Where was Foxfire filmed?
1996
City Locations
Portland, Oregon
Location Types
Schools/Colleges, House, Contemporary
Location Styles
Contemporary Modern, Federal Building, School, Americana
About Foxfire
Based on the novel Foxfire by Joyce Carol Oates, this film focuses on five teenage girls who are each different in their own way. The film starts with four of the girls, Maddie, Rita, Violet, and Goldie getting suspended from school for confronting their biology teacher over the sexual harassment of Rita and Violet. They come together as allies and friends, determined to take revenge. But before this takes place, Legs, a drifter, comes into the picture and is a catalyst for the formation of this girls' group. After they get expelled from school for seeking retribution for a teacher’s behavior, the girls find a decrepit house in the woods where it’s suggested that Legs stay. Various altercations lead them into trouble with the law and dangerous situations result throughout the film.
The girls' determination and strength show during these trying times as they form a bond. This ultimately helps them cope with their current situation as well as intensify their friendship and trust between themselves. The story evolves to a chaotic end. Although Maddie and Legs become close and in kindred spirit, their time together comes to an end when they separate after parting ways when Legs climbs aboard a passing truck. Despite the fact that each girl goes her own way thereafter, it's clear that the bond formed between them during that tumultuous time will never be forgotten.
Foxfire Locations
Portland, Oregon was the perfect setting for Foxfire to be filmed—from its landmark Broadway Bridge and Burnside Skatepark to Washington Park and beyond. The city's lush greenery and scenic rivers offered a breathtaking backdrop for this beloved classic movie. With its natural locations and atmosphere, Portland became an ideal location on which to capture such timeless moments in film history.
The backdrop of Portland offered a unique perspective to capture the story's reflective narrative on youth, identity and coming of age. The immense beauty of its natural setting provided an impactful experience for viewers to connect with the characters and their struggles. The close proximity between shots taken around the city also assisted in creating a sense of realism for moviegoers who may have been unfamiliar with Portland itself.
The locations featured in Foxfire are definitely worth visiting if you're ever in town. From the bustling downtown core to tranquil forest trails, you'll get a chance to experience firsthand all that Portland has to offer—just like how it was depicted on screen almost two decades ago. For an unforgettable experience, no matter if you're going for a day trip or weekend getaway, be sure to add these places to your travel agenda!
The frog dissection scene in Foxfire
1750 SW Salmon St, Portland, OR, USA
One day during Science class, Mr. Buttinger (John Dieh) was trying to get Rita Faldes (Jenny Lewis) to dissect a frog when suddenly, a mysterious and beautiful figure in an elegant leather jacket stood up and proclaimed that Rita would no longer have to do the dissection. With one swift action, this enigmatic character opened the window and released the frog into freedom; it vanished from sight like lightning!
Mr. Buttinger was visibly angry at this turn of events and immediately sentenced both to detention for breaking school rules. Much to everyone's surprise however, the drifter then revealed that she was not a new student after all, but rather someone who had come back from long ago. While it seemed impossible for this person to escape, the figure made use of her quick-thinking skills and opened the window once again—disappearing right behind the frog with remarkable speed.
Lincoln High School is steeped in history, having been established in 1869 as Portland High School, and now located in the Goose Hollow neighborhood of Portland, Oregon. The school has gone through many changes over the decades, from its first graduating class of eight students all the way to its current population of over 1,200 proud Timberwolves. Lincoln High School is widely known for its academic excellence and diverse range of opportunities for students to explore their interests through rigorous instruction and extracurricular activities.
If you're looking for the quickest route, head north on SW 4th Ave towards SW Main St., then turn left at your third cross street onto SW Taylor St. From there, make a left onto S 15th Ave and finally a right onto SW Salmon Street. You can also take the bus; board one bound for SW Jefferson & 16th and walk 6 minutes.
A night out scene in Foxfire
SE 2nd Ave, Portland, OR, USA
Burnside Skatepark was the ideal spot to capture this awesome moment of teens hanging out! While Goldie (Jenny Shimiz) was taking photos of Legs (Angelina Jolie), the girls were making the most of their time together, riding skateboards and bicycles, and showing off stunts to each other. Maddie (Hedy Burress) even completed her artwork by spray-painting graffiti on one of the walls. This scene captured the vibrancy of the park and proved why it has become a popular hang-out spot.
Since its beginning in the early 90s, Burnside Skatepark has been the stuff of skateboarding legends. Found beneath a bridge underpass in Portland, Oregon, and created entirely by skaters who had no legal authority or funding to make it, this park erupted from nothing into a masterpiece of DIY design and is now considered to be one of the most iconic places in skateboarding culture. It's often referred to as "the birthplace of street skating" and has been featured in dozens of videos and magazines.
If you want to make it there fast, the SE Morrison Bridge is your best bet. Whether by bus, light rail station, or car you'll be able to get there with ease. For those of us relying on public transportation—exit at the SE Grand & Burnside stop and take a brief 5-minute walk northwest towards SE Grand Avenue for an easy 0.3 mile journey!
Goodbye scene between Legs and Maddie in Foxfire
Broadway Bridge, Portland, OR, USA
The scene depicted at the end of the film portrays a powerful message, as well as its central characters' development. It provides an emotional conclusion to Legs and Maddie's story, showing how their relationship has evolved throughout the movie; Legs is in a state of desperation for a better life and ready to move on, while Maddie has to make a tough decision between staying behind or giving up her dreams. As Maddie makes her choice, both protagonists understand that what awaits them may be uncertain but their connection will still remain—setting an inspirational example of courage and friendship. As Legs climbed aboard the truck, Maddie watched it drive away and then mustered up all of her courage. She proceeded to walk over to the bridge—just like Legs did moments before—conquering her fear of heights in one decisive action.
Standing as a beautiful red beacon of progress over the Willamette River for well over a century, Portland’s Broadway Bridge has long been an integral part of the city’s transportation network. After almost two decades of construction, it was completed in 1913 to replace its predecessor, the Steel Bridge, and immediately established its presence by becoming the longest bascule bridge of any kind in the world at the time. Today, while no longer carrying that record, it still serves multiple generations of travelers who rely on its four lanes and sidewalks to move between Lloyd and Union Station. Recently upgraded to a shimmering “Golden Gate” red paint job as part of a 1963 renovation effort, Portland’s Broadway Bridge stands proudly as an icon connecting two sides of the historic Willamette River.
The path leading to the bridge is most easily accessed through S Naito Pkwy. You can choose from a variety of transportation options, such as walking, cycling, driving, or taking the MAX green and yellow lines.
Conclusion
Annette Haywood-Carter's '90s adaptation of Joyce Carol Oats' novel may have presented a more melodramatic look at attractive suburban victims, however, this failed to truly engage viewers' emotions. Some have the opinion that repetitive and shallow characters with forced dialogue reduced the impact of so-called female bonding, leaving audiences feeling exploited and unfulfilled.
Angelina Jolie as Legs Sadovsky was cast, bringing a movie-friendly attitude and style. As viewers paid attention to her character, they were also exposed to real unleashed rage. But it was lightened up by a rock soundtrack that ultimately drew viewers in.
Still, this movie is one worth watching and why not take a trip down memory lane, looking for Foxfire movie locations? You won't regret a minute!