Where was O Brother, Where Art Thou filmed?
2000
City Locations
Rolling Fork, Canton, Yazoo City, Edwards, MS (USA)
Location Types
Retail, Buildings/Offices
Location Styles
Rustic, Colonial, Building Dated/Retro, Dilapidated/Neglected, Dutch Colonial, Georgian/Southern
About O Brother, Where Art Thou?
This comedic adventure, which draws some inspiration from Homer's The Odyssey and is set in the Deep South during the Depression era, is the brainchild of Joel Coen and Ethan Coen, who wore multiple hats as writers, directors, and producers. Released in 2000, O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a captivating comedy-drama film featuring an ensemble cast including John Turturro, George Clooney, Holly Hunter, Tim Blake Nelson, and Charles Durning. Set in 1930s Mississippi, the movie follows the journey of three chain gang convicts who escape and embark on a quest to recover hidden treasure.
The movie traces the adventures of Everett McGill (George Clooney), Pete Hogwallop (John Turturro), and Delmar O'Donnell (Tim Blake Nelson) as they traverse the Southern terrain, skillfully eluding law enforcement and various obstacles. Throughout their journey, they encounter a diverse array of eccentric characters, such as a bank robber, a harmonious trio of sirens, and a corrupt political figure.
After its release, O Brother, Where Art Thou? was met with critical acclaim and was nominated for two Academy Awards—Best Adapted Screenplay and Best Cinematography—and two Golden Globe Awards. Roger Ebert awarded the movie two and a half stars out of four. He articulated that while every scene in the film was "wonderful in their different ways," he felt uncertain and dissatisfied upon leaving the theater.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? Locations
Taking place in 1937, the story was shot almost entirely in central Mississippi, around the Jackson area. Exploring various rural locations throughout Mississippi, each site gives the movie its unique atmosphere and setting. Such sites include Davis Crossing Road near Canton, Alligator Lake near Vicksburg, and many more.
The backdrop of Mississippi makes for a unique but exciting setting for O Brother, Where Art Thou?, with plenty of natural beauty to be seen on screen. From forests, rivers, and lakes to lush fields set against rolling hillsides, there is something to appreciate in all scenes. Landmarks such as churches and cemeteries are also scattered across the region, which further helps to authenticate the story's era.
A trip to some of these locations for O Brother, Where Art Thou? would be more than worthwhile—it would be an incredible experience! In addition to being able to explore some of the same places as your favorite characters did in this classic movie, visitors can also indulge in some of the local cuisines at nearby restaurants or take part in other activities such as camping or fishing. So, if you're looking for a fun trip that will take you through some incredible scenery while allowing you to explore some history from this legendary movie, then check out these O Brother, Where Art Thou? Filming locations.
Did you know?
In the movie, the main characters come together to form a fictitious music group known as The Soggy Bottom Boys. There is speculation that the band's name is a homage to the Foggy Mountain Boys, a renowned bluegrass group led by Lester Flatt and Earl Scruggs. In the movie, the actors lip-sync the songs attributed to the band, with the exception of "In the Jailhouse Now," where Tim Blake Nelson lends his own voice.
Everett, Delmar, and Pete miss the train scene in O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Old Leland Rd, Leland, MS, USA
In the opening scene, we are introduced to the charismatic convict Everett who, during the Great Depression in 1937, escapes from a chain gang in rural Mississippi. He is shackled to two other prisoners, the simple-minded Delmar and hot-headed Pete, compelling them to escape together.
One particularly amusing scene unfolds when the trio fails to catch a train, resulting in Everett tumbling out of the moving locomotive. However, their journey takes an interesting turn when the Blind Seer (Lee Weaver) offers them a ride on his hand car.
This memorable scene was filmed at the Former Columbus & Greenville Railway on Old Leland Road, in Leland, Mississippi. The train showcased in the opening sequence was none other than the magnificent Locomotive #4 of the Dardanelle & Russellville Railroad, sourced all the way from North Dardanelle, Arkansas. A few steps from the Old Leland road in Leland towards the railway tracks will also offer you the same views as depicted in the movie.
If you come from Jackson, Mississippi, you can reach this location by heading northwest on US-49 North. The journey should take approximately two hours.
Filming Locations Guide
The baptism ceremony scene in O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Alligator Lake, MS, USA
While on the run, the protagonists encounter a religious congregation conducting a mass baptism. As they continue their journey, Pete and Delmar are captivated by the spiritual ceremony and decide to participate in baptism. However, Everett resists this religious pull. In his newfound conviction, Delmar plunges into the water, seeking absolution for his sins.
This evocative scene was filmed at Alligator Lake in Vicksburg, Mississippi. The area is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, surrounded by a thick hardwood forest, ancient oaks, and cypress trees adorned with picturesque moss. The park is famous for its alligator population, and the name Alligator Lake extends to the nearby town. Additionally, the lake is populated with various fish species like largemouth bass, bluegill, and channel catfish, adding to its rich biodiversity.
To explore this renowned film site, make your way to Vicksburg. Starting from Jackson, Mississippi, follow I-20 W.
