The Delphi Hotel Downtown LA, 550, South Flower Street, Financial District, Downtown, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90071, United States of America
Los Angeles Streetcar, South Olive Street, Jewelry District, Financial District, Downtown, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90079, United States of America
Los Angeles Streetcar, South Olive Street, Jewelry District, Financial District, Downtown, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90079, United States of America
Leimert Park, 4330, Crenshaw Boulevard, Leimert Park Village, Leimert Park, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90008, United States of America
Paul Hastings Tower, 515, South Flower Street, Financial District, Downtown, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, 90071, United States of America
Scene: (Max hurries past this location then runs into the Central Library parking next door)
Michael Mann’s night-time thriller turns Los Angeles itself into a character – a glittering, lonely sprawl seen through a cab window over one long, deadly night. Mann shot much of it on early digital cameras precisely to capture the city’s electric glow after dark.
Where was Collateral filmed?
Collateral was filmed across Los Angeles – downtown, Hollywood, the Metro Rail and the nightclubs – with some scenes in San Antonio, Texas.
Every Collateral location, explained
1
Night-time Los Angeles
The film roams nocturnal Los Angeles – downtown’s Historic Core, Hollywood and the freeways – as a cab carries its passengers through the dark.
2
The Metro Rail finale
The tense climax plays out on the Los Angeles Metro Rail, a rare on-screen role for the city’s train system.
3
The nightclub
The pulsing club shootout used a downtown LA venue, part of the film’s neon underworld.
4
San Antonio – Felix’s hangout
Some scenes used San Antonio, Texas, including Felix’s hangout.
Planning a visit
Downtown Los Angeles and its Metro Rail are the film’s true stars – and best experienced, like the film, after dark.
Collateral Fun Facts
1
LA is the co-star Michael Mann filmed much of the city at night on early digital cameras to capture its ambient glow.
2
The coyote moment A pair of coyotes crossing a deserted LA street became the film’s quiet, haunting centrepiece.
3
Cruise played the villain Tom Cruise, silver-haired, cast against type as the assassin Vincent.
4
A rare Metro cameo The finale used the Los Angeles Metro Rail, seldom seen on film.
5
Digital pioneer The film helped prove digital cameras could shoot beautiful night exteriors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Collateral set in LA?
Yes – it unfolds over one night across Los Angeles.
Can you visit the locations?
Yes – downtown LA and the Metro Rail are accessible, ideally at night.
