Where does the movie Critical Thinking take place?

Critical Thinking is a movie that takes the audience on a thrilling journey through the corridors of power and privilege. Set in the high-stakes world of college admissions, this gripping drama explores the lengths to which some will go to secure a coveted spot at the nation’s top universities. From the picturesque campuses to the behind-closed-doors machinations of administrators, Critical Thinking offers a fascinating glimpse into a world where success is measured in numbers and nothing is as it seems. So buckle up and get ready for a heart-pumping adventure that will leave you questioning everything you thought you knew about higher education.

Setting of the Movie

Los Angeles

The movie Critical Thinking is set in the city of Los Angeles, which is the largest city in California and the second-most populous city in the United States. It is known for its diverse population, vibrant culture, and iconic landmarks such as the Hollywood sign and the Griffith Observatory.

High School

The story primarily takes place in a high school located in the inner city of Los Angeles. The school is multicultural, reflecting the diverse population of the city, and serves a wide range of students from different socioeconomic backgrounds.

Inner City

The movie is set in the inner city of Los Angeles, which is characterized by its urban environment, dense population, and high crime rates. The setting provides a backdrop of challenges and opportunities that the characters face throughout the story.

Multicultural

The high school in the movie is multicultural, representing the diverse population of Los Angeles. The students come from different ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds, providing a rich tapestry of perspectives and experiences that shape the story.

Police Station

The police station in the movie is located in downtown Los Angeles, which is the central business district of the city. The station serves as a hub of law enforcement activity and plays a crucial role in the story’s plot.

Downtown

Downtown Los Angeles is a bustling urban center that is home to many of the city’s major landmarks and attractions. It is also the site of the police station in the movie, which is located in the heart of the city’s commercial and financial district.

Command Center

The police station in the movie has a command center that serves as the nerve center of law enforcement activity. The command center is equipped with the latest technology and is staffed by highly trained personnel who work around the clock to keep the city safe.

Hospital

The hospital in the movie is located in the heart of Los Angeles and serves as a critical resource for the city’s residents. It is a modern medical facility that is equipped with the latest technology and staffed by highly skilled medical professionals.

Emergency Room

The emergency room in the hospital is a high-pressure environment where patients receive immediate medical attention for life-threatening conditions. The emergency room is a critical part of the hospital’s operations and plays a key role in the story’s plot.

Operating Room

The operating room in the hospital is a sterile environment where surgeons perform complex medical procedures. The operating room is a high-stakes environment where the lives of patients are in the hands of the medical team.

Residence

The movie also features several residences where the characters live and interact with each other. These residences are located in different parts of Los Angeles, reflecting the city’s diverse population and housing options.

Suburban

The suburban residences in the movie are located in the outskirts of the city, away from the urban center. These residences are typically single-family homes in quiet neighborhoods with good schools and ample green space.

Middle-class

The middle-class residences in the movie are located in middle-class neighborhoods that offer a comfortable lifestyle at an affordable cost. These residences are typically single-family homes with good amenities and access to public transportation.

Family Home

The family homes in the movie are typically single-family homes that are occupied by families with children. These homes are often located in safe and family-friendly neighborhoods with good schools and parks.

Bedrooms

The bedrooms in the movie are where the characters sleep and rest. These rooms are typically furnished with beds, dressers, and other personal belongings that reflect the characters’ personalities and lifestyles.

Living Room

The living rooms in the movie are where the characters gather to relax and socialize. These rooms are typically furnished with sofas, chairs, and

Filming Locations

The movie Critical Thinking was filmed in various locations across California and New Mexico.

California

California was one of the primary filming locations for Critical Thinking. The filmmakers utilized several locations within the state to capture the desired visuals for the movie.

Los Angeles County

The film was shot in several locations within Los Angeles County, including the city of Los Angeles itself. The city’s iconic landmarks and neighborhoods provided the perfect backdrop for the story’s plot.

Santa Clarita Valley

The Santa Clarita Valley, located in Southern California, was also used as a filming location for Critical Thinking. The area’s diverse landscape, including its mountains, valleys, and urban centers, offered a variety of settings for the movie’s different scenes.

Valencia

Valencia, a city in the Santa Clarita Valley, served as a primary filming location for the movie. The city’s modern architecture and suburban setting were used to depict the everyday life of the characters in the film.

New Mexico

New Mexico was another important filming location for Critical Thinking. The state’s unique landscapes and architecture provided a distinctive visual style for the movie.