Uncover Video Shoot Locations
The trio perform "Man of Constant Sorrow" at the WEZY radio station scene in O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Summerall Road / Atwood Rd, Rolling Fork, Mississippi 39159, USA
The trio hears about a nearby radio station, WEZY, that pays people to sing. Intrigued, they decide to visit the blind disc jockey (Stephen Root). Accompanied by Tommy (Chris Thomas King), they perform a rendition of "Man of Constant Sorrow." Naming themselves The Soggy Bottom Boys, they are paid $40 in cash and leave feeling satisfied. However, unknown to them, their record becomes a sensation across the state, with the band's identity remaining a mystery.
This iconic scene was filmed where Summerall Road and Atwood Road meet in Rolling Fork, Mississippi. The radio station where the Soggy Bottom Boys recorded their song was constructed specifically for filming. Today, only the mast tower next to the building remains as a testament to this memorable scene.
Fans can reach the location only by car, taking I-20 W and US-61 N from Jackson. The drive will take approximately one hour and 20 minutes. Fans also have the opportunity to explore multiple film locations nearby and visit them all at once.
Find Film Shoot Locations
Everett recognizes his daughters performing at the town hall scene in O Brother, Where Art Thou?
Madison County Courthouse, Canton, Mississippi 39046, USA
Everett and Delmar arrive, battered and beaten, at Everett's hometown. The town is buzzing with activity near the town hall, where Everett hears his daughters' names being announced as performers at a town hall meeting.
This compelling moment was filmed at the Madison County Courthouse in Canton, Mississippi. The courthouse, a grand building located in the heart of Canton on Courthouse Square, served as the stand-in for the town hall. Housing various government offices, the building's majestic architecture includes a former courtroom located on the second story. The courthouse was remodeled in 1908 and has been a popular filming location featured in the movie A Time To Kill.
It's merely a 35-minute journey by private vehicle from Jackson via Interstate 55 North. Regrettably, there's no public transportation available, but the advantage of using a private car is that it gives you ample opportunity to take in the stunning views along the route.
Scout Production Spaces
Penny tells Everett she is going to get married scene in O Brother, Where Art Thou?
128 S Main St, Yazoo City, MS 39194, USA
Penny (Holly Hunter) shares with her ex-husband, Everett, that she is soon to wed Vernon T. Waldrip (Ray McKinnon). Waldrip is the campaign manager for Homer Stokes (Wayne Duvall), who is currently engaged in a gubernatorial race against the cantankerous incumbent, Pappy (Charles Durning). Unable to contain his frustration, Everett starts a fight but is promptly thrown out of the store.
This memorable scene was filmed at 128 S Main St, Yazoo City, Mississippi. Yazoo City gets its name from the Yazoo River, which was named Rivière des Yazous by French explorer Robert La Salle in 1682. The name was given as a tribute to the Yazoo tribe residing near the river's estuary. While the interior decorations at this filming location may not match those seen in the movie, the city itself retains an atmosphere reminiscent of the film.
You have two choices to reach this destination from Jackson: public transport or a private car. If you opt for public transport, take the train from Jackson Station to Yazoo City Amtrak Station, which will take approximately an hour. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, take US 49 N, and in approximately an hour you will arrive at your destination.
Everett, Penny, and their children walk through town scene in O Brother, Where Art Thou?
S Main St, Edwards, MS 39066, USA
Everett, Penny, and their children stroll through the town. In this emotionally charged moment, Penny informs Everett that the ring he gave her was not the correct one. In a symbolic nod to the film's Homeric inspiration, Blind Seer rides his hand car on the railroad tracks in the distance.
This scene was filmed on S Main St, in Edwards, Mississippi. Edwards, a quaint town with plenty of charm, is known for its strategic location as a crossroads on Interstate 20 and Mississippi Highway 22.
You can plan a trip to Edwards to visit this iconic location. If you're coming from Jackson, the capital of Mississippi, you can take Interstate 20 W from S State St and continue on I-20W. It's about a 30-minute drive, depending on the traffic.
Conclusion
O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a unique cinematic experience that masterfully blends humor, drama, and music. Directed by the Coen Brothers, it takes viewers on a Homeric journey through Depression-era Mississippi, skilfully weaving pop culture images from that time.
The film's depiction of the period is enhanced by its incorporation of symbolic characters and imagery, featuring appearances by characters influenced by Babyface Nelson and blues artist Robert Johnson. The film's pulse resonates with bluegrass music, reminiscent of classics such as Bonnie and Clyde. It offers a vibrant representation of the era, encompassing elements like chain gangs, sharecropper homes, cotton plantations, populist political figures, river baptisms, wandering hobos on cargo trains, patent medicines, low-wattage radio stations, and Klan gatherings.
The sequence showcasing the Klan rally is particularly impactful, depicting the era's racial tensions. Equally memorable is the sequence where the protagonists perform as the Soggy Bottom Boys on the radio, a moment Roger Ebert praised for its blend of humor and music.
O Brother, Where Art Thou? is a must-watch. Its distinctive storytelling, engaging performances, and captivating blend of humor, drama, and music make it an unforgettable cinematic