The cinematic journey of ‘American Made’ takes viewers across a variety of scenic landscapes and bustling city settings. These locations serve as the backdrop for this high-flying drama. Helmed by Doug Liman and starring Tom Cruise, the film brings to life the harrowing escapades of Barry Seal, a pilot entangled in drug operations and clandestine government activities.
Released in 2017, it artfully blends elements of adventure, crime, and political intrigue.
Filming of ‘American Made’ largely took advantage of the diverse locales within Georgia, alongside forays into Colombia and Louisiana to capture the authentic feel of the international narrative.
Scenes set in Atlanta, Georgia, encapsulate the essence of numerous places while keeping a close rein on production costs. The small town of Ball Ground, Georgia, and the vibrant streets of New Orleans also make appearances, further expanding the movie’s rich geographical tapestry. Medellin in Colombia adds an additional layer of authenticity, painting a vivid picture of Barry Seal’s thrilling story.
So, let’s take a deeper look into where was American Made filmed.
Contents
Key Takeaways
- ‘American Made’ features a range of filming locations, primarily in Georgia
- Tom Cruise stars in this tale directed by Doug Liman, released in 2017
- The film blends historical events with fictional storytelling, received well by audiences
Key People and Characters
In the action-packed film “American Made,” the narrative pivots around Barry Seal, a pilot entangled in clandestine operations. A notable director and star-studded cast bring the story to life.
Portrayal of Barry Seal
Barry Seal, an American pilot with an adventurous life, is portrayed in a way that blends charm and complexity. His involvement with the CIA and as a drug-runner during the 1980s is the film’s nucleus. Actor Tom Cruise, known for performing his own stunts, adds authenticity to the flying scenes.
Director Doug Liman’s Vision
Doug Liman, the director of “American Made,” is recognized for crafting films that thread action and humor seamlessly. He steers the narrative with a vision that encapsulates Seal’s life journey, with a focus on both its thrilling and perilous aspects.
Tom Cruise as the Lead
Tom Cruise takes on the lead role with vigor and dedication, not just by acting but also by piloting aircrafts himself; he is a licensed pilot in real life. Cruise’s portrayal of Seal is intricate, painting him as a man with multiple shades while keeping the tone light enough for some laughter amidst the tension.
The film also stars Domhnall Gleeson as Monty Schafer, a CIA handler; Sarah Wright as Lucy Seal, Barry’s wife; Jesse Plemons as Sheriff Downing; and Caleb Landry Jones as JB, Barry’s brother-in-law. Jayma Mays appears as Dana Sibota, the attorney. Each actor delivers a performance that enriches the narrative, adding layers to the entwined worlds of espionage and narcotics that “American Made” revolves around.
Plot and Historical Context
The film “American Made” paints a vivid picture of the complex and often dark saga of Barry Seal, a pilot entangled with various entities like the CIA, DEA, and the infamous Medellín Cartel. It delves into the politically charged Iran-Contra Affair and the grueling realities of drug smuggling in the 1980s. The narrative weaves together a series of true events, dramatizing the high stakes and chaotic world of that era.
The Life of Barry Seal
Barry Seal, masterfully portrayed by Tom Cruise, was a commercial pilot who became a key operative for the CIA. Originally flying for TWA, his life took a sharp turn when he was recruited for covert operations. His piloting skills placed him in a unique position, caught between U.S. intelligence and the most notorious drug dealers of his time, including Pablo Escobar of the Medellin Cartel.
Iran-Contra Affair
The Iran-Contra Affair was a pivotal event during President Reagan’s administration, involving the secret sale of arms to Iran, which was under an arms embargo. The plot thickens as profits from these sales were funneled to support the Contras, anti-Sandinista insurgents in Nicaragua. Seal’s role as a transporter of arms brought him directly into this controversial historical nexus.
Drug Smuggling Narrative
At the heart of the plot is the grim tale of drug smuggling. The film portrays Seal’s journey as he shuttles between Mena, Arkansas, and Medellín, navigating through the complicated relationships with the CIA, the DEA, and the dangerous world of Escobar and the Medellín Cartel. Through his story, viewers get a personal glimpse into the drug trade that plagued the 1980s, with Seal becoming an unwitting bridge between the U.S. government and the most infamous drug lords of the era.
Filming Locations
When filmmakers set out to bring the story of “American Made” to life, they chose a variety of vibrant locations to stand in for the diverse settings required by the narrative. Let’s take a closer look at where the cameras rolled. Let’s talk in depth about where was American Made filmed.
