Where was The Majestic filmed?
2001
City Locations
California (USA)
Location Types
American, Nature, Victorian
Location Styles
Clubs/Bars, Hotels, Theatres, Cemetery, Farm/Ranch, Film Studio
About The Majestic
Director Frank Darabont crafted this drama, inspired by the work of iconic director Frank Capra and written by Michael Sloane. This movie stars Jim Carrey as Peter Appleton- a burgeoning 1950s Hollywood screenwriter with success on his hands after the release of "Sand Pirates of the Sahara", his debut film. To add to that joyous occasion is Sandra Sinclair (Amanda Detmer), Pete’s girlfriend and the leading lady in his screen debut, who brings further interest into Pete's life in an idyllic manner.
However, Pete's jubilation turns to distress when he is called up before the House Un-American Activities Committee (HUAC). Leo Kubelsky, his studio lawyer, and Kevin Bannerman, his personal lawyer, advise him to cooperate with the Communist hunters and answer their questions. Dejected by the film industry's timidity in response to the hearings, an intoxicated Pete decides to get behind the wheel of his car and embarks upon a drive along the Northern California coast.
But while driving along a bridge, he loses control of his vehicle as he swerves to avoid hitting an opossum and ends up crashing into the river below. When Pete regains consciousness, he finds himself ashore, still alive but completely disorientated as to where he is. He quickly discovers that he has been washed up onto a beach in Lawson - an isolated, small rural town that provides visitors with an authentic insight into an extremely different life from those experienced within the hustle and bustle of Hollywood.
In Lawson, amidst kindred, likable spirits and distant relatives, Pete finally begins to comprehend how life should be lived without having to compromise one's morals or beliefs for monetary gain or acceptance from others.
The Majestic Locations
The Majestic production process required the utilization of multiple filming locations. The majority of the scenes were shot in the quaint town of Ferndale, California, nestled along the northern coast in Humboldt County. This charming little town is known for its grand Victorian storefronts and unique atmosphere that serve as the perfect backdrop for capturing a small-town American vibe.
Ferndale is also home to a variety of lush forests, expansive meadows, and beautiful beaches - all perfect settings for any movie set. The town’s lighthouse is used as Point Cabrillo Light, located on a scenic headland just south of Fort Bragg. Additionally, some train scenes were recorded on the California Western Railroad in Fort Bragg itself.
Union Station, Griffith Park, Grauman’s Chinese Theater, Park Plaza Hotel, Universal Studios, and Walt Disney’s Golden Oak Ranch are some of the other notable locations used during filming.
For those ready to embark down memory lane by visiting the filming locations of The Majestic, then Ferndale is certainly worth a visit. Not only will you get a feel for what it was like to be part of the production team during filming, but there are numerous other attractions to explore nearby as well.
Pete in a bar after learning he'd been blacklisted scene in The Majestic
7156 Santa Monica Blvd, West Hollywood, CA, USA
Can you recall the scene at the bar where Pete (Jim Carrey) is drowning his sorrows with a toy monkey after learning he had been blacklisted? For poor Pete, one day brought complete disaster when not only was he dismissed from work, but he also lost his beloved girlfriend and felt directionless.
As FBI agents browse through his script to determine what will become of him, it's safe to say that this moment determines his fate. If you want to down a few drinks as Pete did, head down to the Formosa Cafe which served as The Majestic film set for the particular scene.
The Formosa Cafe has been a cherished Hollywood landmark since its birth in 1925. Originally founded by ‘20s prizefighter Jimmy Bernstein, it was located within a Red Car trolley east of the United Artists studio lot.
After partnering with Lem Quon, the restaurant stayed in the family, and by 1976 Bernstein had passed away and Quon's grandson started managing the cafe. Even more, celebrities visited the beloved spot due to its proximity to the MGM Studio Lot across the street including Will Smith, Tom Cruise, and more.
In 2018 after a fire closed The Formosa temporarily, it reopened its doors again - albeit with updates on its decor - yet remaining true to the classic look of its past, with its walls featuring celebrity photos spanning decades. Get to the cafe on a bus headed to the Santa Monica/Formosa stop, which is the closest one, or travel by car along CA-2 W/Santa Monica Blvd.
