Where was A Few Good Men filmed?
1992
City Locations
Point Mugu (USA), Georgetown (USA), San Pedro (USA), Burbank (USA), Culver City (USA), Laguna Beach (USA), Crystal Cove (USA)
Location Types
Unique, Unusual, House, Hospital, Motel
Location Styles
Retro, Dated, Federal Building, Motel Style
About A Few Good Men
"A Few Good Men," a gripping courtroom drama premiered in 1992, dives into the intricate realm of military justice. Rob Reiner helmed the film, while Aaron Sorkin, who also developed the original play, wrote the script. It tells the story of two U.S. Marines, Louden Downey and Harold Dawson. They are in the midst of a trial in Cuba for the murder of a comrade named Private William Santiago.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel Kaffee, played by Tom Cruise, is tasked with defending them. He is a Navy lawyer who is more accustomed to plea bargains than judicial proceedings. Lieutenant Commander JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore), Kaffee's co-counsel, and Lieutenant Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak), who believe there is more to the case than meets the eye, question his lack of trial experience and early desire for a speedy settlement. As they delve deeper, they discover a code of honor and corruption inside the Marine Corps, setting for a tense and dramatic courtroom clash.
The film is known for its outstanding performances, particularly Jack Nicholson's legendary appearance as Colonel Nathan R. Jessup, whose explosive testimony leads to the conclusion and delivers the immortal statement, "You can't handle the truth!"
"A Few Good Men" is more than just a legal drama; it's a compelling examination of ethics, duty, and the moral quandaries that military personnel face. It remains captivating, demonstrating the power of truth and the fortitude required to expose it.
A Few Good Men Locations
The 1992 production of the legendary film "A Few Good Men" used scenic, strategically picked locales across the United States to powerfully depict its protagonists' drama and moral quandaries. Set in military and judicial sequences, the filmmakers chose backdrops in California and Washington, D.C. that convincingly doubled as these settings, producing a visually engaging and authentic backdrop for the drama.
Californian provided the backdrop for most sequences, with the Naval Air Station Point Mugu serving as a stand-in for Guantanamo Bay due to its military appearance and coastal backdrop, which added to the authenticity. Crystal Cove State Park and Fort MacArthur, among other California places, add to the beautiful variety. Urban sequences set in Washington, D.C., came to life in Georgetown, putting the plot in a more realistic backdrop and giving dimension to the characters' reality.
For fans of "A Few Good Men" or those interested in filmmaking, visiting these locales would provide a scenic adventure and an intriguing investigation of how real-world situations transform into cinematic storytelling. It's a unique opportunity to engage with the film, revealing insights into the creative process and the seamless blend of fantasy and reality.
Fun Facts:
The production team filmed Nicholson's iconic courtroom outburst from three angles in one day. Despite the moment’s tension, Nicholson performed his performance consistently each time, allowing the producers to record the perfect take.
The murder scene in A Few Good Men
NAS Point Mugu, California, USA
In the dead of night at the Guantanamo Bay Naval Base in Cuba, United States Marine Private William Santiago (Michael DeLorenzo) is subjected to a brutal beating while restrained. His subsequent death leads to Lance Corporal Harold Dawson (Wolfgang Bodison) and Private First Class Louden Downey (James Marshall) getting charged with his murder and facing military court proceedings.
It falls on Lieutenant Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) of the United States Navy JAG Corps, a young attorney known for his preference for settling cases out of court through plea deals, to defend them.
Naval Air Station Point Mugu, once an independent base from 1941 to 2000 near Oxnard, California, is part of the larger Naval Base Ventura County. Renowned for managing the Point Mugu Sea Range and being the Navy's center of electronic warfare expertise, it provides crucial logistics and in-service support.
Travelers can fly into Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and drive northwest on US-101 N toward Oxnard to reach NAS Point Mugu in California. Exit at Oxnard and follow signs for Pacific Coast Highway 1, heading west. The base is near Oxnard, along the scenic coastline, approximately an hour's drive from Los Angeles.
Kaffee's apartment scene in A Few Good Men
3017 Dent Pl NW, Washington, DC 20007, USA
The sequence depicts the relationships between Kaffee (Tom Cruise) and his coworkers as they strategize and investigate the case's intricacies. The apartment's simple design reflects Kaffee's straightforward and distinctive approach to work and life.
It becomes a gathering place for brainstorming, confrontation, and critical decisions, emphasizing passion and emotional engagement in their pursuit of justice. The sequence goes beyond conventional character interaction; it's a watershed moment that reveals Kaffee's dedication and the growing pressure of their goal.
