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Mudbound movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Mudbound filmed?

2017

City Locations

Lutcher, Vacherie, LA (USA); Budapest (Hungary)

Location Types

Mansion, Riverside

Location Styles

Americana/Anywhere, Creole, Building Dated/Retro, Georgian/Southern, Rustic

About Mudbound

A powerful historical drama created by the incomparable Dee Rees, Mudbound graced our screens in 2017. Carey Mulligan, Jason Clarke, Garrett Hedlund, Jason Mitchell, Jonathan Banks, and others were among the stars of this film. Mudbound artfully encapsulates the trials and tribulations of two World War II veterans of different racial backgrounds. Upon their return to rural Mississippi, these individuals grapple with the harsh realities of racism and the internal turmoil of PTSD. This potent narrative unfolds against the backdrop of a society riddled with racial prejudices, churning out a narrative that is as riveting as it is poignant. The film first made waves at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival before its grand debut on Netflix and select theaters in November of that year. The stirring performances and exceptional storytelling received notice in the awards circle. At the Golden Globe Awards, Carey Mulligan received the spotlight as a nominee for Best Supporting Actress, and the film's original song, "Mighty River," earned recognition in the Best Original Song category. The Academy Awards also acknowledged the film's artistry, with Mary J. Blige earning a nomination for Best Supporting Actress. The director, Dee Rees, shared a Best Adapted Screenplay nomination with Virgil Williams. Lastly, Rachel Morrison's exquisite work behind the lens earned her a nomination in the Best Cinematography category.

Mudbound Locations

The movie was primarily shot in New Orleans, Louisiana, beginning in May 2016. Additional scenes were shot in Budapest, Hungary, to depict World War II settings. Louisiana's expansive vistas and verdant vegetation serve as a majestic backdrop that significantly enhances the film's atmospheric tone. Lutcher, Louisiana, served as the backdrop for the Post-WWII action, while Vacherie, Louisiana, served as the location for several outdoor shots. Filming took place in the Felicite and St. Joseph plantations in St. James Parish, Louisiana, providing insight into the area's history and culture. The shoot relied heavily on environmental elements; the crew used real rain for wide shots. On the other hand, they faced obstacles like hot weather, storms, and a tornado warning in the area. Visiting these filming sites would be an unforgettable experience for Mudbound fans or anybody interested in experiencing Louisiana's historical and scenic splendor. The plantations of St. James Parish, in particular, provide fascinating glimpses into the area's history. At the same time, Mudbound fans should visit Budapest since it offers a European contrast in the scenes shot there.

The grave scene in Mudbound

Vacherie, Louisiana 70090, USA

The film opens with an intense sequence in which Jamie McAllan (Garrett Hedlund) digs a grave for his father as the sun sets. Henry, his elder brother (Jason Clarke), rushes to his aid. With a storm on the horizon and Jamie confined to the tomb, the gravity of their mission becomes clear. Henry courageously saves Jamie despite his fears, setting the tone for their complicated connection. Vacherie, famous for its historic plantations, provided the backdrop for filming outside sequences. The magnificent avenue of oaks that ascends to the stately home at the Oak Alley Plantation makes it one of the most famous landmarks in the region. Numerous other plantations, such as Felicity, St. Joseph, Laura, and Desire, dot the terrain and provide insight into the area's history. Other filmmakers have also taken notice of Vacherie's distinctive vibe, and the “True Detective” team chose it as a backdrop for the TV show. Those who want to feel like they're in Mudbound can visit these plantations. It takes nearly half an hour to go from New Orleans to Vacherie on Highway 18, the Great River Road, or I-10 W. The lavishness and history of these plantations are as much a part of your experience as they are in the movie as you travel along this path.

Jamie and Ronsel join the army scene in Mudbound

Budapest, Hungary

As World War II started, both young men enlisted — Jamie (Garrett Hedlund) in the United States Army Air Corps, flying B-25 bombers, and Ronsel (Jason Mitchell) in the U.S. Army commanding tanks. Amidst the turmoil of war in the European theater, Ronsel finds love with a white German woman, adding a poignant layer to his story. While Germany was the setting for these scenes, Budapest, Hungary, provided the filming setting. The rich history and architectural beauty make it an apt stand-in for war-torn Germany. Although no source mentions specific filming locations within Budapest, fans can still immerse themselves in the atmosphere by exploring the city's landmarks. Visitors can traverse the 19th-century Chain Bridge, one of the city's most iconic structures, or take a funicular ride to Buda’s Old Town. Here, the Budapest History Museum offers a comprehensive look at the city’s past, from Roman times to the present. Trinity Square, home to the 13th-century Matthias Church and the turrets of the Fishermen’s Bastion, provides panoramic city views. International flights land at Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport to get to Budapest. From there, the city center is easily accessible by public transport, taxis, or rental cars. Once in the city, Budapest's extensive public transportation system, including trams, buses, and the metro, makes it easy to navigate and explore.