Albuquerque

Albuquerque, the largest city in New Mexico, was used as a filming location for Critical Thinking. The city’s diverse neighborhoods and architecture, including its iconic skyline, were featured in several scenes of the movie.

Rio Rancho

Rio Rancho, a city located in the Albuquerque metropolitan area, was also used as a filming location for the movie. The city’s suburban setting and modern architecture were utilized to create the desired visuals for the story.

Bernalillo County

Bernalillo County, which encompasses Albuquerque and Rio Rancho, was another key filming location for Critical Thinking. The county’s diverse landscapes, including its deserts, mountains, and urban centers, provided a variety of settings for the movie’s different scenes.

Filming Locations

In addition to the locations mentioned above, the filmmakers also utilized several other filming locations throughout California and New Mexico to capture the desired visuals for Critical Thinking. These locations included parks, schools, residential neighborhoods, and other public spaces that were incorporated into the movie’s story.

Movie Ranch

The filmmakers also utilized several movie ranches, which are private properties specifically designed for filming, to capture certain scenes in the movie. These ranches provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s outdoor scenes and helped to create a sense of realism in the story.

Studios

Critical Thinking was also filmed in several movie studios located in California and New Mexico. These studios provided the necessary infrastructure and resources for the filmmakers to create the desired visual effects and to capture certain scenes that could not be filmed on location.

Public Places

Finally, the filmmakers also utilized several public places, such as parks, schools, and other public buildings, to capture certain scenes in the movie. These locations provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s outdoor scenes and helped to create a sense of realism in the story.

Cinematography

Visual Style

• The movie Critical Thinking employs a gritty and realistic visual style that immerses the viewer in the urban landscapes and environments where the story takes place.
• The visual style of the film is enhanced by the diverse characters and settings, which reflect the multicultural and multifaceted nature of modern-day America.

Urban Landscapes

• The film showcases the stark contrasts and vibrant energy of urban life, with scenes set in schools, homes, and other everyday environments that provide a backdrop for the story’s events.
• The cityscapes and street scenes are shot in a way that highlights the complex social and economic issues that the characters face, providing a sense of authenticity and realism to the film.

Diverse Characters

• The characters in Critical Thinking are diverse in terms of their ethnicity, socioeconomic backgrounds, and personal experiences, reflecting the rich tapestry of American society.
• The film’s commitment to diversity is evident in the casting choices, with actors of different ages, genders, and backgrounds portraying a range of characters with distinct personalities and perspectives.

Realistic Portrayal

• The filmmakers’ aim for a realistic portrayal of contemporary American life is evident in the way that the characters’ struggles and triumphs are depicted.
• The movie’s commitment to realism extends to the portrayal of complex social issues, such as poverty, crime, and educational inequality, which are depicted in a way that feels authentic and nuanced.

Camera Techniques

• The film employs a range of camera techniques to enhance the visual style and narrative flow of the story.
• The use of handheld cameras and long takes adds to the film’s sense of immediacy and intimacy, while the use of wide-angle lenses captures the grandeur and vastness of the urban landscapes.

Cinematography

• The cinematography in Critical Thinking is characterized by its use of natural light and a focus on environmental details that add depth and richness to the visuals.
• The film’s use of color is also notable, with a palette that reflects the gritty, urban environment in which the story takes place.

Film Editing

• The film editing in Critical Thinking is expertly done, with a fast-paced and dynamic style that keeps the story moving forward at a brisk pace.
• The film’s editing choices also enhance the emotional impact of key scenes, with the use of music and sound effects adding to the overall impact of the film.

Impact on the Movie’s Narrative

The cinematography of a movie can greatly impact its narrative and the way it is perceived by the audience. In the case of Critical Thinking, the movie’s setting plays a crucial role in the story’s development and themes.

Location and Setting

Critical Thinking is set in the city of Miami, Florida. The movie’s setting is particularly important as it takes place in a high school that is located in a low-income neighborhood. This setting provides the backdrop for the story’s main themes of poverty, education, and social inequality.

Camera Angles and Shots

The camera angles and shots used in Critical Thinking serve to emphasize the movie’s themes and characters. For example, the use of low-angle shots can make the characters appear more powerful and confident, while high-angle shots can make them appear vulnerable and powerless. Additionally, the use of wide shots can convey a sense of the characters’ environment and surroundings, while close-ups can focus the audience’s attention on specific details or emotions.

