Where was Gemini Man filmed?
2019
City Locations
Budapest (Hungary); Savannah, GA (USA); New York City, NY (USA); Wallonia (Belgium)
Location Types
Spa, Museum, College
Location Styles
Castle/Chateau, Beachfront, Colonial, Building Dated/Retro, Foreign, Greek/Neoclassical, Gothic/Victorian, Mediterranean
About Gemini Man
The artistic brilliance of director Ang Lee seamlessly combines with the magnetic charisma of Will Smith, resulting in an irresistibly captivating cinematic experience. Gemini Man is a 2019 American science fiction thriller directed by the internationally acclaimed director Ang Lee. The star-studded cast features Will Smith, Mary Elizabeth Winstead, Clive Owen, and Benedict Wong.
In a captivating twist on the sci-fi genre, the plot centers around a middle-aged assassin (Will Smith), who finds himself at a career crossroads. Just as he contemplates retirement, he comes face-to-face with a younger, superior clone of himself. This clone possesses an uncanny ability to preempt his every move, making for a thrilling, edge-of-your-seat narrative.
Despite the compelling concept and high-profile cast, Gemini Man received largely negative reviews from critics, primarily for its plot and screenwriting. However, the performances, particularly those of Smith and Owen, as well as the action sequences, were singled out for praise.
The film's use of de-aging technology for Smith and the high frame rate garnered mixed responses, with some praising the innovation and others criticizing it. Financially, Gemini Man was not a success. It grossed $174 million against a hefty budget of $138 million, resulting in an estimated loss of $111 million for Paramount.
On Metacritic, a popular review aggregation site, Gemini Man holds a weighted average score of 38 out of 100. This score is based on 49 critics and indicates "generally unfavorable reviews." Despite the criticism, the film stands as an ambitious attempt at pushing the boundaries of visual effects and storytelling in cinema, showcasing the potential of technology in enhancing the cinematic experience.
Gemini Man Locations
Gemini Man features a variety of stunning locations that significantly contribute to its visual appeal. Principal production began on February 27, 2018, in Glennville, Georgia, and extended to various international locations such as Cartagena, Colombia, and Budapest, Hungary.
The majority of the film's scenes were captured in the authentic settings where the story takes place. The film's opening scene prominently features the Liège-Guillemins railway station, a modern architectural marvel located in Belgium. This remarkable structure is an excellent backdrop to the gripping action that unfolds, adding a visually stunning element to the storytelling.
Budapest, Hungary, is another key location, with the old Stock Exchange Palace serving as the setting for a crucial conversation between Henry (Will Smith) and Marino (E.J. Bonilla). The city's historic Széchenyi Thermal Bath is also featured in the film, adding an authentic touch to the narrative.
In Savannah, Georgia, the Isle of Hope Marina serves as the picturesque backdrop for the Buttermilk Sound Marina in the United States. It is at this charming location that Henry encounters Danny (Mary Elizabeth Winstead). The Victorian-style Enid A. Haupt Conservatory in The Bronx, New York, provides another visually striking location, serving as the meeting point for Clayton "Clay" Varris (Clive Owen) and Janet Lassiter (Linda Emond), the director of the DIA.
A trip to these locations would be worthwhile for Gemini Man fans or those interested in film tourism. Each location offers a unique blend of architectural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance, making them intriguing destinations in their own right. From the modern aesthetics of Belgium's Liège-Guillemins railway station to the timeless elegance of Budapest's old Stock Exchange Palace and the rustic charm of Savannah's Isle of Hope Marina, these locations offer a diverse and captivating travel experience.
Henry Brogan’s target leaves the city by train scene in Gemini Man
Liège-Guillemins, Rue du Plan Incliné 2, 4000 Liège, Belgium
The film opens with Henry Brogan (Will Smith) patiently awaiting his target, Valery Dormov (Igor Szasz), a suspected terrorist. As Dormov travels on a train, an unforeseen challenge arises—a little girl standing directly in his path. Henry and his spotter, fellow DIA agent Marino (EJ Bonilla), must wait until she is out of sight before Henry can take his shot. The tension escalates until Henry strikes Dormov in the neck, fulfilling his mission.
