The list of contenders for the upcoming Academy Awards has recently been unveiled, with The Power of the Dog leading the way with 12 nods. This moody western drama wouldn’t be the same without its scenic landscapes, but can you guess where was it originally filmed?
Jane Campion’s latest directorial effort is set at an isolated farm in Montana and it centers on an eccentric rancher whose life turns upside down after his brother brings his new wife home. Cinematography is one of The Power of the Dog’s strongest suits, but this film simply wouldn’t be the same without the scenic filming locations that served as one of its most important supporting players.
Campion didn’t stray far away from home when looking for a place to film her magma opus. Instead of scouting for locations in Montana, she settled for New Zealand, with the Maniototo region serving as the backdrop for some of the film’s most memorable scenes. A farm in Hawkdun Ranges was renovated to resemble the Western-style Burbank Ranch, while the interior scenes were mostly filmed at the sound stage in Auckland.
If some of the film’s beautiful scenery looks familiar, it’s probably because some of the locations previously appeared in the Lord of the Rings series. The coastal towns of Dunedin and Oamaru and their surroundings gave this film a special charm, and you should consider exploring their natural beauty if you ever find yourself in New Zealand.
