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Sound of Metal movie cover Movie Locations Guide

Where was Sound of Metal filmed?

2019

City Locations

Massachusetts (USA), Antwerp (Belgium)

Location Types

House, Office, Cafe

Location Styles

Parking Lot, Office Building Style, Camper, Gothic/Victorian, Dilapidated/Neglected

About Sound of Metal

Immerse yourself in a symphony of nature, the distant hum of traffic, and the rhythmic melody of coffee dripping into a pot. Sound of Metal is a 2019 critically acclaimed film directed by Darius Marder. The narrative unfolds through the life of Ruben, a former drug addict and active drummer in a musical duo named Backgammon, portrayed by the talented Riz Ahmed. Alongside him, Olivia Cooke gives a heartfelt performance as Lou, Ruben’s loving girlfriend and bandmate. Their world turns unexpectedly when Ruben experiences sudden hearing loss, threatening to transition from temporary to permanent.

The plot intricately explores how Ruben and Lou navigate this challenging situation, with compelling performances from co-stars Lauren Ridloff and Mathieu Amalric adding depth to the story. Sound of Metal received widespread recognition for its authentic performances, particularly those of Ahmed and Paul Raci, innovative sound design, meticulous editing, and Marder's adept direction and screenplay.

Sound of Metal, a film that caught the eye of critics around the globe, was highlighted on 52 top-ten lists for films released in 2020. Its brilliance was further acknowledged at the 93rd Academy Awards, garnering nominations for Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay, Best Actor (Riz Ahmed), and Best Supporting Actor (Paul Raci). It achieved victory by securing Best Sound and Best Film Editing awards, thereby etching its name in the annals of film history.

Sound of Metal Locations

The 2019 film Sound of Metal utilized a variety of locations to bring its story to life. Most scenes in the film were shot in the Greater Boston area, with Ipswich, Massachusetts, being the primary shooting location. Other cities in the area, such as Boston, Cambridge, Framingham, Danvers, Lawrence, Rowley, and Topsfield, were also used to create the film's backdrop.

Additionally, Antwerp, Belgium, was used for some of the Paris scenes in the movie.

The backdrop of the Greater Boston area is marked by a vibrant and varied landscape, with luscious meadows, sandy beaches, and wide-open expanses of woodlands. This region is also home to many historical landmarks and attractions, such as the Boston Tea Party Ships and Museum or the Salem Witch Museum, perfect for film production. The family-run Agawam Diner in Rowley, MA, was used as a prominent filming location, showcasing the quintessentially American charm of the area.

A trip to the shooting locations for Sound of Metal would be an enjoyable and rewarding experience for any film fan. With its lush landscape and vibrant culture, the region provides a scenic and exciting backdrop for various activities, perfect for sightseeing or exploring the locations used in the movie's production.

Ruben wakes up the night after the concert at the parking lot scene in Sound of Metal

Hollywood Hits Premiere Theatre, 7 Hutchinson Dr, Danvers, MA, USA

Ruben (Riz Ahmed) is a drummer who forms one-half of the metal duo Backgammon. His girlfriend, Lou (Olivia Cooke), is the band's singer. The two traverse the country in their RV, playing gigs. An evocative scene unfolds when Ruben wakes up in their camper in a parking lot after a concert, with Lou still asleep.

This scene was filmed at Hollywood Hits Premiere Theatre, 7 Hutchinson Dr, Danvers, Massachusetts. The theater's parking lot, which served as the setting for this scene, remains intact and operational, making it easily identifiable for film fans. Unfortunately, the independent Hollywood Hits Theaters closed its doors in 2016, so visitors can only appreciate the exterior of the building.

To get to this location from Boston, take I-93 N to MA-128 N/I-95 N. Drive to Hutchinson Drive, where you'll find the old Hollywood Hits Theatre. Public transportation is also accessible from Boston, where you can conveniently take a bus with a transfer to Salem.

Lou questions Ruben by writing on some paper scene in Sound of Metal

Agawam Diner, 166 Newburyport Turnpike, Rowley, MA, USA

Lou (Olivia Cooke) and Ruben (Riz Ahmed) find themselves in a diner, communicating through written notes. Lou is visibly upset, prompting Ruben to reassure her that they will continue with their scheduled tour. However, Lou disagrees, expressing her concern for Ruben's well-being and urging him to seek help. The tension escalates, leaving both characters distraught. Ruben eventually exits the diner, approaching a stranger to ask for a cigarette.

The emotionally intense scene was shot at the Agawam Diner at 166 Newburyport Turnpike in Rowley. For the film's requirements, this quintessential American diner was converted into the fictitious Miss Fenton Diner, with its interior and exterior used for filming. The Agawam Diner, a charming 1954 rail car diner, remains operational, offering hearty American comfort cuisine from dawn to dusk.

