“Crime 101,” directed by Bart Layton, is much more than just a heist thriller; it’s a cinematic love letter to Los Angeles. Through its vibrant portrayal of the city—from Echo Park’s eclectic streets to the iconic Sixth Street Bridge—the film artfully captures the soul of L.A. By focusing on its diverse locales and rich history, “Crime 101” transforms the city into a dynamic character within the narrative. The film’s dedication to authenticity and visual storytelling elevates it beyond typical genre fare.
The Heart of the Story
In “Crime 101,” Chris Hemsworth stars as Davis, a jewel thief with a penchant for meticulous, nonviolent heists along L.A.’s 101 freeway. Mark Ruffalo plays Lou Lubesnick, an astute LAPD detective unravelling Davis’s pattern. Halle Berry’s character Sharon, an insurance broker, finds herself entangled with both protagonists, challenging her career in a male-dominated field.
Layton’s adaptation of Don Winslow’s novella “Savages” aimed to go beyond the standard heist narrative. Speaking to Variety, he emphasized his desire to explore themes such as class division and wealth inequality, issues deeply embedded in the fabric of Los Angeles. The film serves as a lens through which these topics are scrutinized, utilizing L.A.’s backdrop as a critical storytelling element.
Locating Los Angeles
Shooting in the City of Angels, Layton wanted to highlight parts of Los Angeles rarely seen on screen. He sought to capture the vast social and economic contrasts by featuring locations that depict the area’s stark topographical divides. From the immigrant-run jewelry stores in Downtown L.A. to high-end jewelers in Calabasas, the film traces a diamond’s journey to showcase these disparities.
The production meticulously selected various locations to represent the city authentically. Berry noted, “Bart put together a movie that really is a love letter to the city,” capturing its beauty and underlying struggles. Hemsworth echoed this, praising the film’s portrayal of L.A.’s glamour against its pervasive homelessness, adding depth and realism to the narrative.
Iconic Settings
Key locations in the film, such as Lia’s Tacos stand at the corner of Echo Park Ave. and Sunset Blvd, offer a reflection of L.A.’s vibrant street culture. Production designer Scott Dougan emphasized the importance of showcasing genuine local spots, selecting the stand based on its authentic connection to the city.
The ‘Sculpting Another Destiny’ mural by Ricardo Mendoza in Echo Park is another standout feature. Dougan celebrated its inclusion, stating that featuring a well-known Los Angeles mural at a prominent intersection added significant cultural value.
The new Sixth Street Bridge, with its architectural allure, also features prominently. Opened in 2022, it quickly became a hub of activity, embodying L.A.’s dynamic spirit. Dougan described the location as offering one of the most breathtaking views of downtown Los Angeles, cementing its role as an integral part of the film’s visual narrative.
Watch below to see location manager Robert Foulkes describe how he and co-manager Doug Dresser selected the best L.A. locations for the film.
