Where was Changeling filmed?

Christine (Angelina Jolie) drops Walter (Gattlin Griffith) off at Webster Elementary School in Pasadena's serene and picturesque neighborhood east of Los Angeles. Later, after work, Christine picks Walter up from school in a cable car, which is particularly touching, as it is during this ride that Walter reveals he got into a fight after another student made hurtful comments about his father. Webster Elementary School, situated at 2101 East Washington Boulevard in Pasadena, plays a significant role in the film. Constructed in 1959, the school exudes a quaint charm with its two hallways and slight neighborhood feel. It's within these halls that Walter spends his days learning and playing, oblivious to the impending turmoil. While most of the scenes were filmed indoors, and access to the interior may be restricted, the exteriors of the school still offer glimpses into the world Eastwood brought to life on screen. Visitors should note that the school is an active educational institution, so it's advisable to contact the school administration ahead of any planned visit to ensure respect for the school's operations and privacy. Pasadena is well-connected by road and public transportation to the rest of Los Angeles. For those driving, the school is accessible via major freeways, including the I-210. Public transportation options are also available, with bus lines serving the East Washington Boulevard area, making the school easily reachable for those wishing to visit this iconic location.

Ben Harris (Frank Wood), Christine's (Angelina Jolie) supervisor at the telecommunications company, surprises her before she leaves for the day. He mentions that she has been doing an outstanding job as a supervisor and gives the impression that there may be a full-time opening for an assistant manager. The backlot of Universal Studios was the setting for this scene and most of the film's depiction of Los Angeles in the 1920s. The "New York Street" and "Tenement Street" sets were significant in evoking the cityscape of the time. After the fires, the New York Street — a mainstay in many productions — went through multiple reconstructions, the most recent of which was in June 2008. Digital effects, including the addition of a coastline, allowed the 'Tenement Street' set to be transformed into a 'Vancouver' area, where the film's antagonist, Gordon Northcott, escapes. Universal Studios allows visitors to explore sets from countless productions, including Changeling, on the backlot tours. Reconstruction has changed the film's specific New York Street scene throughout the years, although the setting and its historical importance in filmmaking have stayed the same. Both private vehicles and public transportation make it easy to access the studio and theme park in Los Angeles. Parking is available on site, and getting there is easy by US-101 N from the downtown area.

Reverend Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich) prays for Christine (Angelina Jolie) and her missing son, Walter (Gattlin Griffith). Despite neither being members of his parish, the Reverend's compassionate plea for Walter's safe return is a testament to his moral conviction and denouncement of the city's corrupt police force. All Saints Church, at 132 North Euclid Avenue in Pasadena, is the backdrop for this emotionally charged scene. This church is no stranger to the silver screen, with features in notable films such as the Memorial Service location in Cruel Intentions and doubling for 'Harvard' in the Reese Witherspoon comedy Legally Blonde. Known for its liberal stance and as one of the largest Episcopal churches in the country, All Saints holds a special place in Southern California's cultural and spiritual landscape. It earned a spot in the National Register of Historic Places in 1980, acknowledging its historical and architectural significance. The church is east of City Hall in Downtown Pasadena and accessible from various parts of Los Angeles. For individuals traveling by car, there are parking facilities available nearby. If coming from the center of Los Angeles, make the journey via CA-110 N/Arroyo Seco Parkway. Additionally, those opting for public transportation can take a bus from Broadway at Brand stop and, within 30 minutes, arrive at the destination.

Christine (Angelina Jolie) first notices the boy's lack of manners during a seemingly ordinary dinner, contrasting Walter's conscientious behavior. The situation grows more alarming when, after a bath, she discovers that the boy is circumcised — a detail that unmistakably sets him apart from her son. Driven by a mother's intuition, she measures the boy against the markings on the wall where she recorded Walter's height the previous March, only to confirm her suspicions: the boy is three inches shorter. This haunting moment unfolds at the Collins home on ‘North 23rd Avenue’ in the 'Lincoln Heights area. The filming location is in the charming Old Town district of San Dimas, approximately 35 miles east of downtown Los Angeles. The address is along West Second Street, between North Monte Vista Avenue and North San Dimas Avenue, and has undergone significant redevelopment since the 1928 setting of the film. The house is a picturesque example of craftsman architecture, maintaining its historical appearance and charm. Visitors are encouraged to respect the residents' privacy while enjoying a glimpse into the past. You can opt for a private car or public transportation when traveling from Los Angeles. By car, the journey is approximately 30 minutes via I-10 E. If choosing public bus services, expect the trip to last about 2 hours.

Christine Collins (Angelina Jolie), along with Reverend Gustav Briegleb (John Malkovich) and Detective Lester Ybarra (Michael Kelly), arrives at the iconic Los Angeles City Hall. The air is thick with the voices of thousands of Angelenos, united in their demand for answers and justice, expressing their discontent with the LAPD amidst a significant city council hearing on the case. The exterior shots capturing this intense demonstration feature the Los Angeles City Hall on Spring Street. This historic building, completed in 1928, not only serves as the center of government for the city but also houses the mayor's office along with the meeting chambers and offices of the Los Angeles City Council. However, the film cleverly uses the interior of the Park Plaza Hotel, situated at 607 South Park View Street, to represent the inside of the city hall during these critical moments. Visitors interested in experiencing the historical ambiance of Los Angeles City Hall can explore its public areas, including the Observation Deck or Tom Bradley Tower on the 27th floor, which offers panoramic city views. Visitors can navigate through downtown Los Angeles' bustling streets to reach Los Angeles City Hall, which has ample public transportation options. It is in the city center, a 10-minute walk, from the Financial District.