The film Blue Jay, the 2016 intimate drama starring Mark Duplass and Sarah Paulson, was filmed in the scenic and evocative landscapes of Big Bear Lake, California. This specific location was not chosen by accident; the high desert setting provided the perfect backdrop for a story about nostalgia, regret, and second chances. The crisp mountain air and the stunning, quiet environment allowed the film’s subtle, dialogue-driven narrative to breathe.
The Primary Filming Location: Big Bear Lake, California
Production for Blue Jay primarily took place in Big Bear Lake, a census-designated place located in the San Bernardino Mountains of Southern California. The town of Big Bear Lake, with its rustic charm and proximity to the large reservoir, offered the filmmakers an ideal setting. The production utilized local spots that are familiar to residents but feel like a hidden gem to visitors, enhancing the film's authentic sense of place.
Embracing the Natural Light
Director Alex Lehmann and cinematographer Diego García made a conscious choice to shoot during the "magic hour" to leverage the specific quality of light in the high desert. The clear mountain air creates a sharp, clean light that changes rapidly, which was crucial for the film's visual style. This natural illumination helped to create the movie’s distinct look, which feels both intimate and expansive, mirroring the characters' emotional states.
The Specific Sites Within Big Bear
While the entire town served as a backdrop, specific locations within Big Bear Lake were key to the film’s visual identity. The production made use of local businesses and public spaces, integrating the community into the story. These spots provided the perfect neutral ground for the characters' reunion, avoiding clichéd tourist traps and instead offering a genuine, lived-in atmosphere.
The film features several scenes filmed at local restaurants and diners, which provided the casual yet charged environment for the characters' conversations.
The surrounding forest trails and the edge of the reservoir were used for walks and moments of reflection, connecting the narrative directly to the rugged beauty of the location.
The production design was minimal, relying on the natural scenery and existing architecture to establish the setting, which kept the focus on the performances and the script.
Why This Location Mattered for the Story
Choosing Big Bear Lake was integral to the film's thematic core. The location's isolation and beauty create a pressure cooker environment where characters can't escape their past. The town's seasonal nature, shifting from a bustling summer spot to a quieter winter scene, mirrors the film's exploration of memory and the passage of time. The setting becomes a silent character in the film, shaping the mood and context of every interaction.
The Director's Vision and Location Choice Alex Lehmann, making his feature film debut with Blue Jay, was drawn to the idea of shooting in a place that felt both real and slightly removed from the world of the characters. The logistics of filming in Big Bear Lake were part of the attraction, allowing for a slower, more deliberate production schedule. This pace was essential for capturing the nuanced performances and the unspoken tension between the leads, a luxury not often found in more fast-paced productions. Impact on the Film's Reception
Alex Lehmann, making his feature film debut with Blue Jay, was drawn to the idea of shooting in a place that felt both real and slightly removed from the world of the characters. The logistics of filming in Big Bear Lake were part of the attraction, allowing for a slower, more deliberate production schedule. This pace was essential for capturing the nuanced performances and the unspoken tension between the leads, a luxury not often found in more fast-paced productions.
The decision to film in Big Bear Lake was widely praised by critics and audiences. The location's authenticity was frequently noted in reviews, with many highlighting how the setting enhanced the film's melancholic and romantic tone. The success of Blue Jay demonstrated how a specific, well-chosen location can elevate a simple story into something memorable and deeply affecting, proving that the setting is just as important as the script.
