“The Kitchen,” a crime drama film directed by Andrea Berloff, takes viewers on a thrilling ride through the streets of 1970s New York City. The movie follows the story of three women, Kathy (Melissa McCarthy), Ruby (Tiffany Haddish), and Claire (Elisabeth Moss), who take matters into their own hands when their mobster husbands are sent to prison. As the film’s narrative unfolds, audiences are transported to a gritty, crime-ridden era of the Big Apple. But have you ever wondered where the magic happens? Where is “The Kitchen” filmed?
The New York City Connection
Filming for “The Kitchen” took place in various locations across New York City and its surrounding areas. The production team scouted for authentic locations that could transport audiences back to the 1970s. To achieve this, they focused on areas that retained much of their original charm and character from the era.
Yonkers, New York
One of the primary filming locations for “The Kitchen” was Yonkers, a city located in Westchester County, just north of New York City. The production team chose Yonkers for its rich history, stunning architecture, and uncanny resemblance to 1970s-era New York City. Many of the film’s exterior scenes were shot on location in Yonkers, including the iconic steps of the Yonkers Public Library, which served as the exterior of the 44th Precinct police station.
A Glimpse into Yonkers’ History
Yonkers has a storied past, dating back to the 17th century when it was a small trading post. Over the years, the city evolved into a thriving industrial hub, earning the nickname “The Jewel of the Hudson.” During the 1970s, Yonkers faced significant urban decay, which made it an ideal filming location for “The Kitchen.” The city’s historic buildings, streets, and neighborhoods provided an authentic backdrop for the film’s gritty narrative.
Other Filming Locations
While Yonkers played a significant role in bringing “The Kitchen” to life, other locations across New York City and its surrounding areas were also utilized.
The Bronx, New York
The Bronx, one of New York City’s five boroughs, was another key filming location for “The Kitchen.” The production team shot several scenes in the Bronx, including the iconic exterior of the Old Bronx Courthouse, which was used as the exterior of the fictional 44th Precinct police station.
Queens, New York
Queens, another New York City borough, was used for several filming locations, including the historic neighborhood of Jackson Heights. The production team chose Jackson Heights for its vibrant, eclectic atmosphere, which fit perfectly with the film’s 1970s aesthetic.
Long Island, New York
Long Island, a suburban area east of New York City, was used for several filming locations, including the town of Babylon. The production team shot scenes at the Babylon Town Hall, which was used as the exterior of the fictional 44th Precinct police station.
Creating a 1970s Aesthetic
To transport audiences back to the 1970s, the production team went to great lengths to recreate the era’s distinctive aesthetic. From nostalgic set dressing to period-specific costumes, every detail was meticulously crafted to evoke the spirit of the decade.
Set Design
The film’s production designer, Karen O’Hara, worked tirelessly to recreate the look and feel of 1970s New York City. From rundown storefronts to vintage street signs, every detail was carefully considered to transport audiences back to the era.
A 1970s Color Palette
To achieve a authentic 1970s aesthetic, the production team employed a distinct color palette that echoed the era’s bold, vibrant hues. From the bright oranges and yellows of the film’s street scenes to the muted, earthy tones of the characters’ homes, every color choice was deliberate and carefully considered.
Costume Design
The film’s costume designer, Sarah Edwards, worked closely with the cast to create looks that were both period-specific and authentic to the characters. From Kathy’s flared jeans and polyester blouses to Ruby’s afro and platform shoes, every costume piece was carefully chosen to evoke the spirit of the 1970s.
Conclusion
“The Kitchen” is a gripping crime drama that immerses audiences in the gritty world of 1970s New York City. Through a combination of careful location scouting, meticulous set design, and period-specific costumes, the production team brought the film’s narrative to life in a way that feels both authentic and captivating. Whether you’re a fan of the film or simply curious about its making, exploring the filming locations of “The Kitchen” offers a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship and attention to detail that went into bringing this gripping story to the big screen.
| Filming Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Yonkers, New York | Primary filming location, used for exterior scenes, including the 44th Precinct police station |
| The Bronx, New York | Used for several filming locations, including the Old Bronx Courthouse |
| Queens, New York | Used for several filming locations, including the neighborhood of Jackson Heights |
| Long Island, New York | Used for several filming locations, including the town of Babylon |
Note: The table provides a summary of the primary filming locations used in “The Kitchen”.
