๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Prisoners Filmed? Complete Georgia Location Guide backdrop
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๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Prisoners Filmed? Complete Georgia Location Guide

2013
Denis Villeneuve
Added January 15, 2024
5 Locations

Uncover the chilling real-world backdrops of Denis Villeneuve's 'Prisoners' across Georgia. Explore the haunting beauty and dark corners of this cinematic masterpiece.

About ๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Prisoners Filmed? Complete Georgia Location Guide

๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Prisoners Filmed? Complete Georgia Location Guide

Get ready to dive deep into the unsettling world of Denis Villeneuve's "Prisoners"! This masterful 2013 thriller captivated audiences with its intense plot, powerhouse performances, and a suffocating atmosphere that truly gets under your skin. But did you know much of that unsettling vibe comes directly from its real-world filming locations?

"Prisoners" isn't just a film; it's a harrowing journey into the depths of despair and desperation as two families grapple with the disappearance of their young daughters. The story is gripping, but it's the authentic, often bleak, backdrops that anchor the film's raw emotion and make it feel terrifyingly plausible.

From suburban streets to grim industrial spaces, the film's settings aren't just scenery โ€“ they're critical characters themselves. They amplify the tension, heighten the mystery, and leave a lasting impression long after the credits roll.

So, if you're a true film connoisseur or a thrill-seeker with a passport, you're in for a treat! Join us as we unravel the real places that brought this nail-biting drama to life, all nestled within the picturesqueโ€”yet often moodyโ€”landscapes of Georgia, USA. Let's explore where the darkness of "Prisoners" truly unfurled!

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๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Major Filming Locations

๐ŸŽฌ Conyers Street Residence - The Dover Family Home ๐Ÿก

Scenic view of a suburban house on Conyers Street, reminiscent of the Dover family home, with a subtle hint of autumn foliage around. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

This quiet suburban street in Conyers, Georgia, specifically 1558 Conyers St SE, served as the primary residence for the Dover family. The typical American neighborhood setting adds a layer of ironic normalcy to the horrifying events that unfold. Its ordinary appearance highlights the idea that tragedy can strike anywhere, even in the most unsuspecting places.

๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

The Dover family home is central to the film's narrative, the scene of the fateful Thanksgiving dinner before the girls disappear. Itโ€™s here that Keller Dover's descent into desperate measures begins, turning a peaceful home into a stage for his torment. The house exterior and surrounding street are prominently featured throughout the film's early, tense acts.

๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 1558 Conyers St SE, Conyers, GA, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Private residence; exterior viewing only.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free (from public street)
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: N/A
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Be respectful of privacy when visiting residential filming locations. A quick drive-by is usually best for a glimpse. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The house used as the Dover home was reportedly a new construction at the time of filming, designed to embody a typical, unsuspecting American suburban dwelling.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ 200 Glen Haven Drive, Decatur - The Birder's House ๐Ÿ‚

    A modest, slightly dilapidated house on Glen Haven Drive in Decatur, typical of a quiet residential area, perhaps a little overgrown with foliage. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    Tucked away in the quiet, tree-lined streets of Decatur, the house at 200 Glen Haven Drive served as the residence of the enigmatic character Alex Jones. Its somewhat isolated and unassuming appearance perfectly fit the disturbed and reclusive nature of the character it housed. The older, weathered look contributes to the film's overall gritty aesthetic.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    This house becomes a dark, pivotal location in the investigation, used as Alex Jones's home. It's the place where Detective Loki first encounters the suspect and where some of the film's most unsettling clues are discovered. The interior sequences filmed here are crucial to unfolding the mystery.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 200 Glen Haven Drive, Decatur, GA, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Private residence; no public access.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: N/A
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: N/A
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Again, remember this is a private residence. Snap a photo from the public street and move on respectfully. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The house's somewhat overgrown appearance and interior clutter were deliberately enhanced by the production design team to signify Alex Jones's reclusive and troubled mind.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Bob Taylor's Garage, Decatur - The Auto Shop Clue ๐Ÿ› ๏ธ

