Filming Locations of The Ipcress File
It’s certainly a bold move to revisit such an icon of 60s culture, but Whisky’s The Ipcress File has done it anyway and succeeds entirely on its own terms. Joe Cole, best known for Peaky Blinders, takes on the lead role of anti-Bond spy Harry Palmer, originally portrayed by Michael Caine. Cole brings an ideal combination of surliness, quiet charisma, and ruthless efficiency to the character. Moreover, a remarkable supporting cast includes the always great Tom Hollander, portraying his boss Dalby, and Lucy Boynton from The Crown as fellow agent Jean Courtney.
Stunning Filming Locations
The locations chosen for filming do not disappoint either. The action moves from the grittiest parts of London to the lowest ebbs of Berlin post-war, and then to Beirut and a Pacific atoll. The succession of diverse backdrops reinforces the story alongside John Hodge’s dynamic script, imparting an impression of confusion and instability that encompasses our anti-hero’s quest for a missing nuclear scientist.
Interestingly, filming took place in just two countries, the UK and Croatia. As Joe Cole shared during the launch, “It’s all there, all on camera. Not green screen.” Consequently, nothing is quite as it seems, with Liverpool substituting for London and Zagreb representing Berlin. Croatia’s varied landscape also provided the backdrop for both Beirut and the Pacific Island settings, enriching the authenticity of the production.
Liverpool: A Versatile Filming Hub
Rivalling other UK locations, Liverpool has proven its versatility, having played Washington in The Crown and Gotham City in the upcoming The Batman. It is also becoming a favorite for pre-boom London, as evidenced in 60s-set productions like Ridley Road and 80s-themed It’s A Sin. Here, Liverpool’s grand Victorian architecture and narrow streets effectively emulate the full essence of the capital. “It was incredible when we looked at the locations—the buildings that double for London—and the interiors as well,” comments Executive Producer Will Clarke. “They capture something almost frozen in time with the 1950s and 1960s architecture.”
Conclusion
Whisky’s The Ipcress File not only revives a classic story but also does so by utilizing stunning locations that enhance its narrative depth. By choosing Liverpool and other unique settings, the series brings a fresh yet nostalgic perspective to a timeless tale.
