The Best of Me is a 2014 romantic drama film directed by Michael Hoffman, based on the novel of the same name by Nicholas Sparks. It revolves around Amanda and Dawson, two former high school sweethearts who reunite after twenty years at a close friend’s funeral.
Amanda is unhappy with her husband as he returns home for the first time in two decades. The sudden reunion brings them back together but also resurfaces painful memories.
Amanda and Dawson must therefore decide whether to give their love a second chance or to say goodbye forever. The film will touch the hearts of viewers with its poignant narrative interspersed with flashbacks featuring the nuances of Michelle Monaghan, James Marsden, Luke Bracey, and Liana Liberato.
Additionally, the warm visual tone and small-town setting evoke nostalgia and make one wonder where “The Best of Me” came from.
Where Was The Best of Me Movie Filmed?
The Best of Me was filmed completely in Louisiana, particularly in St. Tammany Parish, New Orleans, Terrebonne Parish, and Morgan City. Filming, starring James Marsden, began in early March 2014 and seemingly wrapped up in May of that year.
Since the story takes place in the Pelican State, the makers decided to shoot the film on location to add authenticity to the scenes. Not only that, the region offers one of the best tax incentives in the world, making it a favorite among filmmakers.
Louisiana
“The Best of Me” was primarily filmed at various locations in the parish of St. Tammany, in the New Orleans-Metairie Metropolitan Statistical Area. The cast and crew set up camp in Pearl River, filming scenes near Military Road and Highway 3081. Additionally, the film includes exterior shots of the city’s rivers and beaches.
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The scene where Amanda and Dawson eat together was filmed outside Camellia’s Produce, a farmers market on William Street in Slidell. In addition, the crew filmed key scenes in the Covington parish, primarily at the Bissell Law Firm at 227 North Columbia Street, the Covington Presbyterian Church at 222 South Jefferson Avenue, and Marsolan’s Feed Store at 316 East Gibson Street.
Important parts of the romantic drama film The Best of Me were shot in New Orleans, a consolidated urban parish along the Mississippi River. The Dillard University campus at 2601 Gentilly Boulevard serves as Amanda and Dawson’s high school in the film.
New Orleans, Louisiana’s most populous city, is known for its delectable cuisine, music, and cultural events such as Mardi Gras. It was the location of many movies such as The Green Book and The Curious Case of Benjamin Button.
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Some parts of ‘The Best of Me’ were recorded in Terrebonne Parish in southern Louisiana. The production team camped mainly at Magnolia Plantation, which in many scenes represents Amanda’s childhood home. Located on Louisiana Highway 3111 and 3 miles south of Schriever, the plantation was built in 1855.
The property, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, was formerly used to grow cotton and contributed significantly to the parish’s economy until the American Civil War. Magnolia Plantation is one of the last surviving Greek Revival houses in Terrebonne Parish and is now a private residence. The film ’12 Years a Slave was also shown there.
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During filming, the cast and crew even visited Morgan City in the parishes of St. Mary and St. Martin. The first few scenes depicting Dawson’s work were ostensibly filmed at the International Petroleum Museum & Exposition, Inc., at 111 1st Street. The history museum is home to the Charlie Rig Museum, the world’s first portable and reusable offshore drilling rig.
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