Sicario's Bizarre Filming Request Surfaces
Sicario's thrilling tale of FBI agent Kate Macer's mission to take down a Mexican drug cartel was almost filmed in an unexpected location Cinematographer Roger Deakins reveals that producers had a bizarre note for filming the 2015 thriller, which was ultimately shot in both Mexico and the United States The film was well-received by critics and audiences, leading to a sequel, Sicario: Day of the Soldado
Roger Deakins, the cinematographer for the 2015 thriller Sicario, directed by Denis Villeneuve, recently shared a bizarre note given by the producers for the film's shooting. The movie revolves around FBI agent Kate Macer (Emily Blunt) and her task force's attempts to capture the leader of a Mexican drug cartel. The film also explores the conflicts that arise at the border between Mexico and the United States, with production taking place in both countries. Sicario received critical acclaim upon its release, leading to a follow-up movie, Sicario: Day of the Soldado.
During a panel discussion (via IndieWire), Deakins shared that the producers were initially hesitant to film in Mexico due to insurance-related concerns. Instead, they suggested Fort Lauderdale as a shooting location. In response, Deakins and his wife, James Deakins, asked the producers if they had read the script, highlighting the importance of filming in Mexico for the movie's authenticity. Here are their comments regarding the challenges faced during the filming of Sicario.
Roger Deakins: We had to convince some producers to go to Mexico City because they didn’t want us to go there for insurance.
James Deakins: They wanted Fort Lauderdale.
Roger Deakins, the cinematographer for Sicario, had a firsthand experience of how filming locations can significantly impact a movie's outcome. During a production meeting, he asked if anyone had read the script. This led to the team traveling to Mexico City for a few days to scout for locations. The police in Mexico City were fantastic, and they managed to find some locations before the shoot. One of the scenes was shot outside a prison, which they found in the morning. Deakins and the director, Denis, rode around the prison and were impressed with the location. However, they had to wait until 10 o'clock in the morning to get permission to shoot. Despite the delay, they managed to get two amazing shots, and it was all worth it in the end.
Much of Sicario was shot in Albuquerque, but the production team also ventured to Mexico City to capture the film's gritty realism. Director Denis Villeneuve's unique style of direction perfectly complemented the stunning cinematography by Roger Deakins. The decision to film in Mexico City rather than Florida was a smart move, considering the movie's plot involving trips between the two countries and conflicts at the border. One of the film's most memorable scenes was shot during this time, as the task force found themselves under attack after leaving a prison.
While Deakins and Villeneuve didn't team up for the 2018 sequel to Sicario, the decision to film the original in Mexico proved to be a wise one. Deakins' work on the film earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Cinematography, and it's hard to imagine the same impact being achieved if the movie had been shot in Florida. Despite initial concerns from producers, Deakins managed to capture the essence of the Mexican landscape, adding to the overall intensity of the film. While there have been rumors of a potential Sicario 3, it's unclear whether Deakins would be involved in any future projects.
Source: IndieWire
