Where was Small Town Crime filmed?
2017
City Locations
Utah (USA)
Location Types
Cafe
Location Styles
Americana/Anywhere, Craftsman, Modern Building
About Small Town Crime
Enter the world of mystery and intrigue with Small Town Crime, an American neo-noir thriller movie released in 2017. Under the skilled direction of the dynamic duo Eshom Nelms and Ian Nelms, the movie captivates its audience with a richly layered plot and an outstanding ensemble cast.
The narrative begins with Mike Kendall (John Hawkes) — a former police officer grappling with alcoholism — who serendipitously encounters an injured woman abandoned on the roadside. As he embarks on finding the killer, he meets several shady characters, unknowingly endangering his family. The film also features celebrated actors such as Anthony Anderson, Michael Vartan, Clifton Collins Jr., Caity Lotz, and James Lafferty, each lending depth to their intricate characters.
The audience first saw Small Town Crime at the SXSW film festival on March 11, 2017. Afterward, the movie was made available on DirecTV Cinema on December 21, 2017, and later hit selected theaters on January 19, 2018, presented by Saban Films.
Production of the thriller took place over 35 days in the picturesque landscapes of Utah, making for a visually engaging cinematic experience. Critics and audiences alike applauded the film, earning it an impressive 79% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with the consensus praising the standout performances by the stacked cast led by John Hawkes. On Metacritic, the movie holds a commendable weighted average score of 68 out of 100, indicating "generally favorable reviews."
Small Town Crime Locations
Step into the neo-noir world of Small Town Crime shot entirely in Utah’s rugged and arid landscapes. The film, renowned for its depiction of an alcoholic ex-cop's dramatic quest for redemption, brings to life the criminal underbelly of the region with its gripping portrayal of an ever-present atmosphere of danger. Primarily filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah, the film sets itself amidst the state's awe-inspiring landmarks and unique terrain, which perfectly compliments the film's narrative.
Utah’s stark landscape offers an ideal backdrop, enhancing the film’s raw and gritty tone. Salt Lake City, the capital of Utah, stands out with its accessible locations and competent crew members, factors that significantly contributed to the smooth production of the film. As you explore the city, you will recognize it from other iconic movies like 'Dumb and Dumber,' 'Hereditary,' 'High School Musical: The Musical: The Series,' 'Independence Day' and 'Dawn of the Dead.'
Taking a trip to the filming locations of Small Town Crime would undoubtedly be a worthwhile experience for film fans and cinema enthusiasts alike. Embark on a journey through the real-life sets of the movie in Utah, and immerse yourself in the thrilling atmosphere that this state extends, which has been a magnet for filmmakers worldwide since the construction of the Interstate highway system in the mid-twentieth century. Let Utah’s unforgiving yet captivating landscapes transport you straight into the heart of Small Town Crime.
Fun Facts:
The characters Carl and Deborah Neville are portrayed by the actual married couple, Robyn Lively and Bart Johnson. Interestingly, Bart Johnson is also the sibling of Brad Johnson, one of the film’s producers.
The dead body Scene in Small Town Crime
Salt Lake City, Utah, USA
The opening scene especially captures the essence of the film: Mike Kendall (John Hawkes) stumbles upon a woman left for dead on the roadside. The encounter sends him spiraling into a dark, seedy mystery as he offers to track down her killer pro bono as a private investigator. The woman's grandfather, Steve (Robert Forster), hires him, adding another layer of complexity to the narrative.
This particular scene was filmed in the picturesque environs of Salt Lake City, Utah. The city's unique landscape contributes to the movie's atmospheric tension and visual appeal. Founded on July 24, 1847, by Brigham Young and other pioneer settlers seeking refuge from persecution, Salt Lake City has transformed over the centuries into a popular tourist destination known for skiing, outdoor recreation, and religious tourism. It was the proud host of the 2002 Winter Olympics and is currently a candidate city for the 2030 Winter Olympics. Despite its conservative state, the city itself is known for its politically liberal culture, which provides an interesting contrast.
To visit this location, you'd likely fly into Salt Lake City International Airport, which is well-served by various airlines. From there, you can explore the city and its surroundings by car or public transportation.
Mike meets Tina at the cafe scene in Small Town Crime
Belgian Waffle & Omelet Inn, 7331 S 900 E, Midvale, UT 84047, USA
Mike (John Hawkes) finds himself at a café, nursing a drink and a cigarette. Tina (Michelle Lang) approaches him as he broods over his day. He invites her to join him, offering compliments and an invitation back to his place. However, Tina gently rebuffs him, disclosing her relationship with Greg.
This memorable exchange occurs at the Belgian Waffle & Omelet Inn, a location as unique as the characters. Opened in December 1979 by three brothers as Ferrell’s Belgian Waffle Inn, it was purchased by a committed cook named Wilhelmsen in July 1980, who rebranded it to its current name. Known for its signature dish, the Garbage Hash, this eatery has a history almost as colorful as the film itself.
The Belgian Waffle & Omelet Inn is located in Midvale, Utah, a suburb of Salt Lake City.
Fly into Salt Lake City International Airport and drive (15 minutes via I-15) south to Midvale. While the café might look slightly different now, it retains the authentic charm that made it an ideal filming location for Small Town Crime.
Conclusion
Small Town Crime is a movie that attempts to blend elements of hard-boiled crime with a dash of dark humor. John Hawkes, known for his versatile acting chops, takes on the role of an ex-cop, Mike Kendall, who stumbles upon a murder mystery. His performance is commendable, managing to instill his character, who could easily have been a stereotype, with a sense of credibility and even a peculiar charm.
The film's script, crafted by the brother duo Eshom and Ian Nelms, aims to balance outlandishness and realism. However, the movie's tone seems to wobble throughout, never entirely convincing in its approach nor fully embracing its potential for over-the-top exhilaration. The score, composed by Chris Westlake, attempts to pay homage to Stephen J. Cannell's style while also incorporating a sense of sardonicism, often reminiscent of the Coen Brothers' work.
Small Town Crime was primarily filmed in Salt Lake City, Utah, using the state's stunning landmarks and unique terrain to complement its narrative. The stark landscape of Utah lends itself as an ideal backdrop, enhancing the film's raw and gritty tone.
Despite its flaws, Small Town Crime contributes to the movie industry by offering a different take on the crime thriller genre. It showcases John Hawkes' versatility as an actor and introduces a unique blend of crime and comedy. While the execution might not be perfect, the film's concept and performances make it worth watching for those interested in offbeat crime thrillers. As for visiting the locations featured in the film, the stunning landscapes of Utah offer plenty of appeal for those interested in experiencing the film's setting firsthand.