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Introduction to 'Room'

The critically acclaimed and emotionally charged 2015 movie 'Room' holds a special place in the heart of Toronto. Not only was it directed by a Torontonian, Lenny Abrahamson, but it also has deep ties to Toronto as various parts of the city were employed as the backdrop of this powerful film. The picture encapsulates an emotive narrative of captivation and liberation within the confined spaces of 'Room,' a setting which Toronto supplied in its unabashed rawness.

Toronto Locations Featured in 'Room'

Despite the movie's decidedly enclosed narrative, few pivotal pieces of the movie were filmed in different parts of Toronto. Among them were the Bridgepoint Health hospital and the cityscape of Toronto visible from the hospital window. The famous TIFF Bell Lightbox, where press conferences from the movie were held, was also used in the film.

Bridgepoint Health - a symbol of Freedom

Inside a recreated room within Toronto's Bridgepoint Health, scenes of liberation were shot. Once the characters escaped their confinement, they were taken to this hospital—the epitome of freedom within the storyline. Its glass-enclosed structure offered an apt location for the lead characters to acquaint themselves with the enormous world outside ‘Room’.

Scenes in the Greater Toronto Area

Additionally, there were scenes shot in the Greater Toronto Area, including parts of Etobicoke. Studio filming was conducted at Pinewood Toronto Studios, one of the largest sound stages in North America. This location accommodated the creation of the 11x11 foot room set-up, the notorious birthplace of an intense and profound storyline.

Sherbourne Common - Space for Reflection

The park scene, where Jack experiences an emotional reflection, is Sherbourne Common, an innovative public space located near Lake Ontario. With its aesthetically pleasing environment and tranquil watering systems, it offered the perfect setting to represent feelings of fear, joy, and newfound freedom.

Downtown Toronto Cityscape

In one pivotal scene, the city of Toronto's landscape—its expansive skyline and bustling streets—is seen through the hospital's window. Although it plays a fleeting part in the movie, it’s symbolic of the vast, unknown world which the lead characters yearn to explore, offering viewers a stark contrast with the claustrophobic confines of 'Room.'

Interior Scenes

While the exterior scenes were shot on location in various areas across Toronto, interior scenes were constructed and filmed within studios. The painstakingly detailed set gave Room its unique charm and eerie realism. The replica of the garden shed where mother and son were held captive, known as "Room," was constructed at Pinewood Toronto Studios, a reputed movie studio known for hosting major film productions.

Conclusion - A Dynamic Film Set in a Dynamic City

In conclusion, Room, although characterized by isolation and confinement, was ultimately filmed in the beautiful expanses of Toronto. The city's unparalleled uniqueness allowed it to portray the dystopian theme while simultaneously captivating the audience with its urban charm. Room's filming locations are a testament to Toronto's diverse sceneries, serving as an apt metaphor for the film's narrative—emerging from confinement to the freedom of boundless skies and bustling urban landscapes. While Room was shot in Toronto, a city overflowing with life and activity, it did an exceptional job of encapsulating an experience designed to feel very much the opposite.