This intense scene was filmed at the Liège-Guillemins railway station in Belgium. The modern concourse, designed by renowned architect Santiago Calatrava, features a striking vaulted steel and glass roof that adds an element of contemporary beauty to the suspenseful sequence. It's an operational railway hub and looks precisely as it does in the movie, offering visitors a chance to enter Gemini Man's world.
Liège-Guillemins is not just a remarkable piece of architecture; it's also one of the busiest train stations in the Wallonia Region and an essential hub for high-speed trains. This makes it a significant landmark and a testament to the region's connectivity.
Getting to Liège-Guillemins is straightforward, given its status as a central railway hub. Trains from various parts of Belgium and neighboring countries frequently stop here. If you're within Belgium, you can take a domestic train directly to Liège-Guillemins. High-speed trains like Thalys or ICE can bring you to the station from outside Belgium.
Henry and Danny wait for the boat scene in Gemini Man
Tybee Island, Tybrisa St, Tybee Island, GA 31328, USA
Henry and Danny find solace in a secluded hideaway, evading the watchful gaze of their relentless pursuers. Their refuge is further fortified by Baron (Benedict Wong), a trusted pilot and a source of much-needed respite. In addition to offering sanctuary, Baron presents them with a well-crafted strategy to navigate their next move.
This scene was shot at Tybee Island, specifically around the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion. Known for its sprawling, pristine beaches and tranquil waves, this barrier island in Georgia serves as a perfect backdrop for the characters' brief escape from their high-stakes reality. The serene surroundings starkly contrast the relentless action and tension that define most of the film, adding a layer of depth to the narrative.
Tybee Island's allure extends far beyond its breathtaking beaches. This coastal gem boasts scenic beauty, a close-knit community, and a welcoming atmosphere, making it a beloved vacation destination since the late 1800s. With its expansive stretch of nearly three miles of sandy shores, Tybee Island provides the perfect haven for swimming, engaging in water sports, sunbathing, kayaking, and fishing. Its rich historical heritage adds an extra charm, offering a fascinating glimpse into the region's storied past.
Getting to Tybee Island is fairly straightforward. If you're coming from Savannah, Georgia, you can take Highway 80 East. The journey typically takes about 30 minutes without traffic. Once you reach the island, the Tybee Beach Pier and Pavilion is off Tybrisa Street, right at the island's main beach area.
A high-speed bike chase scene in Gemini Man
Museo Naval del Caribe, Cartagena de Indias, Bolívar, Colombia
There's an unforgettable scene where Junior, a clone of Henry Brogan (both played by Will Smith), chases his older counterpart through the bustling streets of South America. This high-speed motorbike pursuit culminates in Junior attempting to strike Henry with his flaming bike before it explodes. Just as Junior is about to land the killing blow, authorities arrive on the scene, prompting him to flee.
Junior soon gets another bike and continues their parkour-style duel through the narrow streets. Leaping from villa rooftops to the asphalt below, the cinematography captures the action with heart-stopping precision. Close-ups of both riders instill the surreal sensation of witnessing a 50-year-old Will Smith facing off against his 23-year-old self.
This electrifying bike chase was filmed at Colombia's Museo Naval del Caribe. This museum is housed in a long, two-story building adjacent to a modern cut in the city walls. Its layout reflects the building's history, having been repeatedly renovated and expanded since its initial construction as a small chapel in the early 17th century.
To get to the Museo Naval del Caribe, you can fly into Rafael Núñez International Airport, which serves the city of Cartagena, where the museum is located. You can take a taxi or public transportation from the airport to the museum.
Henry and Danny wait for Yuri scene in Gemini Man
Széchenyi Thermal Bath, Budapest, Állatkerti krt. 9-11, 1146 Hungary
Henry, his clone Junior, and their ally Danny arrive in Budapest to meet Yuri. Yuri reveals he is also against Clay, the mastermind behind GEMINI, the cloning project. He discloses that Dormov, who worked with GEMINI, had helped make clones stronger and wiser. However, when Clay's intentions veered towards creating soldiers devoid of conscience and pain, Dormov abandoned the project, thereby marking himself for death.
This intense scene was captured at the Széchenyi Thermal Bath in Budapest, which happens to be the largest medicinal bath in Europe. With its origins dating back to the 1880s when it was known as the Artesian Spa, this iconic bathing facility was later named Széchenyi Spa in honor of István Széchenyi. Nestled amidst a rich historical backdrop, the bath boasts two thermal springs, adding to its allure and significance.
