Where was The Glass Castle filmed?
2017
City Locations
Albuquerque, NM (USA), Welch, WV (USA); Montreal (Canada)
Location Types
House, Riverside, Hospitals/Medical
Location Styles
Dilapidated/Neglected, Colonial, Rustic, Retreat, Desert
About The Glass Castle
Experience a journey of resilience, adversity, and the power of hope with the 2017 American biographical drama film The Glass Castle. Directed by the accomplished Destin Daniel Cretton, this poignant film narrates the childhood of Jeannette Walls, living in poverty and intermittent homelessness, bringing to life her struggles and victories in an unforgettable cinematic narrative.
Rolling out a compelling cast, The Glass Castle features Oscar winner Brie Larson as Jeannette Walls, supported by a brilliant ensemble that includes Woody Harrelson, Naomi Watts, Max Greenfield, and Sarah Snook. Released on August 11, 2017, the film dives deep into gritty reality, pushing the boundaries of emotional storytelling.
The film paints a vivid picture of Walls' childhood spent in poverty, often as squatters. It focuses not only on her turbulent relationship with her artist mother, Rose (Naomi Watts), and reckless father, Rex (Woody Harrelson), but also her relationship with her siblings Lori (Sarah Snook) and Brian (Josh Caras). As the family moves from place to place, their struggle with poverty and the indomitable spirit of Jeannette, who seeks a way out of her challenging upbringing, forms the backbone of the plot.
Though the film received mixed reviews from critics, the performances of the cast, especially Brie Larson, have been widely applauded. However, the film's nuanced emotional tones and its faithful adaptation of the memoir came under scrutiny. Despite mixed critical response, the film enjoyed commercial success, grossing $22 million in North America.
Unfortunately, "The Glass Castle" did not win any awards, but it remains a film that captures the hearts and minds of viewers with its touching storytelling and outstanding performances.
The Glass Castle Locations
Filmed across a broad palette of landscapes and regions, the movie takes viewers on a sweeping journey from the coal-mining county of West Virginia to the scenic vistas of Quebec and New Mexico. The production primarily unfolded in Montreal, McDowell County, To’Hajiilee, and Laguna Pueblo, each place lending its unique charm and local color to the film.
In McDowell County, local heritage monuments, such as the Vic Nystrom Stadium, became centerpieces of the cinematic narrative. Montreal's gritty cityscapes doubled for the New York episodes. The wild beauty of New Mexico’s Native American territories — To’Hajiilee and Laguna Pueblo — was the backdrop for many pivotal sequences.
These locations aren't just film settings but landmarks steeped in history and culture, providing a vivid scenic tapestry that adds depth and authenticity to Jeannette and her family's transformative journey. Here, the majestic mountains of Welch are not just a backdrop; they become symbolic of the barriers the characters face. The bustling streets of Montreal don't just represent New York; they embody the protagonist's struggle to carve out her identity amidst chaos.
Beyond the story, you'll discover an enriching travel experience enriched by majestic mountains, historic towns, and cultural magnificence. Exploring The Glass Castle film locations allows for a deeper appreciation of the film, but more so, it offers a memorable journey into the heartlands of America.
Walls family escape from the hospital scene in The Glass Castle
Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA
At the hospital where young Jeannette (Chandler Head) is questioned about her home life after a severe burn incident. The scene escalates when her father, Rex (Woody Harrelson), distracts the hospital staff and escapes with Jeannette.
Some scenes from the film are set in the arid landscapes of New Mexico. Here, Rex pulls off the road into the desert to educate his children about the trees and constellations. The stars' vastness echoes the limitless potential Rex sees in his children, while the harsh desert environment symbolizes the tough love approach he often adopts.
Traveling to these locations offers an immersive experience for fans of the film. Albuquerque is a city rich in history and culture, offering diverse cuisines, world-class museums, and the vintage neon glow of Route 66. You can also participate in hot air ballooning, a popular activity in Albuquerque known as the hot air ballooning capital of the world.
To get to this location, you can fly into Albuquerque International Sunport, which is serviced by numerous airlines. From there, you can rent a car to explore the city and its surrounding areas, including To'hajiilee and Laguna Pueblo tribal lands. Check local regulations and obtain necessary permissions before visiting tribal lands.
Jeannette meets David's clients scene in The Glass Castle
Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Jeannette (Brie Larson) has transformed from a child living in poverty to a successful gossip columnist for New York magazine. Engaged to financial analyst David (Max Greenfield), Jeannette finds herself at dinner with one of David's clients. In an effort to maintain appearances, she lies about her parents. The stark contrast between her present life and her past is highlighted as she later sees her now-homeless parents dumpster diving.
The film was primarily shot in Montreal, which doubled as New York for the narrative. An apartment undergoing renovation in the city was used to represent Jeannette's New York home. The scenes featuring Larson as an older Jeannette and Greenfield as her fiancé were filmed on the city streets of Montreal. The production team skillfully transformed practical locations or built sets to accurately portray the various interiors in the film.
To visit these filming locations, one can fly to Montreal-Trudeau International Airport, which serves numerous international and domestic flights. From there, visitors can use public transportation or rent a car (a 15-minute drive to the city center) to explore the city and its rich history.
The children meet their grandparents scene in The Glass Castle
Welch, West Virginia 24801, USA
With no money and the law on their tail, the family is compelled to move to Welch, West Virginia. Jeannette (Ella Anderson) and her siblings encounter their grandparents and Uncle Stanley (Joe Pingue) in this new place for the first time. Rex (Woody Harrelson) relocates the family into a dilapidated house in the wild, lacking basic amenities such as gas, water, and electricity. This rustic home and its harsh living conditions become a defining aspect of Jeannette's childhood.
These scenes were filmed in the actual location where the real-life Jeannette Walls spent part of her childhood — McDowell County, West Virginia. The decision to use the actual location was driven by Walls, who wanted the film to be as true to her story as possible. Welch, West Virginia's rural landscape beautifully encapsulates Jeannette's isolation as a child. The residents of Welch, many of whom remembered Walls, even participated as extras in the film's production, adding another layer of authenticity to the movie.
The city provides a wealth of recreational and educational opportunities across the city, an array of delightful dining options, and multiple accommodations. The ATV-friendly town grants easy access to miles of riding trails in the proximate mountains. Additionally, their community hosts a range of activities aimed at tourists.
To visit these iconic filming locations in Welch, West Virginia, you can fly into Yeager Airport in Charleston, West Virginia, approximately a two-hour drive via I-64 E/I-77 S to Welch. Car rentals are available at the airport, allowing visitors to drive and explore the area at their own pace.
Conclusion
The Glass Castle is a heart-rending adaptation of Jeannette Walls' best-selling memoir about growing up in extreme poverty. It wrestles with the conflicting impulses of longing for order and desire for wildness, creating an emotionally complex narrative that resonates with the audience.
The film's cast, led by Brie Larson, Woody Harrelson, and Naomi Watts, delivers powerful performances that bring the story to life. Harrelson, in particular, shines as Rex, the family patriarch whose dreams of building a glass castle symbolize his unrealized ambitions and constant struggle with alcoholism. However, the film has been criticized for its pacing, with some viewers finding it too long and slow-paced.
Filmed across a broad spectrum of landscapes from West Virginia to Quebec and New Mexico, The Glass Castle takes viewers on a sweeping journey through varied terrains. Each location, primarily Montreal, McDowell County, To’Hajiilee, and Laguna Pueblo lends unique charm and local color to the film, contributing significantly to its visual appeal.