Where was Horsemen filmed?
2008
City Locations
Winnipeg, Manitoba (Canada); Chicago, IL (USA)
Location Types
Apartment, Hotel, Riverside
Location Styles
Greek/Neoclassical, Craftsman, Building Dated/Retro
About Horsemen
Dive into the captivating world of mystery and suspense with the 2009 psychological thriller Horsemen. Crafted under the visionary direction of Jonas Åkerlund, the film features stunning performances by renowned actors Dennis Quaid and Zhang Ziyi.
The chilling narrative of the film unravels through the perspective of Detective Aidan Breslin (Dennis Quaid). Rendered a widower, Breslin grapples with his growing estrangement from his two sons in the aftermath of his wife's tragic death. But the world doesn't stop turning to his grief. Breslin finds himself entangled in a harrowing labyrinth of unsolved murders, which appear to draw an uncannily close parallel with the Biblical prophecies of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.
The further down the rabbit hole Breslin descends, the more he is disturbed by the horrifying link that binds him with the alleged suspects. The ensuing drama unearths a chilling tale of terror and suspense that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Despite its elaborate plot and captivating performances, there is no mention of "Horsemen" having received any awards. But bereft of such accolades, the film is an intriguing work of cinema that plunges headfirst into the daunting realm of psychological terror. It is a thrilling movie in its narrative and its challenging exploration of the human psyche.
Additionally, Jordan Mintzer, a critic for Variety, labeled the film as predictable, noting its use of four typical cinema cliches: "over-stylized torture, whiplash editing, impulsive script changes, and harsh neon lighting."
Horsemen Locations
Horsemen, a captivating film, used a variety of locations to create its unique cinematic atmosphere. The scenic city of Winnipeg, Canada, provided the backdrop for most scenes. Known for its diverse landscapes and architectural beauty, landmarks such as the majestic Rideau Tower, the vibrant Central Park, and the historic Bell Hotel served as settings, each adding a unique character to the film.
In addition to Winnipeg, the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois, provided the setting for some reshoot scenes. This American city added an urban flair to the film, contrasting with the Canadian landscapes and providing a dynamic visual experience for the audience.
Visiting these filming locations would be a rewarding experience. Not only do they offer a chance to step into the scenes of Horsemen, but they also present an opportunity to explore the cultural and architectural wonders of Winnipeg and the energetic city life of Chicago. Whether you're a film enthusiast wanting to relive the movie or a traveler seeking unique destinations, a trip to these locations would be worthwhile.
"Come and See" on the walls at the hotel scene in the Horsemen
The Bell Hotel, 662 Main St, Winnipeg, MB R3B 1E4, Canada
Unlike the previous murder, there is no hook rigging here; plastered on the walls are only three ominously read "Come and See.” The detective, Breslin (Dennis Quaid), guided by Sean's (Liam James) insights, turns to the Bible for answers. He realizes that these killings resemble the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse, with the hues of the room corresponding to the Horsemen's colors.
The historic Bell Hotel in Winnipeg provided the setting for the hotel scene. This four-story brick building, constructed in 1906, stands regally on Main Street. The hotel's facade is symmetrical, featuring a double entrance and a metal cornice inscribed with the hotel’s name. Animated by a swinging bell, a giant neon marquee further accentuates its exterior, making it easily recognizable for film fans.
Visitors interested in exploring the location where this scene came to life can easily view the exterior of the Bell Hotel. If you wish to see the interior, it would be advisable to contact the hotel administration to check if visits or stays are possible. Situated in the heart of downtown Winnipeg, The Bell Hotel is conveniently just a 17-minute walk from the city center. Additionally, travel enthusiasts can easily access Winnipeg through the nearby Winnipeg Richardson International Airport.
