Best single location movies

D

Defy

New member
I'm talking about films that are set predominantly in one place - either entirely in one room (eg. Tape, Rear Window, Clue) or mainly in one location (Clerks, Wait Until Dark). Here's some food for thought.

12 Angry Men is generally considered one of the best films ever made and it is almost entirely set in the jury room. What makes these films so special? What are your favourites?

I think these types of films pose a challenge for the director to maintain pace, move the plot forward, and create depth in characterisation when the space is limited. Lumet's direction in 12 Angry Men is superlative to say the least. Moving in on his characters when their opinions seem singular or opposed to general consensus, and moving away like when the ignorant juror rants racist comments when he wants to isolate a juror.
 
I love Phone Booth. Not only a single, very small, location, but it's also shot more or less in real time.

I'm not sure if Reservoir Dogs (in the link) qualifies. If it does, films like Under Siege (mostly takes place on a boat) would too.
 
I watched Hitchcock's Lifeboat for the first time earlier this year and found it (much to my surprise) absolutely captivating.

My favourite would be Reservoir Dogs, though.
 
I don't know - High Noon was set in very few locations I think. It was sort of in 'real time' as well, as I remember.

Who's afraid of VW is horrible fun, terrific.
 
I don't know if this will fit in here but ' the beach ' one of my favourite movies ,, love the location, most of it takes part on that beach...
The breakfest club aswell love it
 
One of my favourite films is an old one called "Final Resolution".

Basically takes place in one room and is very compelling.

I wrote a short script that was entirely set in a disabled toilet cubicle. It should be getting made next year hopefully :)
 
The dullest is probably Empire by Andy Warhol. A silent, black and white film, eight hours and five minutes of continuous real time footage of the Empire State Building in New York City.
 
Certainly "12 Angry Men" for me.

I have introduced more than one friend to this film and been thanked for it.

I recall reading (or being told) that Lumet actually makes the room slightly smaller as the film goes on which subtlely increases the sense of claustraphobia.
 
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