Where was Desperate Measures filmed?
1998
City Locations
Pittsburgh (USA), Fresno (USA), San Francisco (USA), Québec (Canada), San Bernardino (USA)
Location Types
House, Unique, Unusual
Location Styles
Modern Building, Modern Car, Federal Building, Plane Style
About Desperate Measures
The action movie Desperate Measures (1998) has a unique plot that pushes the limits of what is morally right. The movie is about Frank Conner, played by Andy Garcia, an honest police cop in a tough spot. Matt, his son, is very sick and needs a bone marrow donation right away. After exhausting all options, Conner realizes that the lone suitable donor is a smart and brutal prisoner named Peter McCabe (Michael Keaton).
Because Conner wants to save his son's life, he does something that has never been done before: he breaks into the FBI database to look for a match for his son. He is then forced to play a dangerous cat-and-mouse game with McCabe, who takes advantage of the situation to use the medical procedure to escape.
Desperate Measures is a story full of tension and moral dilemmas. Conner has to make tough choices to save his son while also dealing with the effects of letting a dangerous criminal go free. The movie goes beyond typical action-thriller plots to show how far a parent will go to save their child.
Desperate Measures Locations
Desperate Measures (1998) is a gripping action thriller with notable filming locations that added to the film's overall appeal and authenticity. The movie utilized various regions in the United States for its production, primarily in California and Pennsylvania.
Most of the scenes were shot in San Bernardino International Airport and the surrounding areas in California. This location provided a realistic backdrop for the film with its sprawling airport infrastructure and the picturesque landscape of Southern California. Additionally, some scenes were filmed in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, which offered a contrasting urban setting.
San Francisco also played a significant role in the film, with several scenes featuring its iconic landmarks and stunning bay views. These diverse locations combined created a compelling visual narrative that complemented the film's intense storyline.
A trip to these filming locations could be worthwhile for movie buffs and fans of Desperate Measures. Exploring these places offers a unique opportunity to relive key scenes from the film while taking in the beauty and diversity of these American locales. From the bustling streets of Pittsburgh to the breathtaking vistas of San Francisco, these locations hold a special place in the cinematic world of Desperate Measures.
Fun Fact
The movie starts with a scene that resembles one from 1998 called "Hard Rain." What appears to be a robbery is revealed to be an action by the protagonist, providing an interesting twist right from the start. This sets the mood for the rest of the movie, which is full of twists and high-stakes action.
Peter escapes into San Francisco scene in Desperate Measures
Fresno, California, USA
Peter McCabe (Michael Keaton) escapes into San Francisco, stealing a car. Frank Conner (Andy Garcia), a desperate police officer trying to save his son's life, gives chase, leading to a tense sequence on a bridge.
Fresno, California, thrives as a bustling city in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. As the county seat of Fresno County and the primary urban hub in the broader Central Valley region, Fresno is celebrated for its rich agricultural heritage. This vibrant city seamlessly blends urban allure with a profound connection to the fertile land it stands upon. Highlighted by its picturesque gardens, expansive parks, and a tightly-knit community brimming with local pride, Fresno emanates a unique charm. Adding to its cultural tapestry, Fresno hosts California State University, enriching the city with intellectual vitality.
To reach Fresno, California, one can fly to Fresno Yosemite International Airport, accessible via various airlines. For those opting to drive, Fresno is situated centrally within California, making it an easy road trip destination; it's along State Highway 99, roughly equidistant from Los Angeles and San Francisco. Additionally, Amtrak offers rail services to Fresno, making it convenient for travelers who prefer train travel.
Conclusion
The 1998 movie Desperate Measures is an exciting action thriller that skillfully uses a wide range of filming sites to heighten the tension of its story. The movie was mostly filmed in San Francisco and Los Angeles, California. The busy cityscapes of these cities were used as the background for the intense chase between Michael Keaton and Andy Garcia.
Another important place was the San Bernardino International Airport, which made the story feel even more dangerous. Even though the movie takes place in Manchester, some parts were also shot in Budapest, showing how global the production was. Desperate Measures uses various settings to create an exciting, action-packed movie.