Kristin meets Breslin at the park scene in Horsemen
Central Park, Winnipeg, MB, Canada
A poignant scene unfolds when Kristin (Zhang Ziyi) unexpectedly contacts Detective Aidan Breslin (Dennis Quaid). They meet in a park where Aidan attempts to console her during mourning. However, the conversation takes a shocking turn when Kristin presents her sibling's fetus to Breslin, revealing her involvement in the string of gruesome murders. This revelation adds a chilling twist to the narrative and deepens the complexity of the plot.
The Central Park in Winnipeg, one of the city's oldest parks, provided the backdrop for this scene. The Winnipeg Public Parks Board created Central Park in 1892, marking it as a significant part of the local history. However, fans planning to visit might be unfamiliar with the exact sites from the scene due to the park's makeover in 2009. It expanded to Ellice Avenue and received new features like a popular splash pad and soccer pitch.
To get to Central Park, Winnipeg, if you're in downtown Winnipeg, you can easily walk or take public transportation. The centrally located park is within walking distance of many major downtown landmarks. Use a GPS service for the most accurate directions if driving. Please respect the park's rules and operating hours during your visit.
The police scenes in Horsemen
Rideau Tower, 90 Garry St, Winnipeg, MB R3C 4J4, Canada
During Kristin's (Zhang Ziyi) interrogation, she exhibits signs of being unhinged, displaying an almost longing for death. Detective Aidan Breslin (Dennis Quaid) concludes that she represents the Horseman of Death as she had personally approached each victim and delivered the fatal blow.
The Rideau Tower, an apartment building in Winnipeg, was the backdrop for the scene. The high rise is known for its spacious suites and its proximity to the amenities of Downtown Winnipeg, offering both tranquility and convenience to its residents. Its prime location is only minutes from the river trail and Bonny Castle Park, providing a peaceful escape from the city's hustle and bustle.
Situated on the grounds of the Metro Transit garage, Bonnycastle Park made its debut in 1971. In line with the City of Winnipeg's dedication to enhancing its rivers, the park underwent an expansion and redevelopment to harmonize with the Assiniboine Riverwalk. This transformation preserved the park's essence and aligned it with the city's vision for an improved riverside experience.
Fans wishing to visit this location can plan a trip to all locations filmed in Winnipeg. If you are already in downtown Winnipeg, Rideau Tower is easily accessible by public transportation or on foot.
If you're driving, use a GPS service for precise directions. While there, enjoy the nearby attractions like the serene river trail and charming Bonny Castle Park to make the most of your visit. It's just a 15-minute taxi or 40-minute bus journey from the airport.
Conclusion
Horsemen is a film that rides the wave of Hollywood horror-thriller clichés, featuring over-stylized torture, whiplash editing, compulsive script reversals, and crude neon lighting. Despite these predictable elements, the movie manages to carve out its own space due to the diverse range of locations used for filming. Most scenes came to life in the scenic city of Winnipeg, Canada, known for its landscapes and architectural beauty, with additional reshoot scenes filmed in the bustling metropolis of Chicago, Illinois.
The director, Jonas Akerlund, despite the abundance of biblical motifs, manages to retain a restrained approach, focusing on straightforwardly telling the father-son story. However, the use of gruesome imagery, like people suspended by fishhooks choking on their blood, tends to overshadow the narrative. The score by Jan A.P. Kaczmarek follows the film's predictability, leading the audience in mostly foreseeable directions.
The script, penned by David Callaham, tries to immerse the audience in a faux-seedy world reminiscent of many other films. It oscillates between blood-splattered crime scenes, detailed autopsies, and investigations into tattoo/S&M parlors connected to the murders. While these elements are familiar territory in the horror-thriller genre, they add to the ambiance.
Regarding its contribution to the movie industry, Horsemen doesn't break new ground. However, it does offer a blend of horror and thriller elements packaged within a father-son story. If you're a genre fan, it might be worth watching for the performances and the exciting use of locations. But if you're looking for something fresh and unpredictable, "Horsemen" may not be the ride for you.