The plantation scene in Mudbound

St. Joseph Plantation Felicity Plantation, 3535 LA-18, Vacherie, LA 70090, USA

In his innocence, Jamie (Garrett Hedlund) engages Laura (Carey Mulligan) with stories about plays to impress her. This interaction continues at a lavish party where he dances with Laura despite having toasted to her impending marriage and future children with his brother, Henry (Jason Clarke). Laura's voiceover during this dance subtly reveals her affection for Jamie, while Henry acknowledges his brother's charm with women. St. James Parish, Louisiana, with the neighboring plantations of Felicite and St. Joseph as the backdrop, provided the setting for this scene. These rural settings lent an authentic charm to the movie under Dee Rees's direction. Felicity Plantation, a historical sugarcane plantation located along the riverbanks of the Mississippi, added further depth to the film's setting. Built around 1846 (or 1850) by Valcour Aime as a wedding gift for his daughter, Felicity is a sister plantation to St. Joseph and is open for tours. Wise Wolfe, the location manager for Mudbound, chose St. James Parish due to its ideal conditions for recreating the film's Mississippi cotton farm. The sugarcane farmer behind Felicite and St. Joseph plantations had fallow fields, perfect for depicting the harsh environment where the main characters struggled to make a living. Get to James Parish by driving from New Orleans via the LA-3127 N, which takes approximately an hour. Once there, both Felicite and St. Joseph plantations are accessible for tours, allowing fans to experience the film's ambiance firsthand.

Post-World War II scene in Mudbound

Lutcher, Louisiana, USA

A particularly impactful scene involves the Jackson family, ready to leave with their scant possessions in a wagon, encountering Henry (Jason Clarke) and Jamie (Garrett Hedlund) struggling to bury Pappy (Jonathan Banks). Hap (Rob Morgan) helps with the coffin and recites verses 14:2-12 from the Book of Job over the grave, casting a reproach on Pappy's wickedness. Jamie approaches the Jacksons' wagon, entrusting Florence (Mary J. Blige) with a letter from a German woman meant for Ronsel (Jason Mitchell). In the aftermath, Jamie relocates to the city, while Ronsel returns to Europe to reunite with his German lover and their child. These post-war scenes came to life in Lutcher, Louisiana, a town in St. James Parish on Louisiana's Great River Road. This roughly 70-mile stretch of highways extends from New Orleans's outskirts to Baton Rouge's suburbs. Lutcher is renowned for its annual multi-day Christmas event, characterized by large bonfires blazing atop the Mississippi River levees at night. These bonfires are a spectacular sight and one of the many reasons to visit Plantation Country. Embark on a scenic drive from New Orleans or Baton Rouge using the Great River Road to Lutcher. This route allows you to soak in the abundant cultural heritage and natural splendor of Plantation Country during your journey. From Vacherie, Lutcher is just a short 15-minute car ride away.

Conclusion

Mudbound is an immersive cinematic experience that is both timely and meaningful. Dramatized with finesse by Dee Rees, the film skillfully threads the themes of racial inequality, perception, and empathy. Mudbound is an intriguing and challenging work since it looks at gender and race from the perspective of the human condition. Whether it's the lush plains of Louisiana or the winding streets of Budapest, Mudbound makes its settings come to life. The movie came to life in several locations, including New Orleans, Vacherie, Lutcher, and the plantations of St. James Parish. These locations enhance both the setting and the plot. They are a visual representation of the film's commitment to preserving the history and culture of the area. Mudbound elevates itself beyond the realm of the typical historical drama due to Mary J. Blige's realistic portrayal and the exceptional performances of Carey Mulligan, Jason Mitchell, and Garrett Hedlund. Long after the credits roll, the message of empathy and justice stays ingrained in your mind. More than just a film, Mudbound is an absorbing story that makes you think. Visiting these unique film locations would prove worthwhile for anybody curious about Louisiana's beautiful history and landscapes.