What is “The Kitchen” about?
“The Kitchen” is a 2019 American crime comedy film written and directed by Andrea Berloff. The movie is based on the DC Vertigo comic book series of the same name by Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle. The film takes place in the 1970s and follows the story of three women, Kathy, Claire, and Ruby, who are forced to take matters into their own hands when their mobster husbands are sent to prison. They soon find themselves embroiled in a world of organized crime, as they struggle to maintain their power and status in a male-dominated world.
The film stars Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss as the three leads, and follows their journey as they navigate the treacherous world of organized crime. With its blend of action, comedy, and drama, “The Kitchen” offers a unique take on the traditional gangster movie, and its strong female leads add a fresh perspective to the genre.
Where was “The Kitchen” filmed?
The filming locations for “The Kitchen” were primarily in New York City and its surrounding areas. The production team chose to film on location in order to capture the gritty, authentic feel of 1970s New York City. Many of the exterior scenes were shot in neighborhoods such as Hell’s Kitchen, Little Italy, and the Lower East Side, which added to the film’s sense of authenticity.
In addition to filming on location, the production team also built several sets in order to recreate the look and feel of 1970s New York City. These sets included a recreation of a 1970s-style diner, as well as the interior of a mobster’s home. The combination of location shooting and set-building helped to create a rich, immersive world that transported audiences back to the 1970s.
What was the inspiration behind the film’s locations?
The inspiration behind the film’s locations was to capture the gritty, raw energy of 1970s New York City. The production team wanted to create a sense of authenticity and realism, and chose locations that would help to evoke the spirit of the era. The use of real-world locations such as Hell’s Kitchen and Little Italy added to the film’s sense of realism, and helped to create a rich, immersive world.
In addition to the real-world locations, the production team also drew inspiration from classic films of the 1970s, such as “The Godfather” and “Chinatown”. These films were known for their gritty, realistic portrayals of urban life, and the production team sought to capture a similar sense of authenticity in “The Kitchen”.
How did the filming locations impact the film’s tone?
The filming locations had a significant impact on the film’s tone, helping to create a gritty, realistic atmosphere that added to the sense of tension and drama. The use of real-world locations such as dilapidated buildings and run-down streets helped to create a sense of authenticity, and added to the film’s sense of grit and realism.
The filming locations also helped to inform the performances of the actors, with the real-world settings helping to create a sense of immersion and realism. The actors were able to draw on the energy and atmosphere of the locations, which helped to add depth and nuance to their performances. Overall, the filming locations played a key role in shaping the film’s tone and atmosphere, and helped to create a rich, immersive world that drew audiences in.
What was the most challenging location to film?
According to the production team, one of the most challenging locations to film was the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. The team had to work around the busy streets and sidewalks, as well as negotiate with local businesses and residents in order to secure filming permits. Additionally, the team had to contend with the realities of filming in a densely populated urban area, including noise restrictions and limited parking.
Despite the challenges, the production team was determined to film on location in Hell’s Kitchen, as they felt that it was essential to capturing the authentic feel of the neighborhood. The end result was worth the effort, as the film’s sequences shot in Hell’s Kitchen are some of the most memorable and evocative in the entire movie.
How did the film’s location scouts find the perfect locations?
The film’s location scouts spent weeks researching and scouring the city for the perfect locations. They poured over old photographs and maps, and drove around the city to get a sense of the lay of the land. They also worked closely with local historians and residents, who were able to provide valuable insights and recommendations.
In addition to their research, the location scouts also relied on their own instincts and instincts. They would often drive around the city, looking for buildings or streets that caught their eye. They would then return to the location with the director and production team, to get a sense of whether or not it was the right fit for the film.
What was the most surprising thing about filming on location?
According to the production team, one of the most surprising things about filming on location was the level of community support they received. Many local residents and business owners were excited to have a major film production in their neighborhood, and were happy to accommodate the team’s needs. Some even offered to let the team film in their homes or businesses, which added to the film’s sense of authenticity.
The production team was also surprised by the level of nostalgia that filming on location evoked. Many of the locations they chose were still recognizable from the 1970s, and filming on location brought back memories for both the cast and crew. This sense of nostalgia added to the film’s sense of authenticity, and helped to create a rich, immersive world that audiences could lose themselves in.