal choice for a significant portion of the production. Plus, the city's inherent cinematic appeal provided a visual richness that enhanced the overall quality of the film. The use of London as a primary filming location highlights the city's enduring popularity as a sought-after destination for filmmakers worldwide. Its blend of history, modernity, and cultural diversity makes it a versatile and compelling backdrop for a wide range of stories. Criminal effectively captures the essence of London, showcasing both its iconic landmarks and its more gritty, underbelly, creating a compelling visual narrative that complements the film's intense storyline.

Brussels, Belgium: Adding International Flair

Brussels, the capital of Belgium, also features prominently in Criminal, adding an international dimension to the film's setting. Known for its stunning architecture, vibrant cultural scene, and as the de facto capital of the European Union, Brussels provided a sophisticated backdrop for several key scenes. The city's unique blend of historical charm and modern development made it an ideal location to complement the London-based action. One notable location in Brussels is the Justice Palace, a colossal building known for its imposing façade and intricate design. This grand structure served as a visually stunning backdrop, enhancing the film's sense of scale and drama.

The choice to film in Brussels also reflects the film's international scope, as the plot involves characters and storylines that span across Europe. The city's multicultural atmosphere and diverse architecture added depth and authenticity to the narrative. In addition to the Justice Palace, various other locations in Brussels were used to capture different aspects of the city's character, from its bustling commercial districts to its more quiet, residential areas. The use of Brussels as a filming location not only provided a visually appealing setting but also contributed to the film's overall sense of realism and international intrigue.

Furthermore, filming in Brussels presented logistical advantages for the production team. The city's well-developed infrastructure and experienced film industry made it a relatively smooth process. Local authorities were also supportive, facilitating the necessary permits and resources to ensure the production ran efficiently. The combination of stunning visuals, logistical convenience, and international relevance made Brussels an excellent choice for Criminal. The filmmakers were able to effectively utilize the city's unique characteristics to enhance the film's narrative and create a memorable viewing experience for audiences. It's cool to see how different cities can contribute to a film's atmosphere, isn't it?!

Exploring Other Notable Locations

While London and Brussels take center stage, Criminal also utilized several other locations to enhance its narrative and visual appeal. These additional filming sites, though perhaps less prominent, contribute significantly to the film's overall atmosphere and sense of realism. One such location is the airport, which is a frequent setting for thrillers due to its inherent tension and sense of transit. The airport scenes in Criminal likely involved a combination of practical locations and studio sets, carefully chosen to create a seamless and believable environment. The bustling activity of an airport, with its constant flow of people and vehicles, adds a layer of urgency and excitement to the film.

In addition to the airport, the production team may have also utilized various streets and urban environments in both London and Brussels to capture the film's action sequences and chase scenes. These locations, often chosen for their architectural diversity and visual interest, provide a dynamic backdrop for the film's thrilling plot. The use of real-world streets adds a sense of authenticity and immediacy, immersing the audience in the heart of the action. The careful selection of these locations, combined with skillful cinematography and editing, creates a visually compelling and engaging viewing experience.

Moreover, it's worth noting that some scenes may have been filmed in studio settings to provide greater control over lighting, sound, and other technical aspects of the production. Studio sets allow filmmakers to create highly detailed and customized environments that perfectly match their vision. While studio sets may not be as visually striking as real-world locations, they play a crucial role in ensuring the technical quality and consistency of the film. The combination of practical locations and studio sets allows filmmakers to achieve the desired level of realism and visual impact. Isn't it fascinating how much detail goes into choosing the right spot for a movie scene?

The Importance of Location Scouting

Location scouting is a critical aspect of filmmaking, and the choices made for Criminal demonstrate the impact that real-world settings can have on a film's overall quality. The selection of London and Brussels as primary filming locations was no accident; these cities offered the perfect blend of visual appeal, logistical convenience, and thematic relevance to the film's story. Location scouts are responsible for finding and securing suitable locations for filming, taking into account factors such as aesthetics, accessibility, cost, and security. Their work is essential in creating a believable and immersive environment for the actors and the audience.

The process of location scouting typically involves extensive research, site visits, and negotiations with property owners and local authorities. Location scouts must have a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the film's script and visual style. They work closely with the director, production designer, and other members of the creative team to ensure that the chosen locations align with the film's overall vision. The success of a film often depends on the quality of its locations, and the dedication and expertise of location scouts play a crucial role in bringing those locations to life.

Furthermore, the use of real-world locations can add a layer of authenticity and realism that is difficult to achieve with studio sets alone. When audiences recognize a familiar landmark or street, it creates a sense of connection and immersion that enhances their viewing experience. The filmmakers behind Criminal clearly understood the importance of location scouting and made strategic choices that elevated the film's visual appeal and narrative impact. It's amazing to think about all the behind-the-scenes effort that goes into making a movie look so good! Location scouting truly is an art form in itself.

Final Thoughts: Reliving the Thrills

The filming locations of Criminal (2016) offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of filmmaking and the meticulous planning that goes into creating a believable and immersive cinematic experience. From the iconic landmarks of London to the sophisticated streets of Brussels, each location played a crucial role in bringing the film's thrilling story to life. Whether you're a die-hard fan of the movie or simply curious about the art of location scouting, exploring the real-world settings of Criminal is a rewarding and enriching experience. So, next time you watch the film, pay close attention to the backgrounds and appreciate the effort that went into choosing each and every location. You might even be inspired to plan your own film-themed travel adventure!

By understanding the significance of these filming locations, we gain a deeper appreciation for the film's overall quality and the creative vision of its filmmakers. The strategic use of real-world settings not only enhances the film's visual appeal but also contributes to its sense of realism and narrative impact. So, the next time you're watching Criminal, remember to keep an eye out for these iconic locations and appreciate the role they played in bringing this thrilling story to life. Happy watching, everyone!