The Kitchen, a 2019 American crime drama film, has captivated audiences with its gritty and intense portrayal of the lives of three women in the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood of New York City in the 1970s. Directed by Andrea Berloff, the movie boasts an all-star cast, including Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss, bringing to life the story of mob wives who take control of their husbands’ criminal empire. One of the most intriguing aspects of the film is its use of authentic New York City locations, which play a significant role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the movie. In this article, we will delve into the filming locations of The Kitchen, exploring the real-life streets, buildings, and neighborhoods that were used to bring this gripping story to life.
Introduction to Hell’s Kitchen
Before diving into the specific filming locations, it’s essential to understand the context and history of Hell’s Kitchen, the neighborhood that serves as the backdrop for the film. Hell’s Kitchen, also known as Clinton, is a neighborhood located on the west side of Midtown Manhattan. Historically, the area was known for its poverty, crime, and gang activity, earning its notorious nickname. However, in recent years, the neighborhood has undergone significant gentrification, with many of its abandoned warehouses and tenements being converted into upscale apartments, restaurants, and bars. Despite this transformation, Hell’s Kitchen still retains much of its original charm and character, making it an ideal location for filming a movie like The Kitchen.
Primary Filming Locations
The production team of The Kitchen chose to film on location in New York City, utilizing a combination of real-life streets, buildings, and neighborhoods to recreate the gritty and intense world of 1970s Hell’s Kitchen. The primary filming locations included the streets of Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens, with many scenes being shot in and around the Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood. Some of the most notable filming locations include:
The Hell’s Kitchen streets, where the characters’ daily lives play out, were filmed on location in the neighborhood. The production team used a combination of real-life streets, including 9th Avenue, 10th Avenue, and West 43rd Street, to create the film’s authentic and immersive environment. Many of the neighborhood’s iconic buildings, such as the Clinton Housing Development and the Holy Cross Church, were also featured prominently in the film.
Brooklyn and Queens Locations
In addition to the Manhattan locations, the production team also filmed scenes in Brooklyn and Queens. The Brooklyn Navy Yard was used as a filming location for several scenes, including the character’s visit to the docks. The yard’s historic warehouses and piers provided an authentic backdrop for the film’s 1970s setting. In Queens, the production team filmed scenes in the Astoria neighborhood, using its streets and buildings to create the film’s suburban environments.
Behind-the-Scenes of Filming
Filming a movie like The Kitchen on location in New York City presents a unique set of challenges. The production team had to navigate the city’s busy streets, obtain permits, and work with local residents and businesses to ensure a smooth and successful shoot. The film’s director, Andrea Berloff, has spoken about the importance of filming on location in New York City, citing the city’s energy and authenticity as key factors in bringing the story to life. The cast, including Melissa McCarthy, Tiffany Haddish, and Elisabeth Moss, also praised the city’s locations, noting that they added to the film’s overall atmosphere and tone.
Recreating 1970s Hell’s Kitchen
One of the most significant challenges faced by the production team was recreating the gritty and intense world of 1970s Hell’s Kitchen. The film’s production designer, Shane Valentino, worked closely with the director and cast to create an authentic and immersive environment. This involved sourcing period-specific props, set dressing, and costumes, as well as modifying the city’s locations to match the film’s 1970s setting. The production team also used a combination of practical and visual effects to enhance the film’s environments and create a cohesive and believable world.
Period-Specific Details
The attention to period-specific details was a crucial aspect of the film’s production design. The production team researched and sourced a wide range of props and set dressing items, including vintage cars, clothing, and furniture, to create an authentic and immersive environment. The film’s costumes, designed by Sarah Edwards, were also meticulously researched and created to reflect the characters’ personalities and social status. The combination of these period-specific details helped to create a believable and engaging world, drawing the audience into the film’s gritty and intense portrayal of 1970s Hell’s Kitchen.
Conclusion
The Kitchen is a gripping and intense film that brings to life the story of three women in 1970s Hell’s Kitchen. The film’s use of authentic New York City locations plays a significant role in setting the tone and atmosphere of the movie, with the production team choosing to film on location in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Queens. By exploring the filming locations of The Kitchen, we gain a deeper understanding of the film’s production and the challenges faced by the cast and crew. The film’s attention to period-specific details and its use of practical and visual effects help to create a cohesive and believable world, drawing the audience into the gritty and intense portrayal of 1970s Hell’s Kitchen. Whether you’re a fan of the film or simply interested in the behind-the-scenes process of movie making, The Kitchen’s filming locations offer a fascinating glimpse into the world of 1970s New York City.
