Where Was the Movie “A Walk Among the Tombstones” Filmed?

Introduction

The 2014 crime drama “A Walk Among the Tombstones” tells the story of private investigator Matthew Scudder (Liam Neeson) as he investigates the brutal murder of a drug trafficker’s wife. Directed by Scott Frank, the movie is based on the bestselling novel by Lawrence Block, and features a star-studded cast that includes Dan Stevens, Boyd Holbrook, and David Harbour. While the film has been praised for its gripping plot and suspenseful atmosphere, one of the most acclaimed aspects of the movie is its authentic depiction of New York City in the late 1990s — a time when the city was still plagued by poverty, crime, and despair.

This article explores where “A Walk Among the Tombstones” was filmed, including a guide to the primary locations used in the movie, an exploration of the real-life settings, a tour of the on-location sites, and a behind-the-scenes look at the production.

Guide to the Filming Locations of “A Walk Among the Tombstones”

The majority of “A Walk Among the Tombstones” was shot on location in and around New York City, with additional filming taking place in Philadelphia and Queens. According to the production notes for the film, the filmmakers used locations such as “abandoned factories, docks, warehouses, and other industrial sites” to create a gritty, authentic feel for the movie. Here is a listing of the primary locations used in the movie:

• Manhattan, New York City
• Queens, New York City
• Staten Island, New York City
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Each of these locations offers a unique backdrop for the movie, and each provides a distinct atmosphere that contributes to the story. The following sections provide a closer look at each of the primary filming locations used in “A Walk Among the Tombstones.”

Exploring the Real-Life Settings of “A Walk Among the Tombstones”

The filmmakers chose locations that accurately reflect the dark and gritty world of the late 1990s in New York City. One of the primary locations used in the movie is Manhattan, which serves as the backdrop for the majority of the action. As director Scott Frank noted, “We wanted to capture a certain feeling of the period — the grittiness, the darkness, and the seediness of New York City during that time.”

In addition to Manhattan, the production also took advantage of the diverse neighborhoods of Queens and Staten Island. These locations provided the perfect setting for scenes involving Scudder’s investigation, as well as for scenes depicting the seedy underworld of drug trafficking. For example, the filmmakers chose to shoot a scene in the Queens neighborhood of Ridgewood, which was known for its high crime rate in the late 1990s. As producer Michael Shamberg explained, “Ridgewood really felt like the kind of place that you could imagine Scudder walking around in.”

Finally, the production also utilized several locations in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. According to production designer Stephen Altman, the city provided the perfect backdrop for scenes involving a drug deal gone wrong. “The streets of Philadelphia have a certain grit and realism that we wanted to capture,” said Altman. “It was important to find locations that matched the tone of the movie.”

Touring the On-Location Sites of “A Walk Among the Tombstones”

One of the most impressive aspects of “A Walk Among the Tombstones” is the way the filmmakers were able to capture the texture and atmosphere of each location. By visiting the actual sites where scenes were filmed, viewers can get a sense of the visual aesthetics that the filmmakers were trying to achieve.

For example, the abandoned factory in Philadelphia where Scudder and his partner Ray (Dan Stevens) investigate a drug deal gone wrong is actually a real-life location. The building, which is located on the corner of South 11th Street and Washington Avenue, was chosen for its dilapidated state, which perfectly captures the desperation and decay of the city in the late 1990s.

In addition, the filmmakers chose to film a key scene in the movie at the historic Hotel Chelsea in Manhattan. The hotel, which was once home to many famous artists and writers, provides the perfect backdrop for a scene involving Scudder and his nemesis, the drug trafficker Kenny Kristo (Boyd Holbrook). According to Altman, “The Hotel Chelsea was a great example of the kind of decrepit yet elegant locations we were looking for.”

Tracing the Footsteps of “A Walk Among the Tombstones”

Another interesting aspect of “A Walk Among the Tombstones” is the way the filmmakers were able to recreate the steps taken by the characters in the film. For example, the scene in which Scudder follows Kristo through the streets of Manhattan was actually filmed on location in Chinatown. This allowed the filmmakers to capture the hustle and bustle of the neighborhood, as well as the narrow alleyways and winding streets that are so characteristic of the area.

Additionally, the filmmakers chose to film some of the chase scenes in the borough of Queens, which allowed them to take advantage of the area’s dense urban landscape. According to Altman, “The streets of Queens are a great example of how the city has changed over the years. We were able to recreate the feeling of being lost in a maze of buildings and alleyways.”

Behind the Scenes Look at Where “A Walk Among the Tombstones” Was Filmed

Although filming on location in New York City can be challenging, the filmmakers were able to make the most of their limited resources. According to Shamberg, “We had to be creative with our locations and really maximize the use of the space we had. We also relied heavily on our local crew members to help us find the best possible locations.”

In addition to finding the right locations, the production team also had to contend with the logistical challenges of filming in a large city. As Altman explains, “Filming in a big city like New York can be difficult because of all the noise and distractions. We had to be careful to avoid any potential problems with the locals and make sure that our presence didn’t disrupt the daily life of the people living in the area.”

Revisiting the Cinematic Landscape of “A Walk Among the Tombstones”

The filmmakers of “A Walk Among the Tombstones” were able to create a vivid and immersive cinematic landscape that captures the essence of New York City in the late 1990s. By utilizing a variety of locations, they were able to create a realistic and believable world for their characters to inhabit.

The movie also serves as a reminder of the history of the city, and the importance of preserving its unique character. As Shamberg explains, “The locations used in the movie are a testament to the history of the city and the resilience of its people. It’s important to remember that these locations are part of our collective memory, and it’s up to us to keep them alive.”

Conclusion

The 2014 crime drama “A Walk Among the Tombstones” was filmed primarily in and around New York City, with additional filming taking place in Philadelphia and Queens. Through this article, we explored the primary locations used in the movie, as well as the real-life settings and behind-the-scenes processes used to create the film. We also discussed the impact of the movie on its locations, and the importance of preserving the city’s unique character.

By visiting the on-location sites used in “A Walk Among the Tombstones,” viewers can get a sense of the visual aesthetics that the filmmakers were trying to achieve. They can also trace the footsteps of the characters in the film, and explore the cinematic landscape that the filmmakers created. Ultimately, the movie serves as a reminder of the importance of preserving the history and character of New York City.