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It's Complicated movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was It's Complicated filmed?

2009

City Locations

Santa Barbara, CA; New York City, NY

Location Types

Farm/Ranch, Hotels/Motels, Schools/Colleges, Restaurant

Location Styles

American Art Deco, Mediterranean, Mid-century Modern, Luxury Hotel, Georgian/Southern, Retreat, Ranch Style

About It's Complicated

Indulge in a delightful romantic comedy, It's Complicated, tailor-made for the empty-nest generation. Released in 2009 and directed by the acclaimed Nancy Meyers, It's Complicated is a modern romantic comedy that navigates the tricky waters of relationships, love, and life. The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast with the multi-talented Meryl Streep, Steve Martin, and Alec Baldwin sharing the screen, presenting a compelling and enthralling viewing spectacle.

The narrative revolves around Jane Adler (Meryl Streep). An affair between Jane, a bakery entrepreneur and single mother of three, and Jake Adler (Alec Baldwin), her ex-husband, begins in secret. Everything changes when architect Adam Schaffer (Steve Martin) enters the story. The film's namesake perfectly describes the chaotic and hilarious web of events unfolding as Jane's surprise attraction to Adam draws her in.

In addition to being a highly praised film, It's Complicated offers a funny and touching look at the complexities of life. In recognition of the film's excellence and influence, the ensemble cast received an award from the National Board of Review for Motion Pictures. The film's presence at the Critics' Choice and Satellite Awards further cemented its status as an essential viewing experience.

The movie's leads, Meryl Streep and Alec Baldwin, received praise for their outstanding performances. The Golden Globes and the British Academy Film Awards nominated Streep for Best Actress and Baldwin for Best Supporting Actor. The film's captivating story, strong acting, and prominent acknowledgment make It's Complicated an absolute must-see.

It's Complicated Locations

Embark on a memorable journey by visiting the filming locations where most It’s Complicated scenes were shot. Despite the movie's Santa Barbara setting, much of the action occurred in New York City. Embrace the Big Apple as you journey through the film.

Several prominent locations were featured in the early stages of filming in New York. The sequence of Luke's graduation took place at St. John's University. The Picnic House, a sizeable studio-like building in Prospect Park, Brooklyn, was converted into Jane's bakery. A scene from Chelsea Market's Sarabeth's Bakery was also included. The film's setting is further enhanced by scenes in the lobby and Jane's room being shot at Essex House. The hotel bar where Jane and Jake's chemistry was reignited was Del Posto at 85 10th Avenue, New York.

Visit Santa Barbara to see key locations from the film after you've soaked up New York's cosmopolitan charm. One such building is the old Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a breathtaking example of Spanish architecture. It features tiled floors, a charming sunken garden, and beautiful ceiling paintings. On top of it all is an 85-foot clock tower that looks out over Santa Barbara and the Pacific Ocean, making it a fantastic location for breathtaking aerial shots.

To round up your It's Complicated tour, make a stop at the private ranch in Westlake Village on Potrero Road. The ranch that Jane inhabited in the film may be found tucked away among some oak trees, away from the road.

Cinema buffs and admirers of stunning architecture and natural beauty will not regret journeying to these sites. Revisit the mesmerizing locales and enjoy the magic.

Jane's house scenes in It's Complicated

714 W Potrero Rd, Westlake Village, CA 91361, USA

In one scene, Jane's second child, Gabby (Zoe Kazan), prepares to leave the nest. Later in the film, as the gates to the left of the house swing open, we are drawn into a delightful and bustling courtyard. Here, Jane is seen in a discussion with an architect named Adam. Jane's ambition is to entirely revamp her kitchen and incorporate a master suite into her home.

This memorable scene takes place at a house located at 714 West Potrero Road, Thousand Oaks, CA. However, only the exterior of this house is featured in the movie. The interior scenes were shot on a set in New York, which was intricately designed to mirror a lived-in home. The entrance shown in the film was heavily modified, with more wall surfaces visible and fewer doors. Additionally, new lanterns were installed on either side of the door for the movie.

Head towards West Potrero Road in Thousand Oaks, CA, to visit this location. It's a chance to relive this iconic scene and appreciate the cinematic magic that went into creating it. It's a 50-minute drive from Los Angeles via US-101 N. Be aware that the house is private property, so you are not allowed to visit the interiors.

Farmers market scene in It's Complicated

Superior Court Of California County Of Santa Barbara, 1100 Anacapa St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Jane is seen making a phone call while browsing at a farmers market. This seemingly ordinary scene comes alive with the backdrop of the iconic Santa Barbara County Courthouse. The courthouse, completed in 1929, boasts Spanish-Colonial architecture, a distinctive four-faced clock tower with red-tile roofs and a garden.

This fully functioning courthouse is a symbolic landmark of Santa Barbara. Visitors can embark on a self-guided tour to soak up its rich history, admire ornate wrought-iron chandeliers, marvel at intricate hand-painted murals, and ascend the clock tower for a breathtaking panoramic view of Santa Barbara and beyond.

