Where was An Unfinished Life filmed?
2005
City Locations
Alberta, British Columbia (Canada)
Location Types
Riverside, Ranch
Location Styles
Ranch Style, Rustic, Craftsman, Colonial, Manufactured Home
About An Unfinished Life
With a star-studded cast including Jennifer Lopez, Robert Redford, and Morgan Freeman, An Unfinished Life is a 2005 drama directed by Lasse Hallström and starring Jennifer Lopez, Robert Redford, Morgan Freeman, and Damian Lewis. The narrative traces the journey of a fragmented family across two generations as they strive to come to terms with their complex histories.
Einar Gilkyson (Robert Redford) was once a prosperous rancher. However, his land has fallen into neglect due to his struggles with alcoholism. Thankfully, he finds solace in the companionship of his friend Mitch (Morgan Freeman). Mitch, a former cowboy who endured a bear attack, remains steadfast in his support for Einar.
Einar had a son named Griffin, who tragically died in a car accident. Jean (Jennifer Lopez) was responsible for the accident, and Einar harbored deep resentment towards her. It took 11 years for Einar to finally meet his granddaughter Griff when she unexpectedly showed up at his doorstep.
Jean finds herself entangled with Gary (Damian Lewis), a man who proves to be abusive. She seeks refuge on Einar's ranch for her daughter’s safety. While Jean searches for employment, Einar and Mitch take care of Griff.
An Unfinished Life achieved recognition for its outstanding makeup from the Canadian Network of Makeup Artists, with Jayne Dancose acknowledged for their exceptional work. The film also received the esteemed Genesis Award for Best Feature in 2005. However, the reviews for the film were a mixture of positive and negative.
An Unfinished Life Locations
An Unfinished Life was filmed almost entirely in Canada, with most scenes recorded in and around Kamloops. This sprawling metropolis is in the south-central region of British Columbia. It provided an ideal backdrop for filming due to its diverse landscapes, which include lush forests, rugged mountains, and crystal-clear lakes.
Vancouver, Medicine Hat, and Burdett offered settings for exterior shots, giving viewers a glimpse into some of the most beautiful Canadian cities. The area surrounding Kamloops is home to many significant landmarks and attractions that visitors can enjoy on a trip to the filming locations for An Unfinished Life.
From breathtaking views of nature at McCarron Lake Provincial Park to exploring fine art galleries in downtown Kamloops, there is something for everyone to enjoy here. Outdoor adventure enthusiasts can explore the Wells Gray Provincial Park or skydive over Okanagan Lake near Vernon.
Visiting these shooting locations would be worthwhile for anyone wishing to relive some of their favorite moments from An Unfinished Life. Fans of the movie will have a chance to explore stunning scenery such as Shuswap Lake, which served as a setting during crucial scenes, or visit Sun Peaks Resort, another one of the central locations throughout the movie.
The bear attacked Mitch scene in An Unfinished Life
Kamloops, British Columbia, Canada
The film begins with a captivating scene that captures the awe-inspiring beauty of rural America, showcasing vast rolling plains and majestic mountains in the distance. A year before the events depicted, a bear seized a calf from Mitch (Morgan Freeman) and Einar's (Robert Redford) ranch.
In their valiant effort to rescue the calf, the bear ferociously attacked Mitch, causing him severe harm. Unfortunately, due to Einar’s intoxication, he could not save Mitch from the vicious assault. The bear ultimately fled into the mountains.
Kamloops, British Columbia, provided the backdrop for the scene when Einar finally comes to Mitch's aid after his attack. This location served as a perfect backdrop to highlight the contrasting elements that make up this stunningly beautiful area. The filmmakers used Kamloops' Thompson River to stand for Ishawooa Creek for this particular scene. To give an authentic feel, they also set up camps near Kamloops Lake to facilitate filming.
To visit this majestic location in south-central British Columbia, Kamloops is accessible by flying into Vancouver International Airport or Kelowna International Airport. From either airport, hire a car or take public transportation, such as BC Transit buses, which run through Kamloops regularly from both cities.
Jean settles down in the town scene in An Unfinished Life
Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
Following Griffin's passing, Jean (Jennifer Lopez) gets entangled in several unsuccessful romantic relationships. Searching for refuge from her abusive boyfriend, Gary (Damian Lewis), she sought solace by moving in with Einar (Robert Redford). Jean starts working at a nearby coffee shop to earn the necessary funds and establish independence. She forms a friendship with Nina (Camryn Manheim), a fellow waitress, and develops a bond with Sheriff Curtis (Josh Lucas), who becomes a trusted confidant.
Vancouver, a coastal seaport city in western Canada, is where the production team filmed several interior scenes of the cafe and town. Known for its cultural diversity and high population density, Vancouver has emerged as a thriving hub for the film industry in the 21st century. The temperate climate, picturesque natural locations, and abundant skilled labor contribute to its appeal as a filming destination.
To get there from within Canada, fly into Vancouver International Airport or take a train or car if coming from another Canadian city. For international travelers, fly directly into Vancouver International Airport or drive up from Seattle if coming from The United States.
Einar and the sheriff throw Gary out of town scene in An Unfinished Life
Medicine Hat, Alberta, Canada
Gary (Damian Lewis) locates Jean (Jennifer Lopez) when he arrives in town. Einar (Robert Redford) and the sheriff (Josh Lucas) expel him from the premises. The scene unfolds amidst picturesque rolling hills and expansive open fields surrounding the charming town.
Specific sequences were shot in and around Medicine Hat, an urban center within Cypress County in the southeastern part of the province. Explore the captivating Historic Clay District and the park trails, offering picturesque views. While the town may not have lists of attractions, it still provides a warm and peaceful ambiance.
To reach Medicine Hat from Calgary or Edmonton, hop on Highway 1 (Trans Canada highway). It is a scenic drive that takes around 3 hours from Calgary and approximately 5 hours from Edmonton by car. Alternatively, catch a bus or train from either city.
Conclusion
An Unfinished Life (2005) is a heartfelt drama that tells a story of healing and redemption. Robert Redford and Morgan Freeman star in this slow-paced yet emotionally engaging movie. The performances by both actors are superb, as they respectively portray two men trying to find peace with the past and move forward in their lives.
Redford's character cannot forgive his daughter-in-law (Jennifer Lopez) for an accident, while Freeman's character chooses to let go of anger toward the bear that attacked him. The script is well-crafted, and the idea of An Unfinished Life is firm, which enables viewers to connect with the characters' struggles throughout the film empathically.
Lasse Hallstrom has directed several successful films, such as What’s Eating Gilbert Grape and The Cider House Rules, and does not disappoint with An Unfinished Life. He managed to create a powerful story that resonates with audiences of all ages. An Unfinished Life revived the adult-driven drama genre in Hollywood.
In conclusion, An Unfinished Life is worth watching as it features strong acting performances and a well-crafted story about forgiveness and redemption. Audiences looking for thoughtful dramas with complex characters dealing with difficult situations will appreciate it.