The events of the crime drama unfold in the USA, California, but only a small part of the film was shot there. Most of it was filmed in Santa Fe and Albuquerque, New Mexico. This was cheaper and organizationally simpler. An important factor was access to correctional facilities, because the director wanted to shoot the prison scenes in real prisons. In California, it was difficult to get permission due to overcrowding of correctional institutions.

Filming Locations:

Chino State Prison

In the Movie

The scene where a prison riot occurs in a California maximum-security facility is the state men's prison located in Chino. This is a brutal spectacle that looks like a senseless act of violence. The riot demonstrates the power of prison laws over the will of the inmates. We see Jacob committing deliberate murders just to save his own life.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at the Santa Fe County Correctional Facility in New Mexico. In 1980, one of the bloodiest prison riots in US history occurred in Unit 4. It resulted in over 33 deaths and more than 200 injuries. In 1998, this part of the prison was closed and is now called the Old Main.

Los Angeles County Jail

In the Movie

The scene where after the car accident, Jacob is taken into custody. In these scenes, we see him talking to his lawyer and having a conversation with his wife. The lawyer advises him to plead guilty and promises a shorter sentence in return. The wife disagrees that Jacob deserves punishment and asks him to fight in court.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in Albuquerque, New Mexico, at the Westside Jail, which has served various purposes over the years. Although originally a detention center, it has now been repurposed as a shelter for the homeless during the winter months. The place retains elements of its former structure, such as steel tables in the cafeteria and security features. After renovation, the building was adapted for new use.