Where was Reservoir Dogs filmed? Exploring the Iconic Shooting Locations
Quentin Tarantino’s debut crime thriller, Reservoir Dogs, is widely considered to be one of the best movies of all time. The film follows a group of career criminals, brought together by crime boss Joe Cabot to carry out a diamond heist. Released in 1992, the movie was shot almost entirely on location in and around the Los Angeles area. Here, we explore some of the iconic Reservoir Dogs filming locations and take a look back at the movie’s production.
The Diner
The opening scene of Reservoir Dogs features the members of the gang having breakfast at a diner. The location that was used for this scene is actually a former café, located at 807 East 5th Street in downtown Los Angeles. The café has since been demolished, but a plaque now hangs outside of the building that was erected in memory of the movie.
The Warehouse
After the heist ends in disaster, the movie moves to the warehouse where the characters plan their escape. This scene was shot at the now-defunct Janesong clothing warehouse in Compton, California. The building was eventually sold and demolished; however, fans can still visit the former site, which is now a housing development.
The Auto Salvage Yard
One of the most memorable scenes in Reservoir Dogs is when Mr. Blonde tortures a police officer in the auto salvage yard. The scene was shot at the now-closed Southern California Auto Supply & Salvage Yard in Sun Valley, California. The yard was known for its abundance of wrecked and abandoned cars, which made the perfect backdrop for a movie about gangsters.
The Abandoned Building
The abandoned building where the gang gather to discuss their next move was actually an old factory in El Segundo, California. The factory was a former aerospace plant, and was used as a background for many other films, including Speed and The Terminator. The building was eventually demolished, but the site is still recognizable.
The Police Station
The police station scenes in Reservoir Dogs were shot at the now-closed Los Angeles Police Station Number 3, located in downtown Los Angeles. The station was shut down in 1999, and the building was later converted into lofts and apartments. The station is still recognizable, although the interior is now unrecognizable from its time as a movie set.
The Aftermath
The aftermath of the heist is shown in the movie’s closing scenes, which were shot at the Harbor Freeway in downtown Los Angeles. The freeway is still recognizable, although the area has been dramatically gentrified since the movie was made. The scene was shot late at night, with the traffic and lights of the city providing an eerily perfect backdrop.
Reservoir Dogs is a classic movie, and the shooting locations used in the film help to make it one of the most iconic films of all time. From the diner to the warehouse, the locations used by Tarantino and his crew help to bring the movie to life. If you’re a fan of the movie, take a trip to the locations and explore the iconic Reservoir Dogs filming locations!
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