Where was Premonition filmed?
2007
City Locations
New Orleans, Shreveport, LA (USA)
Location Types
Video Studio, Unusual
Location Styles
Dilapidated/Neglected, Craftsman, Creole, Industrial Style
About Premonition
Journey into the unreal with Premonition is an American supernatural psychological thriller from 2007. Directed by the talented Mennan Yapo, the film serves a chilling narrative that challenges time and reality.
The film boasts a star-studded cast, with the Academy Award-winning actress Sandra Bullock taking the lead role. She is aptly supported by Julian McMahon, known for his powerful performances, the versatile Nia Long, and the stunning Amber Valletta. Each actor brings a unique blend of talent and charisma, adding depth and intensity to their characters.
Premonition's intriguing plot centers around Linda Hanson (Sandra Bullock). Linda is an ordinary housewife who is hurled into an extraordinary situation. Her mundane life takes a horrific turn when she experiences the days leading up to her husband's death in a non-linear pattern. Frantically, she attempts to alter the course of events to prevent his fatal end. This gripping narrative will leave you on the edge of your seat as you navigate the disarrayed timeline with Linda.
Premonition was not well-received by critics. On Rotten Tomatoes, a website that aggregates reviews, it was reported that the movie received a positive response from merely 8% of the 163 critics who reviewed it. The average rating stood at a low 3.86 out of 10. The general opinion was that the film relied too heavily on flashback sequences and was more pretentious than insightful. Critics also felt that the film's attempt to emulate the intriguing twists found in classics such as "Memento," "The Sixth Sense," and "Groundhog Day" fell short.
Premonition Locations
The 2007 film Premonition was predominantly shot in the scenic and diverse landscapes of Minden and Shreveport, Louisiana. With its decadent array of landscapes, this southeastern state in the US offers an ideal setting for film and TV productions. However, at the time of filming, Louisiana was recovering from the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. The production kicked off on February 6, 2006, and was completed in a compact 45-day schedule.
The hospital Emergency Room scenes stand out as they were filmed in an abandoned second-floor ICU, adding a unique touch to the movie. Moreover, some interior scenes were captured at the newly emerging sound stages of the short-lived LIFT (Louisiana Institute of Film Technology) initiative, known as Film Factory.
Shreveport, a bustling city in northwestern Louisiana, served as the backdrop for most of the film's exterior sequences. The city's Highland and South Highlands neighborhoods also appeared in the film. The fictional “east-west” US Highway 57 shown in the film is Louisiana Highway 2, and the pivotal car accident scene featuring Jim was filmed at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 2 & Webb Country Road in the Claiborne Parish area of Louisiana.
Given the diverse landscapes and the rich history of the locations used in the film, visiting these places could offer a unique experience for fans of Premonition. Whether it's the rampant city life of Shreveport or the scenic beauty of Claiborne Parish, Louisiana's charm and diversity make it a worthwhile destination for film enthusiasts and travelers alike.
Jim and Linda's home scene in Premonition
New Orleans, LA
The film begins with a poignant scene where Jim Hanson (Julian McMahon) and his wife Linda (Sandra Bullock) are seen securing their new home. The scene is set in sepia tones, with their 1965 Ford Mustang adding to the vintage aura, only to be abruptly interrupted by a flash of white light, bringing viewers back to the present.
Initially, the director intended to film this opening sequence in New Orleans, a city renowned for its unique blend of culture, history, and charm. Unfortunately, the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina forced the production to relocate to other parts of Louisiana less impacted by the hurricane. Nevertheless, the filmmakers managed to capture the scene's essence effectively, providing viewers with an intriguing opening to the narrative.
Exploring the filming locations of Premonition can be a thrilling adventure for movie enthusiasts. Although New Orleans wasn't the main setting, it can be a great starting point for this journey. So, if you're planning a trip to New Orleans, there are many activities to indulge in. Start your day with Beignets at Café du Monde, savor the local cuisine and craft cocktails, explore the city on a streetcar ride, or enjoy a ferry cruise. A visit to the park can also be a refreshing experience.
Getting to New Orleans is pretty straightforward. The city is served by Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is well-connected to major cities across the U.S. Once in the city, public transportation options like buses, streetcars, and ferries are readily available to get around.
