While Sicario (2015) depicts some scenes as taking place at Luke Air Force Base near Phoenix, Arizona, the actual filming for certain key exterior sequences, particularly the runway scenes, was conducted elsewhere. These scenes were filmed in New Mexico, specifically near Albuquerque, leveraging the distinctive Sandia Mountain Range as a backdrop.
Filming Locations vs. Depicted Locations
The film production strategically used locations that could convincingly stand in for the intended settings. This practice is common in filmmaking to achieve specific visual requirements or logistical efficiencies.
- Depicted Location:
- Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona
- Purpose: The film portrays operations and character movements at what is intended to be Luke AFB.
- Luke Air Force Base (AFB), Arizona
- Actual Filming Location (for specific scenes):
- Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
- Evidence: The exterior runway scenes, visually set at Luke AFB, distinctly show the characteristic Sandia Mountain Range in the background. These mountains are a prominent geographical feature of the Albuquerque area, not Phoenix, Arizona.
- Inference: This suggests that a military facility or an airfield in the vicinity of Albuquerque, such as Kirtland Air Force Base, was likely utilized for these shots to capture the required landscape and runway environment.
- Near Albuquerque, New Mexico
Key Discrepancy
Filmmakers often take creative liberties with geographical accuracy to enhance narrative or visual appeal. In the case of Sicario:
- Intended Setting: Luke AFB, located in Arizona.
- Visual Proof: The presence of the Sandia Mountains confirms that the actual filming for those specific scenes occurred in New Mexico.
This clever use of location allowed the production to achieve the desired visual atmosphere while maintaining logistical feasibility.