    Exterior shot of Bob Taylor's Garage in Decatur, a practical, weathered auto repair shop with vehicles parked outside, suggesting everyday activity. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    Bob Taylor's Garage, located at 4514 Flat Shoals Parkway in Decatur, is a real, working auto repair shop. Its gritty, mundane atmosphere perfectly suits the film's grounded realism, providing a stark contrast to the unfolding nightmare. This type of everyday business grounds the extraordinary plot in a familiar, relatable setting.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    This garage plays a crucial role in the investigation. It's where the RV driven by the initial suspect, Alex Jones, is brought for inspection. The discovery of chilling evidence inside the RV at this location pushes the narrative forward, making the unassuming garage a flashpoint of discovery.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 4514 Flat Shoals Parkway, Decatur, GA, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: As a functional auto shop, open during business hours (check online).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to view exterior.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: [Search online for "Bob Taylor's Garage Decatur GA" for current info]
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: If you need car service in the area, why not get it done at a movie location? A win-win! ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: The authenticity of a real operating garage like Bob Taylor's helped the film create a sense of realism, particularly in the scenes involving the vehicle examination.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain - A Backdrop of Despair ๐Ÿž๏ธ

    A vast, imposing view of Stone Mountain Park, showcasing the iconic granite dome and surrounding natural landscape under a broad sky. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    Stone Mountain Park is a large, natural recreation area centered around Stone Mountain, a quartz monzonite dome monadnock near Atlanta, Georgia. Known for its massive carved relief and expansive grounds, it offers a blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The park's grand scale can evoke feelings of both vastness and isolation.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    While not a primary narrative location, Stone Mountain Park was used for establishing shots and atmospheric scenes, particularly those capturing the stark, imposing landscape. Its presence contributed to the film's overall gloomy and isolated feel, especially during the colder, desolate outdoor sequences. It served as a visually striking backdrop.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 1000 Robert E Lee Blvd, Stone Mountain, GA 30083, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Typically 5 AM - Midnight (check website for specific attractions/events).
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Vehicle entry fee ranges from $20 for a daily pass. Individual attractions may have separate fees.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.stonemountainpark.com/
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: Hike up Stone Mountain at sunrise for incredible panoramic views, and imagine the film's chilling tension against the serene backdrop. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Stone Mountain is the largest exposed granite single piece in the world, lending a truly unique and formidable presence to any film that utilizes it.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Conyers Police Department, Conyers - The Hub of the Search ๐Ÿšจ

    The official building of the Conyers Police Department, a modern municipal structure, perhaps with parked police vehicles visible outside. ๐Ÿ›๏ธ The Location

    The Conyers Police Department, a functional police building in Conyers, GA, provided the authentic setting for the law enforcement aspects of the film. Its no-nonsense, official architecture grounds the investigative scenes in a very realistic environment. This location was crucial for portraying Detective Loki's methodical search.

    ๐ŸŽฅ In the Film

    This police department building serves as the central hub for Detective Loki's investigation into the missing girls. Scenes inside and outside the station depict the frantic reporting of the crime, the interviews with suspects, and the tireless efforts of the authorities. Itโ€™s where Keller Dover frequently confronts Loki, demanding action.

    ๐Ÿ“ Visitor Info
  • ๐Ÿ“ Address: 1162 Rockdale Ave NW, Conyers, GA 30012, USA
  • ๐Ÿ•’ Hours: Public lobby typically 8 AM - 5 PM, Monday-Friday.
  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Admission: Free to view exterior.
  • ๐ŸŒ Website: https://www.conyersga.com/city-services/police-department/
  • ๐Ÿ’ก Pro Tip: While you canโ€™t tour the police station, you can drive by and snap a photo, imagining the intense conversations between Keller and Loki within its walls. ๐ŸŽฌ Fun Fact: Using a real police station adds an immediate layer of authenticity, providing proper logistical support and a realistic backdrop for the professional law enforcement scenes.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Behind-the-Scenes Secrets

    "Prisoners" is a masterclass in tension and cinematography, and its production was as meticulous as the film's plot. The crew worked tirelessly to create an atmosphere that mirrored the dark unraveling of the characters' lives.

