Bone Tomahawk is a 2015 American Western horror film written and directed by S. Craig Zahler. It stars Kurt Russell, Patrick Wilson, Matthew Fox, and Richard Jenkins.
The film is set in the American Old West and follows a small-town sheriff who leads a posse into a desolate region to rescue three people who were abducted by a cannibalistic Native American clan.
It’s a gritty and violent film, often praised for its unique blend of Western and horror genres, as well as its strong performances and atmospheric direction.
Where was Bone Tomahawk Filmed?
Bone Tomahawk was filmed in California. The movie stands out not only for its intense storyline but also for its carefully chosen filming locations that enhance the raw, gritty atmosphere of the story.
Here’s a closer look at the filming spots that brought Bone Tomahawk to life.
Paramount Ranch, Agoura, California
The majority of Bone Tomahawk was filmed at the Paramount Ranch in California.
This location, nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains, has been a popular setting for Western movies and TV shows.
Its dusty trails, rustic buildings, and open landscapes captured the essence of the film’s fictional town, Bright Hope.
With a tight filming schedule of just 21 days, Zahler and his team made the most of the ranch’s ready-made western town structures.
It provided the perfect backdrop to immerse viewers in the turn-of-the-century feel without extensive setup time.
The Troglodytes’ Cave in California
The troglodytes’ cave scenes—where the film’s most intense and violent moments occur—were also shot in California.
This cave had previously served as a filming location for other productions, such as the TV series Weeds and the 2008 movie Iron Man.
Its eerie, desolate appearance helped create a sense of terror and isolation, essential to building tension for these brutal scenes.
Filming Challenges and Choices
Filming in these rugged locations wasn’t without challenges. The crew encountered several problems, from malfunctioning firearms to issues with special effects and makeup.
Zahler made specific filming choices to overcome these obstacles while still achieving his vision.
For instance, instead of using multiple close-ups, he opted for long shots to capture the characters’ body language, emphasizing their resilience and strength amid the horror surrounding them.
Additionally, Zahler avoided showing too many close-up details of the troglodytes to keep their culture mysterious.
This choice added to the eerie atmosphere of the cave scenes, leaving viewers with a sense of unease about the hidden lives of these cannibalistic characters.
Camera and Cinematic Techniques
The film was shot with a RED Dragon camera at a 2.35:1 aspect ratio to create a wide, immersive view.
Zahler felt that this choice allowed him to capture the landscape and the characters within it effectively.
Although Zahler later expressed that he found the RED Dragon camera visually noisy, it served the purpose of portraying the raw and unfiltered world of Bone Tomahawk.
Scouting New Mexico, Utah, and Romania
Before filming at Paramount Ranch, the production team scouted potential locations in New Mexico, Utah, and even as far as Romania.
These areas were considered because of their remote landscapes, which could have offered similar looks and atmospheres.
However, due to cost and logistical constraints, these options were ruled out, and Paramount Ranch became the primary filming spot.
Official Trailer
Frequently Asked Questions-
Q: Where was Bone Tomahawk primarily filmed?
A: Bone Tomahawk was primarily filmed at the Paramount Ranch in California.
Q: Where were the cave scenes with the troglodytes filmed?
A: The scenes in the troglodytes’ cave were also shot in California.
Q: How long did filming take for Bone Tomahawk?
A: Filming took place over a tight schedule of 21 days. S. Craig Zahler and his team worked efficiently to capture the necessary scenes within this short period.