A horror movie shot inside a house, a building, or any establishment has a different effect on the audience than a horror film shot in an exterior setup. The classic horror thriller The Hills Have Eyes (1977) was mostly shot on location, except for a few sequences on a built-in set. If you want to discover where this horror thriller was filmed, continue reading. In this article, I’ll discuss the movie and tell you where was The Hills Have Eyes filmed.
The Hills Have Eyes recounts the story of an unlucky family who crashes their car in a remote desert area while on their way to California. Soon, they realize that they’re not alone and are being watched and crept up on. The horror thriller showcases an incredible cast of senior actors like Russ Grieve, Virginia Vincent, Susan Lanier, Robert Houston, Dee Wallace, and Martin Speer.
Now let me get back to the main question regarding where was The Hills Have Eyes filmed. The classic 70s horror thriller movie was filmed in California, United States of America.
Written and helmed by the late great Wes Craven, The Hills Have Eyes premiered in Tucson, Arizona, on 15th June 1977, followed by its wide release in the United States on 22nd July 1977. The horror thriller drama film arrived on Over The Top platforms on 11th October 2016. However, let’s dive into the movie’s filming location details.
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Where Was The Hills Have Eyes Filmed? The Hills Have Eyes Filming Locations!
Wes Craven’s The Hills Have Eyes received excellent reviews from critics who were highly impressed with the movie’s intense narrative and humor. Interestingly, many critics have also interpreted the movie as a commentary on American politics and morality. Eventually, the film became a cult classic and one of the best American horror thrillers ever.
Craven was an American filmmaker, screenwriter, actor, and editor. He was best known for his horror thrillers and slasher films. His main influences on The Hills Have Eyes include Tobe Hooper’s Texas Chainsaw Massacre and John Ford’s The Grapes Of Wrath. The horror thriller movie received a rating of 6.3 on IMDb and a score of 67% on Rotten Tomatoes. However, let’s find out where The Hills Have Eyes was filmed without any further ado.
California, United States Of America
The cult classic horror thriller The Hills Have Eyes was entirely filmed in California, particularly in Victorville, situated in the Mojave Desert. Some scenes were shot in the small town of Apple Valley in California. Principal photography of the horror thriller flick commenced in October 1976. The cast and crew shot against famous landmarks like the historic Silver Lakes and the Oro Grande Bridge.
The scene in which the Carter family stops for fuel at Fred’s Oasis in Nevada was filmed on Caughlin Road & Palmdale Road, California 92392. It wouldn’t be wrong to call these two roads California’s hidden gems as they offer stunning views of the desert landscapes.
One of the most essential and famous car crash scenes was filmed on Hudson Road & Johnson Road, California 92307. These two roads are best known for their lively crowd and high-energy vibe. It also offers beautiful scenery. A few interior scenes were shot on a built-in set and inside the Carter family trailer.
Another crucial scene where Doug and Mars fight with each other is shot on Hutch Road, California 92307. It is situated in the Apple Valley, and it is known for its serene environment. The Hills Have Eyes was made on a limited budget. Even the actors in the movie received limited fees. The camera on which the entire movie was filmed was borrowed from a pornographic filmmaker from California. The movie was made on a budget of 700,000, earning over $25 million.
Plot Of The Hills Have Eyes (1977) | You Better Not Go Off Route!
The story of The Hills Have Eyes revolves around the Carter family, including parents Bob (played by Russ Grieve) and Ethel (played by Virginia Vincent), son Bobby (played by Robert Houston), and daughters Brenda (played by Susan Lanier), and Lynne (played by Dee Wallace). The Carter family is on the way to Los Angeles, California, and as they stop for gas, the man at the counter warns them not to take any other route but to stay on the main road.
Irrespective of the warning, they take a different route that leads through a desert area and crash their car and trailer. Soon, they are stranded in the desert, without knowing how to go. When one of their pet dogs is brutally killed, they come to realize that they’re not alone. Eventually, they are chased by a bunch of violent savages who want to kill them.
Final Word
Now you know where was The Hills Have Eyes filmed. The movie is a must-watch for those fond of classic horror thrillers. If you haven’t watched it, you better watch it as soon as possible. Remember that the movie contains violent scenes and strong language, so make sure no one under 18 can watch it. Having said that, if you liked going through the article, please let me know.
What Is The Tagline Of The Hills Have Eyes?
The tagline of The Hills Have Eyes is “Wes Craven’s classic original!”.
Is The Hills Have Eyes An R-rated movie?
Yes, The Hills Have Eyes is an R-rated movie.
When Did Wes Craven Die?
Wes Craven died in August 2015.
Who Wrote The Screenplay Of The Hills Have Eyes?
Wes Craven wrote the screenplay of The Hills Have Eyes.
What Is The Tagline Of The Hills Have Eyes?
The tagline of The Hills Have Eyes is “Wes Craven’s classic original!”.
Is The Hills Have Eyes An R-rated movie?
Yes, The Hills Have Eyes is an R-rated movie.
When Did Wes Craven Die?
Wes Craven died in August 2015.
Who Wrote The Screenplay Of The Hills Have Eyes?
Wes Craven wrote the screenplay of The Hills Have Eyes.