    ๐ŸŽญ Director's Vision

  • ๐ŸŽฏ Location Strategy: Denis Villeneuve deliberately chose mundane, suburban locations in Georgia to emphasize that the terrifying events could happen anywhere. This grounded approach made the horror feel more personal and immediate.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Visual Style: Cinematographer Roger Deakins employed a naturalistic, often grim visual style, relying heavily on natural light to create a sense of raw realism. The dark, desaturated palette enhanced the film's bleak mood.
  • ๐ŸŽช Production Highlights

  • ๐ŸŽฌ Hugh Jackman's Transformation: Jackman underwent significant physical and emotional preparation, including shedding weight, to portray Keller Dover's intense grief and violent desperation credibly.
  • ๐ŸŽญ Gyllenhaal's Gaze: Jake Gyllenhaal's intense, often unsettling stare as Detective Loki was a deliberate character choice, adding to the detective's mysterious and deeply observant persona.
  • ๐ŸŽจ Artificial Snow Effect: Despite being set in a cold climate, Georgia rarely gets heavy snow. The production team used vast amounts of artificial snow to create the authentic wintry atmosphere seen throughout the film.
  • ๐ŸŽฏ Extended Production: The film had a lengthy production schedule to accommodate the complex logistical demands and ensure the dark, challenging subject matter was handled with sensitivity and depth.
  • ๐ŸŒŸ Cast & Crew Stories

  • ๐Ÿ˜„ The Missing Socks: During filming, a running joke emerged about how many single socks were lost or misplaced on set, a small bit of levity in an otherwise intense filming environment.
  • ๐Ÿ˜ฎ Emotional Toll: Both cast and crew admitted the film's heavy subject matter took an emotional toll. Villeneuve encouraged extensive discussions to process the difficult material.
  • ๐ŸŽ‰ Deakins' Acclaim: Roger Deakins received an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography, a testament to the film's stunning visual execution despite its often grim subject matter.
  • ---

    ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Plan Your Visit

    Ready to trace the footsteps of "Prisoners" through Georgia's landscapes? Hereโ€™s what you need to know to make your cinematic journey a reality.

    ๐Ÿจ Where to Stay

  • ๐Ÿ’ฐ Budget: Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, Conyers, GA - $90-120/night - Offers comfortable, no-frills accommodation close to the Conyers locations.
  • ๐Ÿ›๏ธ Mid-Range: Stone Mountain Inn, Stone Mountain Park - $150-200/night - Stay within the park boundaries, offering convenient access to the mountain and a pleasant resort atmosphere.
  • โœจ Luxury: The Candler Hotel Atlanta, Curio Collection by Hilton - $250+/night - Located in downtown Atlanta, offering upscale comfort and a central base for exploring Decatur and other film sites further afield.
  • ๐Ÿš— Getting Around

  • ๐Ÿš‡ Metro: Atlanta has a MARTA train system, but it doesn't reach all the film locations, especially those in Conyers or Stone Mountain Park directly.
  • ๐Ÿš— Car: A rental car is essential for exploring the "Prisoners" locations. They are quite spread out across Conyers, Decatur, and Stone Mountain, making driving the most efficient way to visit. Parking is generally available at attractions and shops.
  • ๐Ÿšถ Walking: Only possible for very localized exploration once you've driven to a specific area. Don't expect to walk between the major filming locations.
  • ๐Ÿ“ธ Photo Tips

  • ๐ŸŒ… Best Times: Early morning or late afternoon for soft, moody lighting, especially if you're trying to capture the film's somber tone. Overcast days can also enhance the desired aesthetic.
  • ๐Ÿ“ฑ Instagram Spots: The exterior of the Conyers Police Department and Bob Taylor's Garage offer straightforward, recognizable shots. For Stone Mountain, capture the scale of the landscape against the sky.
  • ๐ŸŽฌ Movie Moments: Try to frame shots replicating scenes โ€“ for instance, a wide shot of a suburban street or a close-up of a house, evoking the film's intense atmosphere.
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    โ“ Quick Answers

    ๐ŸŽฌ Is this based on a true story?

    No, "Prisoners" is a work of fiction, although its themes resonate with real-life fears and experiences of missing person cases.

    ๐Ÿ—บ๏ธ Can I visit all locations in one day?

    While theoretically possible, it would be a very rushed day. It's recommended to dedicate a full day, or even two, to comfortably visit all the major sites across Conyers, Decatur, and Stone Mountain.

    ๐Ÿ’ฐ How much should I budget?

    Excluding accommodation and flights, budget around $50-100 per person per day for car rental, gas, potential park fees, and meals.

    ๐Ÿ“ฑ Are there guided tours?

    Specific "Prisoners" dedicated tours are rare, but broader Atlanta film location tours might include some sites. You'll likely need to do a self-guided tour.

    ๐ŸŽญ When was this filmed?

    Principal photography for "Prisoners" took place from December 2012 to February 2013, which explains the wintry settings seen in the film.

    ๐ŸŒ Is Georgia safe for tourists?