Designed in the Neo-Baroque style by Győző Czigler, the bath in City Park is a remarkable piece of cinematic history. Its original look has been beautifully preserved, providing an incredible experience for film enthusiasts who step into its captivating ambiance.
To reach the Széchenyi Thermal Bath, you can fly to Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport. From there, you can take a taxi or use public transportation. If you opt for public transit, take metro line M3 from the airport to the city center, switch to metro line M1 at Deák Ferenc tér, and alight at Széchenyi fürdő.
Young Henry follows Danny scene in Gemini Man
Vajdahunyad Castle, Budapest, Vajdahunyad stny., 1146 Hungary
Junior, the younger clone of Henry, meets with Danny in a garden. The purpose of this meeting is to ensure Danny isn't wired, and upon confirming, Junior informs Henry about her safety, setting up a rendezvous point for them.
The Vajdahunyad Castle in Budapest, Hungary, served as a picturesque backdrop for this beautifully captured scene. Constructed in 1896 for the Millennial Exhibition, commemorating Hungary's 1,000 years since the Hungarian Conquest of the Carpathian Basin, the castle exudes a sense of historic grandeur, enhancing the overall ambiance of the setting. Its design, courtesy of Ignác Alpár, features copies of landmark buildings from different parts of the Kingdom of Hungary, enhancing its visual appeal.
The gardens, the central courtyard, and the surroundings of the Buda Castle are free to explore, making it an ideal spot for visitors to wander around. It's located in the City Park of Budapest, easily accessible by public transportation. You can take the M1 (yellow metro line) and leave at Széchenyi Fürdő. From there, it's just a short walk to the castle.
Henry, Danny, and Junior meet at the college scene in Gemini Man
Brooklyn College, 2900 Bedford Ave, Brooklyn, NY 11210, USA
The climax takes place on a college campus, where Henry and Danny (Mary Elizabeth Winstead) encounter Junior. Following the closure of the GEMINI program, Junior now attends college using the alias "Jackson Brogan," adopting Henry's mother's maiden name.
This poignant scene marks the end of their turbulent journey and signifies a fresh start for Junior, who now has the chance to lead an everyday life away from the shadows of his origin. It's a moment that encapsulates the essence of the movie—the quest for identity and the struggle for autonomy in the face of technological manipulation.
The location chosen for this significant scene is Brooklyn College, a public institution in the heart of Brooklyn, New York. Part of the City University of New York, Brooklyn College boasts a robust student population with approximately 17,000 undergraduates and 2,800 graduates. Established in 1930, the college's historic charm and academic atmosphere lend an authentic touch to the scene, further anchoring the narrative in reality. It's a location that embodies the themes of learning, growth, and new beginnings—a fitting end to a story about one man's journey to reclaim his identity and another's quest to forge his own.
Reaching Brooklyn College is relatively easy given its central location. If you plan a visit, you can take the subway (Lines 2 or 5) to Flatbush Ave./Brooklyn College Station. From there, it's just a short walk to the campus. Remember to obtain a visitor pass at one of the visitor entrances, as entry to the campus is restricted to those with a valid Brooklyn College photo ID card.
Conclusion
Gemini Man is a visual spectacle that showcases the impressive strides made in computer-generated imagery (CGI). Ang Lee employs the de-aging technology to create a younger version of actor Will Smith, a technique also used in Martin Scorsese's The Irishman. In Gemini Man, however, the effect appears more refined due to fewer decades being pulled off Smith's character.
The film's stunning locations, ranging from Glennville, Georgia, to Cartagena, Colombia, and Budapest, Hungary, significantly contribute to its visual appeal. These diverse settings provide a rich tapestry against which the narrative unfolds, enhancing the cinematic experience.
Despite its storytelling shortfalls, Gemini Man shines in the visual department. Cinematographer Dion Beebe and the visual effects team have crafted a truly remarkable film spectacle. Using a high frame rate (120 frames per second) brings the action scenes to life, creating an immersive experience that almost makes you feel part of the story.
While Gemini Man might not boast the most complex or emotionally engaging script, it is a feast for the eyes and a testament to the advancements in CGI. Gemini Man is definitely worth watching if you're a fan of visually striking action sequences and appreciate the technical aspects of filmmaking. If nothing else, it serves as a reminder that sometimes, a movie can be worth watching for its spectacle alone.