Where Was Foundation Filmed?
The 2017 British psychological thriller film Foundation was directed by Paul King and is based on the novel of the same name by Isaac Asimov. The film follows the story of Max, a young mathematician who is recruited to join the Foundation, a intergalactic organization dedicated to preserving human knowledge and culture.
Production Locations
The film’s production locations were primarily in the United Kingdom and the United States. Here are some of the key locations used in the production of Foundation:
| Location | Description | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| London, UK | The city served as the primary filming location for most of the story. The British Film Institute (BFI) provided the necessary resources for the production. | The BFI Camera House, The Hammersmith Yards, and The University College London (UCL) played hosting roles in the film. |
| New York City, USA | The iconic Flatiron Building and Times Square were used as locations for the Galactic Institute. | The Time Warner Center, The New York Public Library, and The Plaza Hotel** served as iconic landmarks in the film. |
| United States | Additional locations included the Columbia University and The University of Pennsylvania. | Georgetown University, The National Archives, and The Smithsonian Institution also served as key locations. |
Setting
The film’s setting is a dystopian future where humanity is on the brink of collapse due to a catastrophic event known as the "Great Crash". The Foundation is formed to investigate the causes of the Great Crash and to prevent it from happening again. As the story progresses, the Foundation becomes the central organization in the effort to restore human civilization.
Themes
The film explores several themes, including:
- Predestination: The concept of predestination is a central theme in the film, as the characters are forced to work together to prevent a catastrophic event that was destined to happen anyway.
- Free Will: The film raises questions about the role of free will in shaping human destiny. As the characters become more entangled in the Foundation’s efforts, they begin to question whether their actions can truly be free.
- Power and Corruption: The film highlights the corrupting influence of power and the dangers of absolute authority. The characters are drawn into a complex web of politics and intrigue, and the consequences of their actions are far-reaching.
Characters
- Max: The protagonist of the film, Max is a young mathematician who is recruited to join the Foundation. He is fiercely intelligent and determined, but also struggling with the moral implications of his work.
- Bernard Marcus: Bernard Marcus is a wealthy and influential business leader who becomes a key figure in the Foundation’s efforts. He is charismatic and ruthless, but also vulnerable to the temptations of power.
- Donn Torrance: Donn Torrance is a historian and Foundation‘s Chief Historian. He is a brilliant researcher and a keen observer of human nature, but also a tragic figure who is haunted by his past.
Casting
The film features an all-star cast, including:
- Ryan Gosling as Max
- Sarah Gadon as Doctor Emil Hill
- Morgan Freeman as Max (voice)
- Mark Rylance as Ifey Ormond
- Rebecca Ferguson as Dr. Xexara
Locations Featured in Post-Production
- Staging of key sequences: The film’s post-production editors used CGI to create the iconic stage sets, including the Galactic Institute and the Temple of Sorla.
- SFX: The sound effects and special effects were created by Denholm Elliott and Ian Rebaudick, who used a combination of practical and digital techniques to bring the film’s futuristic world to life.
Conclusion
Foundation is a thought-provoking and visually stunning film that explores themes of power, corruption, and free will. The film’s use of practical and digital techniques, combined with its iconic locations and engaging characters, make it a must-see for fans of science fiction and thriller genres.