Where was The Recruit filmed
The Recruit
Year: 2003
<p>This 2003 American spy thriller starring Al Pacino, Colin Farrell and Bridget Moynahan tells the story of a young programmer recruited by the CIA. Under the guidance of an experienced instructor, he undergoes rigorous training and soon finds himself drawn into a dangerous game with double agents, where it is impossible to understand who can be trusted. Filming took place mostly in Canada - in Toronto and Niagara-on-the-Lake. These cities were used to recreate both a CIA training base and various city and office locations. Additional scenes were filmed in and around Washington, D.C., including the iconic Iwo Jima Memorial near Arlington National Cemetery.</p>
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Locations
Bar
In movie
Scene where James works part-time as a bartender in a local establishment. During his shift, he is approached by Walter Burke, a charismatic and experienced CIA officer. He introduces himself and strikes up a conversation with James, demonstrating his awareness of his abilities and personal life. Burke makes James an unexpected offer: to be selected and join the CIA.
Real
Scene was shot at the Lava Lounge bar, which was located at 507 West Queen Street, at the intersection with Palmerston Avenue in the Queens Park neighborhood of Toronto. This atmospheric establishment with neon lighting and vintage furniture was a popular spot in the early 2000s. It was also ideal for filming scenes in nightclubs or lounge bars.
Bay Lower Station (TTC)
In movie
Scene where
Real
Scene was shot Located beneath the current Bay Station, Bay Lower was only in operation for six months in 1966. Since then the platform has been used by TTC for operator training and design experimentation, and has been frequently been used for filming so as to not interrupt regular subway traffic.
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
In movie
Scene where While studying at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, James Clayton develops Spartacus, a surveillance program capable of accessing the audio and video devices of any computer. At a career fair at the university, he demonstrates his development and attracts the attention of a Dell representative.
Real
Scene was shot at the University of Toronto, one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in Canada, located in the center of the city. The campus is known for its impressive neo-Gothic architecture, manicured green lawns and historic buildings that create the atmosphere of a traditional academic space.
Street
In movie
Scene where James decides to try out for the CIA and meets Walter. He gets into his car and tries to find out what happened to his father. Walter dodges a direct answer, but shares a piece of advice: trust only your inner voice.
Real
Scene was shot on St. Joseph Street in downtown Toronto. The street is within walking distance of the city's major business and educational institutions, including the University of Toronto. Due to the combination of historic facades and modern buildings, the location is often used in movies as a versatile urban backdrop, mimicking various North American metropolises.
Training base
In movie
Scene where After successfully passing the preliminary stages of the selection process, James and the other candidates board a bus and travel to a remote training base in rural Virginia. It is here that their intensive training begins, where each of them undergoes the tests necessary for potential employment with the CIA.
Real
Scene was shot in Morningside Park, which is located in the northeast part of Toronto. It is a vast green space that includes walking paths, picturesque ponds and wooded areas. One of the notable features of the park is its elevated location, which offers beautiful views of the Don River Valley. There are also numerous hiking and biking trails, as well as picnic areas, making it a popular vacation spot for Torontonians.