Where was the Milagro Beanfield War filmed?
The Milagro Beanfield War, a 1988 American drama film directed by Robert Redford, is a critically acclaimed adaptation of John Nichols’ 1974 novel of the same name. The movie tells the story of a small town in New Mexico, where a group of farmers and workers unite to resist the threat of a large corporation seeking to exploit their land and resources. If you’re a fan of the film, you might be wondering where the scenes were actually shot. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the filming locations of The Milagro Beanfield War.
New Mexico, the Perfect Setting
The Milagro Beanfield War is set in the small town of Milagro, New Mexico, a fictional community inspired by the real-life town of Truchas, New Mexico. The film’s setting is crucial to its success, as it provides a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and economic struggles. New Mexico’s diverse landscapes, ranging from the high desert to the mountains, offer a visually stunning backdrop for the story.
Filming Locations
The film’s production team chose several locations in New Mexico to recreate the fictional town of Milagro. Here are some of the key filming locations:
| Location | Location Type | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Truchas, New Mexico | Town | The small town of Truchas, with its adobe buildings and narrow streets, served as the main location for the film’s setting. |
| Taos, New Mexico | Town | Taos, a charming town in northern New Mexico, was used for additional scenes, including the town square and the local diner. |
| Santa Fe National Forest | Forest | The forest, located near Santa Fe, was used for scenes featuring the Beanfield, a fertile land that the farmers are fighting to protect. |
| Rio Chama Valley | Valley | The Rio Chama Valley, a scenic area near the town of Tierra Amarilla, was used for scenes featuring the farmers’ daily lives and the confrontation with the corporation. |
Truchas, the Heart of the Film
Truchas, the real-life town that inspired the film’s setting, is a small, rural community with a rich cultural heritage. The town’s adobe buildings, streets, and alleys provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s scenes. Many of the town’s residents were involved in the filming process, either as extras or by providing local support.
Taos, a Charming Addition
Taos, another New Mexico town, was used for additional scenes, including the town square and the local diner. The film’s production team chose Taos for its unique blend of Spanish colonial architecture and Native American influences, which added to the film’s cultural richness.
Santa Fe National Forest, a Symbol of Resistance
The Santa Fe National Forest, located near Santa Fe, was used for scenes featuring the Beanfield, a fertile land that the farmers are fighting to protect. The forest’s rugged landscape and scenic beauty provided a powerful symbol of the farmers’ resistance against the corporation.
Rio Chama Valley, a Testimony to the Power of Community
The Rio Chama Valley, a scenic area near the town of Tierra Amarilla, was used for scenes featuring the farmers’ daily lives and the confrontation with the corporation. The valley’s natural beauty and the community’s spirit of resistance provided a powerful backdrop for the film’s themes of community, cooperation, and environmental protection.
Conclusion
The Milagro Beanfield War, a critically acclaimed film, was filmed in several locations in New Mexico. The state’s diverse landscapes, cultural richness, and economic struggles provided the perfect setting for the story. From Truchas to Taos, Santa Fe National Forest to Rio Chama Valley, each location played a crucial role in bringing the film’s themes and characters to life. If you’re a fan of the film, exploring these locations can be a unique and rewarding experience.
Additional Resources
- The Milagro Beanfield War (1988) – The film’s official website provides additional information on the making of the film, including interviews with the cast and crew.
- New Mexico Film Office – The official website of the New Mexico Film Office provides information on filming locations, production services, and tax incentives for filmmakers.
- Visit New Mexico – The official tourism website of New Mexico provides information on visiting the state’s filming locations, including Truchas, Taos, and Santa Fe National Forest.
By exploring the filming locations of The Milagro Beanfield War, fans of the film can gain a deeper appreciation for the story, its characters, and the state of New Mexico. Whether you’re interested in film, culture, or environmental issues, this film is a must-see, and exploring its filming locations is a unique and rewarding experience.