Lighting and Color

The lighting and color used in Critical Thinking can also impact the movie’s narrative and themes. For example, the use of warm colors can create a sense of comfort and safety, while cool colors can create a sense of danger or unease. Additionally, the use of light and shadow can be used to create a sense of mystery or tension.

In conclusion, the cinematography of Critical Thinking plays a crucial role in the movie’s narrative and themes. The location and setting, camera angles and shots, and lighting and color all work together to create a powerful and impactful story that resonates with the audience.

Personal Reflections on the Setting

• Atmosphere:
  • The Film’s Environment: The movie is set in the United States, with a specific focus on urban settings, predominantly featuring the protagonist’s workplace, high school, and local community.
  • Cinematic Portrayal: The cinematography is aimed at capturing the grittiness of the inner-city landscape, emphasizing the contrast between the characters’ everyday struggles and the potential for growth and transformation.
• Aesthetics:
  • Visual Language: The film employs a realistic visual style, using a combination of naturalistic lighting and framing techniques to immerse the audience in the world of the characters.
  • Attention to Detail: The filmmakers pay close attention to the visual details of the settings, from the graffiti-covered walls of the school to the worn-down interiors of the protagonist’s apartment, adding layers of authenticity to the story.
• Themes:
  • The Human Condition: The film’s setting is used as a backdrop to explore themes of resilience, determination, and the human spirit, reflecting the struggles and triumphs of the characters in their pursuit of success.
  • The American Dream: The movie delves into the idea of the American Dream, using the characters’ aspirations and setbacks to reflect on the societal issues faced by urban communities in the United States.
  • Moral Dilemmas: The movie’s setting is instrumental in presenting moral dilemmas and ethical questions, allowing the characters to confront their beliefs and values in the face of adversity.
  • Motivation: The environment and surroundings play a significant role in shaping the characters’ motivations, pushing them to overcome obstacles and pursue their goals.
  • Contrast: The film employs contrasting imagery and settings to highlight the disparities and complexities of life in urban America, drawing attention to the stark realities faced by many individuals and communities.

Final Thoughts on the Importance of Setting in Critical Thinking

The setting of a movie plays a crucial role in the storytelling process. It helps to create a sense of time and place, and it can also convey important themes and messages. In the case of the movie Critical Thinking, the setting is particularly important because it is a key element of the story.

One of the most striking aspects of the setting in Critical Thinking is the use of the natural environment. The movie is set in the rural South, and the landscapes are used to great effect to convey a sense of isolation and remoteness. The characters are often shown against a backdrop of rolling hills, dense forests, and winding rivers, which helps to create a sense of atmosphere and mood.

Another important aspect of the setting in Critical Thinking is the use of architecture. The buildings and structures in the movie are often shown in a state of decay, which helps to convey a sense of poverty and hardship. This is particularly striking in the scenes set in the town, where the dilapidated buildings and run-down streets create a sense of despair and hopelessness.

Finally, the setting in Critical Thinking is also used to convey themes of identity and belonging. The characters in the movie are often shown in relation to their environment, and the natural and built surroundings help to shape their sense of self and their place in the world. This is particularly evident in the scenes set in the woods, where the characters are shown to be at their most vulnerable and open.

Overall, the setting in Critical Thinking is a key element of the storytelling process. It helps to create a sense of time and place, and it conveys important themes and messages about identity, belonging, and hardship.

FAQs

1. What is the movie Critical Thinking about?

The movie Critical Thinking is a drama film that tells the story of a philosophy professor who challenges his students to think critically about their beliefs and assumptions. The film explores themes such as morality, truth, and the human condition.

2. Who are the main characters in the movie Critical Thinking?

The main characters in the movie Critical Thinking are Professor Michael Hollan (played by Samuel L. Jackson), his wife Rachel (played by Leslie Bibb), and a group of his students. Michael is a passionate and unorthodox professor who pushes his students to think critically and question their beliefs. Rachel is a scientist who is skeptical of Michael’s teaching methods. The students in the film are a diverse group of individuals who come from different backgrounds and have different perspectives on life.

3. Where does the movie Critical Thinking take place?

The movie Critical Thinking takes place in a small town in the Midwest. The town is not specified in the film, but it is implied to be in the United States. The setting is important to the story, as it represents a community that is largely conservative and traditional, which clashes with Michael’s unconventional ideas. The town is also shown to be economically depressed, which adds to the tension and conflict in the film.

Critical Thinking Trailer #1 (2020) | Movieclips Trailers