For those keen on visiting the Agawam Diner, you'll find it situated in the eastern part of Massachusetts, close to the New Hampshire border. The diner is approximately a 90-minute north of Boston and an hour's drive south of Portsmouth, New Hampshire. Its location is conveniently accessible via several major routes, including Interstate 95, US Route 1, and Massachusetts Route 128.

Ruben heads towards Richard scene in Sound of Metal

Jan van Rijswijcklaan 58, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium

Ruben (Riz Ahmed) travels to Belgium to reunite with his girlfriend Lou (Olivia Cooke) at her affluent father Richard's house. Lou has adapted to a new lifestyle here, and Richard (Mathieu Amalric) welcomes Ruben into their home. The scene where Ruben approaches Richard is particularly poignant.

This scene was filmed at Jan van Rijswijcklaan 58 in Antwerp, Belgium. This location has maintained its original aesthetic from the film, making it an exciting destination for movie fans. Moreover, the area is surrounded by several parks, providing a scenic spot for visitors to relax and reminisce about the film.

You can utilize the city's public transportation system to reach Jan van Rijswijcklaan 58, from the heart of Antwerp. If you are coming from Brussels, the most convenient way is to take a train to Antwerp Central Station. From there, hop on a tram or bus to reach your destination. For those who prefer driving, you can use GPS navigation to guide you directly to the location.

Lou's house scenes in Sound of Metal

Vascobelo, Lange Lozanastraat 240, 2018 Antwerpen, Belgium

A memorable scene unfolds at a gathering where Lou (Olivia Cooke) and her father (Mathieu Amalric) perform a duet. Ruben (Riz Ahmed), with his cochlear implants, struggles to enjoy the music. A heartfelt conversation ensues between Ruben and Lou about the possibility of returning to their music and touring lifestyle.

As Ruben observes Lou's anxiety over the prospect, he reassures her that everything is fine and credits her for saving his life. She reciprocates by telling him that he saved hers too. The next morning, as Lou sleeps, Ruben acknowledges their changed selves due to their time apart, gathers his belongings, and departs.

This poignant scene was filmed at Vascobelo, located at Lange Lozanastraat 240, 2018 Antwerpen. Currently serving as a corporate office, permission from the owners may be required to visit the interior of this location. However, fans can still appreciate the iconic building's exterior.

To reach this location from Antwerp's city center, take tram 15 from the Groenplaats stop and get off at the Antwerpen Harmonie stop. From there, it's a short walk to Vascobelo. By private car, it's only a 10-minute drive from the downtown.

Ruben is sitting on a bench in the park in Paris scene in Sound of Metal

Rubenslei, 2018 Antwerp, Belgium

In the riveting finale, Ruben (Riz Ahmed) finds himself in Paris, far from the silence he has learned. His newly implanted cochlear devices distort the sounds of everyday life into an unbearable cacophony. As church bells ring in the distance, their distorted echoes drive Ruben to remove his implants. Sitting on a park bench, he immerses himself in the tranquility of silence.

This moving scene was captured at Rubenslei Park, with the imposing Cathedral of Our Lady in Antwerp, Belgium, as the backdrop. Construction on this historic cathedral began in 1352, and though its first stage was finished by 1521, it remains 'unfinished' in the conventional sense. The cathedral, a remarkable specimen of Gothic architecture, was designed by Jan and Pieter Appelmans. Meanwhile, Antwerp Stadspark, the scene's location, offers an array of walking trails, hidden spots for seating, and abundant natural beauty.

Visitors will be delighted to explore the park and the charming church. To visit this location, if you're in Antwerp, you can take Tram 10 from Antwerp Central Station and alight at the Groenplaats stop, a short walk from the cathedral. If you're coming from outside Antwerp, trains to Antwerp Central Station are available from various cities across Belgium and Europe.

Conclusion

Sound of Metal is a compelling study of the fragility of daily existence. The filming locations for Sound of Metal provided a rich and diverse backdrop for this compelling cinematic experience. From the raw and gritty urban landscapes of Boston, Massachusetts, to the tranquil beauty of rural upstate New York, these American settings perfectly complemented the film's exploration of a musician's journey through silence and self-discovery.

Additionally, Antwerp, Belgium, added an international dimension to the story. The city's picturesque streets and iconic architecture starkly contrasted the American settings, underscoring the film's themes of change and adaptation.

Overall, the combination of these filming locations allowed Sound of Metal to achieve a unique and evocative visual narrative. The filmmakers skillfully harnessed the power of these diverse backdrops to enhance the storytelling, making the movie a visually striking and emotionally resonant experience for audiences worldwide.