Linda runs a red light scene in Premonition
Shreveport, LA
While driving downtown, Linda (Sandra Bullock) runs a red light and narrowly avoids colliding with another car. The siren of Sheriff Reilly's (Marc Macaulay) patrol car blares from behind her. Surprisingly, he doesn't seem to recognize her, allowing her to escape with a warning: "We don't want anyone getting hurt now, do we?" She then proceeds to meet Annie (Nia Long) for grocery shopping.
This scene, like most of the exterior sequences in the film, was shot in and around Shreveport, Louisiana. Specifically, a few scenes were filmed in Shreveport's Highland and South Highlands neighborhoods. These areas are known for their cultural diversity and eclectic character, making them unique subdivisions in northwest Louisiana.
Beyond its casinos, Shreveport also stands out for its rich cultural offerings. The city hosts the annual Film Prize and Music Prize events, part of the larger Prize Fest. These events showcase short films and music performances, bringing together creative minds and attracting thousands of visitors annually.
Getting to Shreveport is relatively straightforward. Shreveport Regional Airport serves the city and offers flights from several major U.S. cities. From New Orleans, the road will take 5 hours by car via I-10 W and I-49 N. Once there, public transportation, including buses and taxis, is readily available to get around the city and to the Highland and South Highlands neighborhoods.
The mental hospital scenes in Premonition
The Film Factory, 1215 Prytania St, New Orleans, LA
Linda (Sandra Bullock) is restrained at the mental hospital, overhearing a conversation between Dr. Roth (Peter Stormare) and Sheriff Reilly (Marc Macaulay). The Sheriff informs the doctor about her husband's death, which occurred on Wednesday, and how he broke the news to her on Thursday. Intriguingly, Dr. Roth reveals that Linda had visited him on Tuesday, claiming her husband was already dead or going to be. He begins to question whether her husband's death was indeed an accident. As the scene concludes, we see Linda on a gurney, her arms marked with needles.
This intense interior scene was reportedly filmed at the LIFT (Louisiana Institute of Film Technology) initiative, Film Factory. Located west of the French Quarter in downtown New Orleans, this studio was part of an ambitious plan to revive Louisiana's film industry following the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina. The studio was marketed as "Hollywood outside Hollywood" and did cause a significant stir in the local industry. However, due to controversies involving the authorities, the plan was eventually abandoned, and the soundstage is now permanently closed, making it inaccessible to visit.
You can take a taxi or public transportation (bus #202) from the airport to downtown New Orleans. Although the LIFT studio is no longer operational, the vicinity of the French Quarter where it was located offers a host of attractions for visitors, including historic sites, restaurants, and nightlife.
The highway scene in Premonition
Louisiana Highway 2 & Webb Country Road intersection, LA
As Jim (Julian McMahon) drives onto the highway, he receives a call from Claire (Amber Valletta), who eagerly waits for him in a hotel room. However, Jim has changed his heart and tells her he can't continue their plans. When she asks what he can't do, he replies, "Us," and hangs up. Behind him, Linda (Sandra Bullock) is also on the same highway, trying to reach him on her cell phone. Meanwhile, Jim decides to call home.
Although referred to as the fictional "east-west" US Highway 57 in the film, the highway featured in this scene is Louisiana Highway 2. Jim's car accident scene was filmed at the intersection of Louisiana Highway 2 and Webb Country Road in Claiborne Parish, Louisiana. Claiborne Parish was established in 1828 and named after William C. C. Claiborne, the first governor of Louisiana.
To reach this destination in Claiborne Parish, you would typically commence your journey from Shreveport. You can conveniently rent a car from the airport and embark on a pleasant drive to Claiborne Parish. The drive from Shreveport to Claiborne Parish is approximately one hour, while the drive from Monroe is approximately two hours. Unfortunately, public transportation is not available for this route.
Conclusion
Premonition offers a perplexing narrative that keeps viewers hooked, even in the face of an overwhelming feeling that the plot may not fully come together. The film is directed by Mennan Yapo, written by Bill Kelly, and stars Hollywood heavyweight Sandra Bullock.
The film was majorly shot in the picturesque locales of Minden and Shreveport, Louisiana, giving it a unique visual appeal. Despite the state's recovery from Hurricane Katrina during the production, the filmmakers managed to capture the diverse landscapes of Louisiana beautifully.
Whether or not to watch Premonition largely depends on individual viewer preferences. If you appreciate films with twisted narratives and enjoy the challenge of piecing together a complex storyline, this movie might be worth a watch.