Adele and Luke`s first kiss scene in The Majestic
Point Cabrillo Light Station State Historic Park, 13800 Point Cabrillo Dr, Mendocino, CA, US
After finding himself in Lawson, with no memory of his previous life, Pete is presumed to be Luke Trimble - one of the town’s 62 sons who went MIA in the wake of World War II. Settling into his new reality, he becomes acquainted with Adele (Laurie Holden), and the pair share their first kiss in a beautiful, yet romantic setting.
The sun began to set, painting the sky with a multitude of colors ranging from orange and yellow, to red and blue. As they made their way upstairs, they slowly ascended the steps that led up to a lighthouse overlooking the shoreline. The balcony offered an intimate view of the ocean rolling in beneath them.
Adele gazed into Luke’s eyes as he gently reached out and caressed her face, feeling the warmth radiating between them. The magical moment had finally arrived – Luke leaned in closer towards Adele, placing his soft lips against hers for their first kiss together. Nestled between the vibrant coastal cities of Mendocino and Fort Bragg lies the breathtaking Point Cabrillo Light Station State Park. Constructed in 1909, this historic park is surrounded by 270 acres of untouched bluffs, making it an ideal spot for exploring nature and discovering hidden gems.
Those seeking a wondrous escape from a hectic metropolitan life need look no further than here; the half-mile leisurely walk to the light station buildings is particularly rewarding for families, friends, or those looking for a unique wedding venue. The lighthouse comes with on-site housing with accommodations fit for 18 people along with disabled parking both in front and behind the first assistant lightkeeper’s house.
Furthermore, the park is also open year-round from 11 am to 4 pm giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore this magical place! There are two options to get to the park - travel by bus or drive there. When driving, take Point Cabrillo Drive and make a right onto Lighthouse Road.
Harry’s funeral scene in The Majestic
800-5680 Ocean Ave, Ferndale, CA, USA
The night of the movie premiere is a turning point in Peter's life. As he watches his screenwriting credit appear on the big screen, he is jolted out of his amnesia - whatever has been muddling his memory suddenly clears again. However, tragedy strikes before the reel can change, and Harry Trimble (Martin Landau), his presumed father, collapses after suffering a fatal heart attack.
Doc examines Harry, only confirming what they already know - that his time is short, but Peter cannot bring himself to face up to the truth of this situation. He allows Harry to die believing that it is actually Luke sitting by his side. Heartbreaking as it may be, the result is ultimately an act of love that gives Harry some peace in his final moments.
The Ferndale Cemetery is an idyllic resting place, where for centuries, loved ones have found their final resting place surrounded by stunning natural beauty and historical significance. Established in 1868, the cemetery is situated on a picturesque hillside overlooking the tranquil Eel River Valley and extends all the way to the sparkle of the Pacific Ocean.
The property is a vibrant meadow grown thick with dense rhododendrons, coloring it with tinges of pink and lavender throughout the year. With the natural beauty and quiet peace found in such lovely grounds, Ferndale Cemetery has featured in several other big-screen productions like Salem’s Lot (1979) and Outbreak (1995).
f you're traveling by car, the quickest route to this filming location of The Majestic is via Brown St, Berding St, and Bluff St/Ocean Ave. It's only a 10-minute drive and there are plenty of parking spots available on-site. Alternatively, RTS buses can get you there in around 25 minutes - perfect if you're looking for an economical way of reaching the cemetery.
Conclusion
Despite a truly remarkable performance from Jim Carrey, the romantic drama fails to capture the artistry and wit of filmmakers like Frank Capra and Preston Sturges. What's more, it falls prey to Darabont's notorious tendency toward extended runtimes, which in this case stretches almost three hours.
Unfortunately, due to so much time being devoted to other concerns, the emotional connections between characters often feel far-fetched and unbelievable. A particularly glaring issue is the incredibly abrupt romance between Luke and Adele, and in one blink, she went from having doubts about his identity to merrily cavorting with him in a field bathed in golden sunlight, then lending a hand as he scales an idyllic lighthouse.
Not only does all this lack any real basis for credibility, but it is portrayed with such saccharine sentimentality that even the most romantic-minded viewers might find themselves feeling rather bemused by its triteness.