    Yes, Georgia is generally safe for tourists. As with any travel, exercise common sense, be aware of your surroundings, and secure your belongings, especially in urban areas.

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    ๐ŸŽฌ Ready for Your Cinematic Adventure?

    "Prisoners" leaves an indelible mark on its viewers, not just through its thrilling plot but also its evocative use of real-world locations. These unassuming suburban streets, gritty garages, and vast natural landscapes transform into silent witnesses to human desperation and resilience. Visiting them offers a unique perspective on how setting can become a character in its own right, deepening the film's emotional impact.

    By stepping onto the streets of Conyers and Decatur, you're not just seeing filming sites; you're feeling the chilling atmosphere that Denis Villeneuve so expertly crafted. It's a journey into the heart of cinematic realism and a tribute to the power of place in storytelling. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore the unsettling beauty of "Prisoners'" Georgia! Share your experiences with us using #WhereWasItFilmed and tag us in your adventures!

    Year Released

    2013

    Director

    Denis Villeneuve

    Filming Locations

    5 locations

    Behind the Scenes

    Denis Villeneuve masterfully crafted 'Prisoners' to build tension and psychological drama, using its suburban setting to amplify the sense of unease. He aimed for a grounded, realistic feel, opting for practical locations over soundstages to immerse audiences directly into the characters' desperate journey. This decision rooted the film's raw emotion in tangible, everyday environments, making the terrifying events feel frighteningly real. The natural light and authentic textures of these Georgia settings were instrumental in achieving the film's signature gritty, somber aesthetic.

    • Hugh Jackman studied various methods of parental grief and rage for his role as Keller Dover.
    • Jake Gyllenhaal developed a tick for his detective character, Loki, adding to his enigmatic portrayal.
    • The film's cinematographer, Roger Deakins, used natural light and practical sets extensively, enhancing the film's realistic and grim tone.
    • The ambiguous ending sparked significant debate among audiences and critics alike, a deliberate choice by Villeneuve.
    • Most of the filming took place in and around Atlanta, Georgia, providing the quintessential Northeastern U.S. small-town feel.
    • The house used for the Dover family home was custom-built for the film's specific needs, then torn down.
    • The snow seen in the film was artificial, created by special effects crews, as actual snow rarely occurs consistently in Georgia.
    • Melissa Leo's transformation for her character was so complete that her co-stars did not initially recognize her.
    • The movie's tight, claustrophobic atmosphere was achieved through specific camera angles and the use of smaller, confined spaces.
    • Varying weather conditions during the Georgia shoot added to the film's foreboding ambiance.
    • The director met with real detectives and family members of missing persons to better understand the emotional toll of such cases.
    • The film was a commercial success, grossing over $122 million worldwide against a $46 million budget.

    Location Gallery

    Conyers Street Residence

    Conyers Street Residence

    Glen Haven Drive House

    Glen Haven Drive House

    Bob Taylor's Garage

    Bob Taylor's Garage

    Stone Mountain Park

    Stone Mountain Park

    Conyers Police Department

    Conyers Police Department

    Travel Tips

    • Best time to visit most of these locations is during spring or fall for mild weather.

    • Consider booking accommodations in advance, especially during tourist season.

    • Guided tours are available that cover Conyers Street Residence, Glen Haven Drive House, Bob Taylor's Garage in one day.

    Filming Locations

    Discover all 5 locations where ๐ŸŽฌ Where Was Prisoners Filmed? Complete Georgia Location Guide was filmed

    View Locations

    Interactive Location Map

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    Explore all 5 filming locations on the interactive map above. Click on markers for details.

    Filming Locations

    Map of Conyers Street Residence
    1

    Conyers Street Residence

    The primary family home location in Conyers, GA.

    LAT 33.66690, LNG -84.00410
    Directions
    Map of Glen Haven Drive House
    2

    Glen Haven Drive House

    The home used for the birder, Alex Jones.

    LAT 33.77120, LNG -84.28610
    Directions
    Map of Bob Taylor's Garage
    3

    Bob Taylor's Garage

    The auto repair shop pivotal in the film's investigation.

    LAT 33.67060, LNG -84.25470
    Directions
    Map of Stone Mountain Park
    4

    Stone Mountain Park

    Featured in establishing shots and ambient scenes.

    LAT 33.80580, LNG -84.14590
    Directions
    Map of Conyers Police Department
    5

    Conyers Police Department

    The police station central to the investigation.

    LAT 33.60670, LNG -84.05380
    Directions

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