If you are a Joaquin Phoenix fan, chances are you may have seen him in the movie Her. This movie was released in 2013–almost 10 years ago. This is a movie about artificial intelligence (AI). AI is playing an increasingly bigger role in our lives but I’m not sure it can sufficiently help us find partners–at least not yet! So where was Her filmed? Most of it was filmed in one location but we’ll start with the story behind the movie.

Where Was Her Filmed

Where Was Her Filmed?

The 2013 romantic drama film Her movie location was primarily filmed in Los Angeles, California. The skyline and some of the cityscape were filmed in Shanghai, China.

Other scenes were shot at the Warner Bros. backlot, along with the Bradbury Building serving as Theodore’s apartment building. The beach scene featured in the movie was actually a set built on the Warner Bros. lot in Burbank, California. The interior of Theodore’s apartment was filmed at a home in Pasadena, California.

Her Film Backdrop

Additionally, parts of “Her” were also filmed at Union Station in downtown Los Angeles and the MacArthur Park area near Wilshire Boulevard. The futuristic city street scenes were shot at Disney Studios’ Golden Oak Ranch in Santa Clarita, California. Finally, parts of the movie were filmed at a private residence located on a hilltop in Pasadenas’ Arroyo Seco Canyon.

Where Was Her Filmed - Theodore Twombly Installing the OS1
Installing the OS (Her, 2013)

The Story of Her

“Her” is a romantic drama film starring Joaquin Phoenix as Theodore Twombly. He’s a lonely, isolated man who is struggling to find connection in the modern world. He purchases an artificially intelligent operating system (OS1), voiced by Scarlett Johansson, which he names Samantha. As their relationship progresses and Theodore discovers the depths of his love for Samantha, He is then forced to confront the complications that come with a romance between a human and an AI. The movie explores themes of finding companionship and connection in a world dominated by technology.

Here’s the official Her trailer:

The Her Cast

The main cast includes Joaquin Phoenix (Theodore Twombly) and Scarlett Johansson as the voice of Samantha, the artificial intelligence operating system. The film also features Rooney Mara, Amy Adams, Chris Pratt, Olivia Wilde, and Matt Letscher in supporting roles.  Additionally, Kristen Wiig and Bill Hader provide their voices to various characters in the movie.

Where Was Her Filmed - Theodore Twombly Playing the Video Game
Theodore Twombly Playing the Video Game (Her, 2013)

Who Directed Her?

“Her” was directed by Spike Jonze, an American film director and producer. His work includes being a co-creator of MTV’s Jackass, directing Where the Wild Things Are and Being John Malkovich. He also produced Where The Wild Things Are, Where The Wild Things Are 2 and Adaptation. His passion for Los Angeles inspired him to film parts of the movie in the city, capturing its unique culture and atmosphere.

Her Box Office Details

  • Her Film Budget: $23,000,000
  • Opening weekend: $260,382
  • Gross (US & Canada): $25,568,251
  • Gross (World): $48,517,427

Fun Facts About Her

  • This movie was Spike Jonze’s solo screenwriting debut. He got the idea from reading an article in the early 2000s about instant messaging. 
  • The movie was also semi-autobiographical since Jonze was going through a divorce at the time.
  • Joaquin Phoenix was Jonze’s first choice for the lead role.
  • The production budget for this film was $23 million. 
  • Rotten Tomatoes has this movie listed with a 94% approval rating based on 288 reviews. 

Her Awards

Yes, “Her” received numerous award nominations and won several awards. It was nominated for five Academy Awards including Best Picture, Best Original Screenplay (which it won), Best Original Score, Best Production Design and Best Costume Design. Additionally, it won the Los Angeles Film Critics Association Award for Best Picture and the Golden Globe Award for Best Screenplay. 

Joaquin Phoenix won the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Leading Role and Scarlett Johansson was nominated for the Golden Globe Award and Academy award for Best Supporting Actress.  

“Her” also won awards from various film festivals such as Cannes, Sundance, and Toronto International Film Festival. It has become an iconic movie that will remain a classic in film history. 

Spike Jonze won an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay for “Her” in 2014.

What is Los Angeles Famous For?

Los Angeles is known for its entertainment industry, its iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign and the Walk of fame, and it’s beautiful beaches. It’s also an exciting destination for foodies with world-class restaurants, markets, and food trucks. 

Other things LA is famous for include celebrities (many live in or visit LA), amazing shopping (from luxury boutiques to vintage stores), and a thriving arts scene with museums, galleries, and music venues. 

Los Angeles is also home to numerous professional sports teams such as the Dodgers, Lakers, Kings, Clippers, and Rams. Finally, LA is known for its sunny weather perfect for visiting outdoor attractions like Universal Studios Hollywood or going on hikes in Griffith Park. 

Unique Places in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is home to some truly unique places that are worth visiting. These include

Additionally, there are also some more quirky locations such as The Last Bookstore in Downtown Los Angeles and One Colorado in Pasadena.

Things to Do in Los Angeles

Some of the most popular attractions include Universal Studios Hollywood, Hollywood Walk of Fame, Griffith Observatory, The Getty Center, and Santa Monica Pier. For those looking for outdoor adventures, Griffith Park offers hiking trails with stunning views of the city. There are also plenty of cultural experiences to be had, such as The Broad museum, Grand Central Market, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art.

Frequently Asked Questions

The film takes place in Los Angeles.

Only certain background scenes were filmed in Shanghai’s Pudong district. The director wanted the film to have a more futuristic feel.

And That’s a Wrap!

There’s one thing I can honestly say about Los Angeles.There’s always something to do or something to see. I can’t imagine anyone being bored in LA. 

Her Backdrop

If you are into movies and television, Los Angeles is definitely a place you will enjoy visiting. There are plenty of film lots that you can tour and the weather isn’t too bad either! 

Have you ever been to Los Angeles? What was your favorite activity? Let us know by leaving a comment below.

Other Emotional Movies and Their Film Locations

If you are looking for more film locations similar to ‘Her’, insider information and behind the scenes footage of your favorite movies – here are some additional posts for you to check out:

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