In order to provide a comprehensive understanding of the filming locations, the following table summarizes some of the primary locations used in the film:
| Location | Description |
|---|---|
| Hell’s Kitchen streets | The primary filming location for the characters’ daily lives, featuring streets such as 9th Avenue, 10th Avenue, and West 43rd Street |
| Brooklyn Navy Yard | Used as a filming location for several scenes, including the character’s visit to the docks |
| Astoria neighborhood | Used to create the film’s suburban environments |
Additionally, the following list highlights some of the key aspects of the film’s production design:
- The film’s production designer, Shane Valentino, worked closely with the director and cast to create an authentic and immersive environment
- The production team researched and sourced a wide range of props and set dressing items to create a period-specific environment
- The film’s costumes, designed by Sarah Edwards, were meticulously researched and created to reflect the characters’ personalities and social status
What inspired the filmmakers to choose New York City as the primary filming location for The Kitchen?
The filmmakers’ decision to choose New York City as the primary filming location for The Kitchen was largely inspired by the city’s unique energy and diverse neighborhoods. New York City offers a distinctive blend of grit, glamour, and authenticity that is hard to replicate elsewhere. The city’s streets, landmarks, and cultural institutions provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s narrative, which explores themes of identity, community, and social justice. By shooting on location in New York City, the filmmakers aimed to capture the city’s essence and infuse the film with a sense of realism and immediacy.
The Kitchen’s storyline, which delves into the lives of three women who take over their husbands’ criminal business, also drew inspiration from New York City’s rich history of organized crime and social activism. The city’s infamous Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood, in particular, played a significant role in shaping the film’s narrative and characters. The filmmakers worked closely with local experts and residents to ensure that the film’s portrayal of the neighborhood and its history was accurate and respectful. By doing so, they were able to create a film that not only showcases the city’s iconic landscapes but also honors its complex cultural heritage and the people who call it home.
Which specific locations in New York City were used for filming The Kitchen?
The filming locations for The Kitchen were scattered throughout New York City, with a focus on neighborhoods such as Hell’s Kitchen, Little Italy, and Greenwich Village. The production team chose locations that would provide an authentic and visually striking backdrop for the film’s scenes, including iconic landmarks like the Flatiron Building and Washington Square Park. They also filmed in more obscure locations, such as the city’s historic tenement buildings and ethnic eateries, to add texture and depth to the narrative. By incorporating these real-world locations into the film, the filmmakers aimed to create a sense of immersion and authenticity that would draw viewers into the world of the story.
The production team worked closely with local authorities and residents to secure access to these locations and ensure that filming did not disrupt the daily lives of New Yorkers. This collaboration allowed them to capture the city’s vibrant energy and diversity, from the bustling streets of Little Italy to the charming brownstones of the West Village. The film’s cinematography and production design teams also made use of the city’s unique lighting and architectural styles to create a distinctive visual aesthetic that blends gritty realism with a touch of nostalgia. The result is a film that is deeply rooted in the city’s culture and history, with locations that play a starring role in the narrative.
How did the filmmakers recreate the 1970s setting of The Kitchen in modern-day New York City?
To recreate the 1970s setting of The Kitchen, the filmmakers employed a range of techniques, including meticulous production design, careful location scouting, and clever editing. They worked with historians and local experts to research the period and ensure that every detail, from the characters’ clothing and hairstyles to the set dressing and props, was accurate and evocative of the era. The production team also made use of archival footage and photographs to get a sense of the city’s layout, architecture, and cultural landscape during the 1970s.
The filmmakers’ commitment to historical accuracy extended to the film’s color palette, sound design, and visual effects, all of which were carefully crafted to evoke the gritty, analog aesthetic of 1970s New York City. They also worked with local businesses and residents to transform modern-day locations into period-accurate settings, often using a combination of set construction, CGI, and clever camera work to create the illusion of a bygone era. By combining these techniques, the filmmakers were able to transport viewers back in time and immerse them in the world of 1970s Hell’s Kitchen, where the story of The Kitchen unfolds.