The courthouse is in downtown Santa Barbara, surrounded by shopping venues, restaurants, and other cultural attractions. There's a parking lot conveniently situated across from the courthouse on Anacapa Street.

To get to this location from Los Angeles, take the US-101 N to Santa Barbara. After approximately 95 miles, take exit 96B for Carrillo Street. Turn right onto W Carrillo Street, then left onto Santa Barbara Street, and finally turn right onto Anacapa Street.

Jane stays at the hotel scene in It's Complicated

JW Marriott Essex House New York, 160 Central Park S, New York, NY 10019, USA

In New York, Jane's family meets with their youngest son, Luke (Hunter Parrish), for a final reunion before graduation. They've booked a room at a hotel they discussed during a previous house party. The children eventually depart for a party, leaving Jane alone in the hotel. In a memorable moment, Jane shares an elevator ride with a couple wrapped in a passionate embrace.

The lobby and Jane’s hotel room were filmed at the Essex House in New York City. Opened in 1931, the JW Marriott Essex House is renowned for its Art Deco-inspired decor and refreshing amenities. This historic hotel, located across from Central Park, offers a distinctive experience in Midtown NYC. It's just minutes away from Lincoln Center, Columbus Circle, and Fifth Avenue, making it an ideal location for tourists and locals. One of its most notable features is the striking red neon sign adorning its rooftop.

To get to the JW Marriott Essex House from JFK Airport, take the AirTrain JFK Red from Terminal 4 to Jamaica Station. Transfer to the E train towards Manhattan and alight at 7th Avenue Station. The hotel is just a short walk from there.

The spark between Jake and Jane scene in It's Complicated

Del Posto, 85 10th Ave, New York, NY 10011, USA

Jane decides to unwind at a hotel bar. Fate has it that Jake is also there, and they initiate a conversation. Jake reveals he's free for the night as Pedro (Emjay Anthony) has a stomach flu. When asked about the last time they were together, Jake recalls it was in 1999. The evening takes an unexpected turn as they share laughter on the dance floor and later return to their hotel room.

This memorable scene was filmed in the interior of the Del Posto restaurant on 10th Avenue. This Michelin-starred fine-dining Italian restaurant, located in Manhattan's Chelsea neighborhood, was owned by Lidia, Tanya, and Joe Bastianich. Unfortunately, it is now closed.

Reaching the former location of Del Posto from Manhattan is relatively straightforward. Whether you choose to travel by bus, subway, or taxi, the journey shouldn't take more than 20 minutes, depending on the traffic. Additionally, if you're in Greenwich Village, it's just a 20-minute stroll away.

Graduation scene in It's Complicated

St. John's University, 8000 Utopia Pkwy, Queens, NY 11439, USA

Despite their troubled history, the children are overjoyed to see their father, Jake, as they all meet to celebrate Luke's graduation. Jake flirts with Jane at lunch after the ceremony and offers a glass in her honor. The family is a bit confused because they thought the toast would be about Luke's academic achievements, but they accept it and raise their glasses anyhow.

This memorable scene was filmed at St. John's University, located in Queens. As a private Catholic institution, the university was established in 1870 by the Congregation of the Mission. Initially situated in the Brooklyn borough of New York City, the main campus was relocated to its current location in Queens during the 1950s. Movie enthusiasts can visit the campus and explore the exact location where this iconic scene was shot.

Getting to St. John's University from Manhattan is manageable by public transportation, taxi, or personal vehicle. The trip can take approximately 40 minutes via the Grand Central Parkway if you're driving. For those opting for public transit, be prepared for an hour-long journey with a few transfers.

Conclusion

Nancy Meyers' It's Complicated presents a delightful ensemble of actors, including Meryl Streep, Alec Baldwin, and Steve Martin. Leading actress Streep is commendable, effortlessly filling the expansive world of her character, Jane, with credibility and warmth.

As ex-husband Jake, Baldwin does a praiseworthy job portraying a man full of joy and regret. The chemistry between Streep and Baldwin is commendable, entertainingly driving the film's narrative. Meanwhile, Martin's portrayal of cautious architect Adam intriguingly supplements the love triangle.

The movie explores the complexities of middle-aged romance in a light-hearted yet authentic manner, a narrative thread Meyers has previously explored and appears to excel at. However, despite the remarkable performances and engaging plot, the movie sometimes falls into clichés and overuses certain comedic elements, rendering some scenes repetitive and less impactful.

Despite the Santa Barbara setting of It's Complicated, a significant portion of filming took place in the vibrant heart of New York. Experience a taste of the Big Apple by tracing the cinematic journey through its bustling streets. Then, transport yourself to the picturesque Santa Barbara, where key scenes were shot at the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse, a marvel of Spanish architecture.

While It's Complicated has flaws, it is fascinating for its unique approach to mature romance and the brilliant performances of its lead actors. To all movie buffs—don't just watch it, live it! Experience the magic firsthand by visiting these captivating filming locales.