Where was The Book of Eli filmed?

Eli (Denzel Washington), a solitary traveler in a post-apocalyptic world, makes his way through the desolate landscapes of what once was the United States. Thirty years after a nuclear apocalypse has decimated civilization, Eli's journey toward the West Coast is fraught with dangers that test his survival and combat skills. Eli's quest for resources leads him to a dilapidated town, a semblance of society clinging to existence under the control of Carnegie (Gary Oldman), a tyrannical leader who understands the power knowledge can wield in this lonely world. This crucial scene and significant portions of the movie were filmed at the Albuquerque Studios in the Mesa del Sol development. The studio complex, which includes production offices, eight sound stages, and a backlot, provided the versatile setting needed to bring The Book of Eli's desolate and dystopian world to life. Albuquerque Studios has been the filming location for various other productions, including the acclaimed television show Breaking Bad. Located in the southern part of Albuquerque, visitors can reach the studios by flying into the Albuquerque International Sunport, driving 12 minutes via University Blvd SE, or taking public transportation to the Mesa del Sol area. While the studios are generally not open to the public for tours due to ongoing productions, the surrounding area of Albuquerque and the broader New Mexico landscape offer numerous attractions.

At the local town bar, Eli (Denzel Washington) is confronted by a gang of bikers. The intensity of this scene not only highlights Eli's physical prowess but furthers the narrative, drawing the attention of Carnegie (Gary Oldman), the town's tyrannical ruler. Carnegie, recognizing Eli's literacy – a rare and valuable skill in this post-apocalyptic world – sees Eli's potential and attempts to coerce him into staying in the town. This memorable scene was filmed on 12th Street in Carrizozo, New Mexico, a location imbued with its rich history. Carrizozo, founded in 1899, played a crucial role as the main railroad access point for Lincoln County, experiencing significant growth during the early 20th century. The town's unique aesthetic and historical significance has made it an attractive location for filmmakers, with movies such as Gambit (2012), Wander (2020), and Mad Love (1995) being filmed there, at least in part. Situated at the northern end of the Tularosa Basin, Carrizozo extends southward to the New Mexico-Texas border, offering stunning landscapes that contribute to the visual storytelling of films in the area. For those interested in visiting this iconic filming location, Carrizozo can be accessed via U.S. Highway 54 or U.S. Highway 380, making it a reachable destination for fans wishing to explore the real-world backdrop of Eli's encounter with the bikers.

Solara (Mila Kunis) picks up Eli (Denzel Washington) after a series of harrowing events, and together, they continue their westward journey to the Golden Gate Bridge. Upon reaching this landmark, they don't stop; instead, they row out to Alcatraz Island, where they encounter a group of survivors. Alcatraz Island, with its notorious former federal prison, plays a pivotal role in this scene. The island has been the site of a fort since the 1850s. Still, it's most famously known for the main prison building constructed between 1910 and 1912, serving as a U.S. Army military prison before becoming a federal penitentiary. Historic Alcatraz is home to the warden's office, visitation room, library, barbershop, and four main cell blocks (A-block through D-block) spread over three stories of the prison's cell house. Although the jail was abolished in 1963, the island was reopened as a public museum, allowing visitors to discover its rich history. Visitors can join day excursions to see the prison and its surroundings or opt for nighttime trips, which provide a unique opportunity to feel Alcatraz's ambiance. Those interested in history or film fans who want to visit Alcatraz can take a ferry to the island from Pier 39 or Pier 33 near Fisherman's Wharf in San Francisco. Additionally, it takes about 12 minutes to drive along Franklin St from the city center to the Piers.

When Eli (Denzel Washington) and Solara (Mila Kunis) finally reach their goal after a terrifying trek across a post-apocalyptic wasteland, they find a protected haven. It is believed that the King James Version of the Bible was destroyed in the apocalypse, but Eli informs the guards that he has a copy. Shortly after this revelation permits them access, they are welcomed by Lombardi (Malcolm McDowell), the custodian of this sanctuary for knowledge. Production of this pivotal scene took place within the walls of the New Mexico Penitentiary. This notorious men's maximum-security prison first welcomed inmates in 1885 and is situated on Santa Fe County's New Mexico State Road 14. The prison's location has a rich historical background since it was approved by Congress as early as 1853. Even though visitors are not allowed inside the Penitentiary of New Mexico, there is a wealth of historical and cultural sites in the Santa Fe and surrounding areas. From Carrizozo, your destination is around 2 hours and 40 minutes away by car if you take US-54 E and then US Hwy 285 N. The trip takes around an hour if you leave Albuquerque and head north on I-25.