What role did the city’s Hell’s Kitchen neighborhood play in the film’s narrative and production?
Hell’s Kitchen, a historic neighborhood on the west side of Manhattan, played a pivotal role in the film’s narrative and production. The neighborhood’s complex history, cultural heritage, and resilient community inspired the filmmakers to set the story there, and they worked closely with local residents and business owners to ensure that the film’s portrayal of the area was accurate and respectful. The neighborhood’s iconic landscapes, including its tenement buildings, street art, and ethnic eateries, provided a unique and visually striking backdrop for the film’s scenes, and the production team made use of these locations to add texture and authenticity to the narrative.
The filmmakers also drew inspiration from the neighborhood’s history of organized crime and social activism, which is deeply woven into the fabric of the film’s story. The characters’ experiences, motivations, and relationships were all shaped by the neighborhood’s cultural and historical context, and the production team worked to capture the essence of Hell’s Kitchen in every aspect of the film, from the characters’ dialogue and costumes to the set dressing and cinematography. By doing so, they created a film that not only tells a compelling story but also pays tribute to the neighborhood and its people, whose spirit and resilience are at the heart of The Kitchen.
How did the production team navigate the challenges of filming in a densely populated urban environment like New York City?
Filming in a densely populated urban environment like New York City presented a range of challenges for the production team, from managing crowds and securing permits to coordinating with local authorities and residents. To navigate these challenges, the team worked closely with the city’s film office and local stakeholders to identify potential filming locations and develop strategies for minimizing disruptions to the community. They also employed a range of techniques, including careful scheduling, strategic location scouting, and clever camera work, to capture the city’s energy and diversity while avoiding logistical headaches.
The production team’s experience and expertise in filming in New York City were invaluable in overcoming the challenges of working in a busy urban environment. They were able to anticipate and mitigate potential issues, such as noise complaints, traffic disruptions, and crowd control, by working closely with local authorities and residents. The team’s commitment to responsible and respectful filmmaking practices also helped to build trust with the community, which was essential for securing access to locations and ensuring a smooth and successful shoot. By combining careful planning, expertise, and a deep understanding of the city and its people, the production team was able to overcome the challenges of filming in New York City and create a film that showcases the city’s unique energy and spirit.
What impact did filming The Kitchen have on the local community and economy?
Filming The Kitchen had a positive impact on the local community and economy, with the production team working closely with local businesses, residents, and stakeholders to ensure that the filming process was respectful and beneficial to the area. The production generated significant economic activity, with local businesses providing goods and services to the film crew, and the team hiring local talent and crew members to work on the production. The film’s portrayal of the neighborhood and its history also helped to promote the area’s cultural heritage and attract new visitors and investment to the community.
The production team’s commitment to responsible and sustainable filmmaking practices also helped to minimize the film’s environmental impact and ensure that the filming process was safe and respectful of the local community. The team worked closely with local authorities and residents to develop strategies for reducing waste, managing traffic, and controlling noise levels, and they made a significant contribution to the local economy through their use of local services and suppliers. By filming The Kitchen in New York City, the production team was able to create a film that not only tells a compelling story but also celebrates the city’s diversity, creativity, and resilience, and makes a positive contribution to the local community and economy.
Can fans of The Kitchen visit the filming locations in New York City, and are there any guided tours or exhibitions available?
Yes, fans of The Kitchen can visit the filming locations in New York City, which are scattered throughout the city’s neighborhoods and landmarks. The city’s film office and local tour operators offer guided tours and exhibitions that showcase the film’s locations and provide insight into the production process and the city’s rich cultural heritage. Visitors can explore the iconic landmarks, historic neighborhoods, and cultural institutions that feature in the film, and get a glimpse into the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene.
The Kitchen’s filming locations are also featured in a range of self-guided walking tours and interactive exhibitions, which provide fans with a unique and immersive experience. These tours and exhibitions offer a behind-the-scenes look at the film’s production, with access to exclusive content, props, and costumes, as well as the opportunity to meet local experts and celebrities who worked on the film. By visiting the filming locations and exploring the city’s cultural heritage, fans of The Kitchen can deepen their understanding of the film and its context, and experience the city’s energy and diversity firsthand. Whether through guided tours or self-guided exploration, visiting the filming locations of The Kitchen is a must-do experience for any fan of the film.