Primary Locations
Georgia was the primary filming location hub, with several counties participating in the production process:
- Atlanta: Serving as a central point, it hosted many urban scenes
- Ball Ground: This locality doubled for Mena, Arkansas
- Areas like Norcross, Roswell, Clayton, DeKalb, Fulton, Gwinnett, and Morgan counties all provided distinct backdrops that were crucial for the movie’s cinematic texture
- Pickens County was used for some of the rural scenes, adding an authentic touch to the settings
Moving beyond Georgia, filming also took place in Louisiana, particularly in New Orleans, where the vibrant cityscape added its own character to the film.
On-Set Anecdotes
During the production, Atlanta Media Campus housed some of the more technical aspects of the shoot. This location is well-known in the industry for its comprehensive facilities, aiding in the efficient completion of the complex film.
In New Orleans, the historic and cultural atmosphere lent an undeniable authenticity that the camera loves. Tales from the set suggest that the bustle of the Bayou State contributed not just scenery, but a spirit that infused the storytelling.
Locations like Santa Marta weren’t just logistically chosen but resonated with the film’s narrative, given their historical connections to the drug trade, further enhancing the film’s gritty realism.
Production and Development
The journey of “American Made” from concept to screen is a blend of creative vision and production prowess. This section peeks behind the curtain to explore the stages of its making and the hurdles overcome along the way.
The Making of American Made
“American Made,” written by Gary Spinelli, is a compelling story set in 1978 that showcases the life of Barry Seal – an American pilot entangled with the CIA and drug cartels. Universal Pictures saw potential in the story, backing it after the success of director Doug Liman’s “Edge of Tomorrow.” Selecting the right locations was crucial, and principal photography kicked off on May 18, 2015. Filming took place in multiple locations, with Georgia, Colombia, and Louisiana featuring prominently. Atlanta, Medellin, and New Orleans were among the pivotal backdrops selected to bring the authenticity of the era to life.
Collaborative efforts from producers like Kim Roth, Brian Grazer, Brian Oliver, and Doug Davison were instrumental in orchestrating the movie’s development. With a budget that needed careful management, the team worked assiduously to allocate funds efficiently, ensuring that the financial and creative aspects of the film were both addressed effectively.
Challenges and Successes
Every film faces its own set of challenges, and “American Made” was no exception. Coordinating complex stunts, especially those involving vintage aircrafts to fit the late ’70s setting, required meticulous planning and execution. Ensuring the safety of the cast and crew, particularly Tom Cruise, who is known for performing his own stunts, was paramount.
Despite these hurdles, the film’s production crew achieved a successful blend of gripping storytelling and technical finesse. Ratings and reviews eventually echoed this success, with the film garnering an R rating and attracting audiences with its thrilling narrative and historical nods. The dedication of the entire team paid off, making “American Made” a noteworthy addition to the legacy of both Universal Pictures and the individuals behind the scenes.
Cultural Impact and Reception
When “American Made” premiered, it did more than just tell a wild story; it sparked conversations about the blend of comedy and drama based on real-life events. The mix of crime drama with comedic elements intrigued many, while the true story of Barry Seal, a TWA pilot turned informant for the CIA, caught in the crossfires of drug cartels and politics, captivated audiences. The film’s portrayal of events during Bill Clinton’s America further added layers of historical context.
Box Office Performance
“American Made” soared into theaters and saw a varied reception at the box office. Although not an immediate smash:
- Opening Weekend: The film ranked #3
- Domestic Total: Managed modest figures
- Global Revenues: Accumulated a healthier sum, indicating the film’s broad international appeal
Its performance showed that true crime stories can have a stable draw among moviegoers, especially when peppered with comedic touches.
Critics’ Reviews
Critical opinions of “American Made” were as mixed as its box-office results. However, certain specifics stood out:
- Rotten Tomatoes: The film holds an approval rating that leans toward the positive side, indicating a generally favorable reception
- Critic Consensus: They often praised Tom Cruise’s charismatic performance and the film’s energetic storytelling style
Professional reviewers highlighted its tightrope walk between being an entertaining crime-comedy and a tense drama based on the United States’ complicated history with foreign policy and covert operations.
The spotlight on figures such as Jorge Ochoa, a notable member of the Medellín Cartel, rooted the narrative in a chilling reality.