Dent Place NW is a beautiful street in the middle of Georgetown, Washington, DC. It combines old-fashioned charm with modern luxury. Dent Place is a unique look into the past and community life of the capital. It has a mix of architectural styles, from cozy townhouses to boutique condos.
Fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to visit 3017 Dent Pl NW in Washington, D.C. Take the Metro's Blue Line towards Largo Town Center, and get off at the Foggy Bottom-GWU station. Then, it’s a brief ride on the D.C. Circulator bus towards Georgetown or a pleasant walk for about 1 mile through the historic and scenic Georgetown streets to reach Dent Place NW.
Kaffee and Galloway's confrontation scene in A Few Good Men
DHS St. Elizabeths Campus Visitor Center, 1790 Ash St SE, Washington, DC 20593, USA
The first confrontation between Daniel Kaffee (Tom Cruise) and JoAnne Galloway (Demi Moore) sets the stage for their complex relationship throughout the film. This pivotal scene unfolds early in the movie, establishing the dynamic between the two characters. Galloway, a determined and principled Navy lawyer, is deeply troubled by the case of two Marines accused of murdering a fellow Marine. She seeks out Kaffee, an inexperienced but talented Navy litigator known for his penchant for plea bargains rather than courtroom battles.
The DHS St. Elizabeths Campus Visitor Center serves as the gateway to the consolidated headquarters of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security in Washington, D.C. Situated in a historic area, the center provides essential information and guidance for visitors. It symbolizes a blend of historical significance and modern security innovation, reflecting the department's mission to safeguard the nation.
1790 Ash St SE, Washington, DC, the DHS St. Elizabeths Campus Visitor Center, is accessible via public transportation or car. Take the Yellow Line train to L'Enfant Plaza from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) and switch to the Green Line towards Branch Ave. Take the exit at the Congress Heights station.
Weinberg's house scene in A Few Good Men
2415 20th St NW, Washington, DC 20009, USA
A significant incident happens at the home of Lt. Sam Weinberg (Kevin Pollak). It demonstrates the friendship and changing relationships among the defense team members. Sam Weinberg's home, known as Airy View in real life and only shown once in the film, provides an intimate backdrop.
In Washington, D.C., 20th St NW is a busy street that shows how the city's culture, history, and technology all come together. This street goes through different neighborhoods and has a lot of things to do, from quiet parks and historic sites to cute shops and restaurants. It brings to life the lively spirit of the nation's capital, making it a miniature version of D.C.'s many charms and a busy spot for locals and visitors.
Fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to go to 2415 20th St NW, Washington, D.C. Take the Blue Line Metro train from the airport to Largo Town Center. At Metro Center, switch to the Red Line going toward Shady Grove. Leave the stop at Dupont Circle. A short walk north will bring you to 20th St NW, an area with history and culture close to the city's busy center.
Markinson finds himself sequestered scene in A Few Good Men
Motel 6 Washington, DC - Convention Center, 1345 4th St NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States
The detention of Lt. Col. Matthew Andrew Markinson (J.T. Walsh) dives into the depths of his sorrow and remorse for the events leading up to the death of a Marine under his command. The weight of his conscience and the moral battle he is experiencing are tangible in the dimly illuminated confines of the motel room.
The Motel 6 Washington, DC - Convention Center is a cheap place to stay in the middle of the nation's capital. Guests can enjoy modern, comfy rooms near famous sights like Capitol Hill. Pets are also welcome. The hotel has free WiFi, free parking, and a front desk open 24 hours a day. It makes it a choice for tourists who want to save money and stay close to the sights in downtown Washington, D.C.
Fly into Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA) to get to 1345 4th St. NE, Washington, D.C., where the Motel 6 Washington, DC - Convention Center is. Get off at the NoMa-Gallaudet U stop, and a short walk east on M St. NE, followed by a right on 4th St. NE, will get you there.
Conclusion
The thrilling legal battle at the end of "A Few Good Men" brings out the themes of honor, duty, and the search for truth in the U.S. military. Viewers are taken to various carefully chosen places throughout the movie, such as the harsh surroundings of Guantanamo Bay, the busy streets of Washington, D.C., and the cozy interiors of homes and hotels.
These different backgrounds make the story more fascinating and show how different the worlds of military order and civilian law are. The movie ends with a powerful ending that makes people think about the moral problems that people in uniform face.
Combining strong performances with varied settings, "A Few Good Men" creates a movie experience that is both emotionally powerful and thought-provoking, leaving viewers with a lasting impression.