A City on Screen: El Paso’s Starring Role in “One Battle After Another”
Written By: Al Garcia
EL PASO, Texas – A special advance screening of “One Battle After Another,” the latest film from acclaimed director Paul Thomas Anderson, was held on Sept. 13 at The Plaza Theatre in Downtown El Paso. The film prominently features El Paso as a stand-in for the fictionalized city of Baktan Cross.
Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio del Toro, and rising star Chase Infiniti, “One Battle After Another” blends political satire and family drama. The surrealist storytelling challenges viewers while spotlighting a deeply emotional core.
The screening event, organized by local locations manager and picture car coordinator Jacob Cena, was hosted in collaboration with The Plaza Theatre. Also in attendance were crew members Florencia Martin, Michael Glaser, and Bill Helm, who worked closely on crafting the film’s stylized visual language.
Attendees were treated to drinks, photo opportunities, and limited-edition T-shirts featuring DiCaprio’s character, Bob—a reclusive former activist navigating a surreal version of modern America in search of his daughter.
Guests posed for photos at an installation mimicking the film’s iconic public phone scene, a nod to its retro, paranoia-tinged aesthetic.
Before the film began, each crew member addressed the audience with stories from production and a brief speech praising El Paso’s growing role in the film industry. All were met with warm applause from the crowd.
Although Anderson and del Toro were unable to attend the screening in person due to scheduling conflicts, a pre-recorded message from the pair was played for the audience. In it, the director and actor expressed their appreciation for El Paso and thanked the community for its hospitality during production.
The audience responded enthusiastically to the screening, particularly during scenes featuring recognizable El Paso landmarks. Genesis Perfumeria and the streetcar were prominently featured, drawing cheers and applause from locals excited to see their city on the big screen.
Preproduction began in 2022, with principal photography in El Paso taking place throughout 2024. The production used several downtown locations, blending the city’s unique architecture and desert atmosphere into the film’s dystopian palette.
Following the screening, attendees were invited to share their thoughts on the film for promotional materials. Many praised Anderson’s direction and the film’s striking visuals, while others noted how meaningful it was to see El Paso portrayed in a major Hollywood production. 
Early reactions suggest it could be among Anderson’s most lauded works. With its mix of star power, literary pedigree, and El Paso flair, “One Battle After Another” is poised to make waves.
