Ordinary People (1980) – Filming Locations
Drama · Directed by Robert Redford · Starring Donald Sutherland, Mary Tyler Moore
Beth, Calvin, and their son Conrad are living in the aftermath of the death of the other son. Conrad is overcome by grief and misplaced guilt to the extent of a suicide attempt. He is in therapy. Beth had always preferred his brother and is having difficulty being supportive to Conrad. Calvin is trapped between the two trying to hold the family together.
Where was Ordinary People filmed?
- Chicago, United States, Chicago – The Jarrett family home and neighborhood establishing shots throughout the film. The affluent North Shore suburbs provided the setting for the Jarrett family's wealthy, emotionally distant household and the community context for their psychological struggles
- Chicago, United States, Chicago – Conrad's swimming scenes and water-related sequences reflecting his emotional state. Lake Michigan's shoreline serves as a setting for Conrad's contemplative moments and his connection to swimming, a central element of his psychological recovery
- Chicago, United States, Chicago – School and campus scenes where Conrad interacts with his peers and attempts to rebuild his social life. Northwestern University's campus authentically portrays the academic and social environment where Conrad struggles to reconnect with normal teenage life after his trauma
- Chicago, United States, Chicago – Various urban scenes including Dr. Berger's office and city locations representing Conrad's therapy journey. Downtown Chicago locations ground the film in realistic urban geography and provide contrast to the family's suburban isolation