Best Of 91+ Charming Citizen Kane Living Room Filming You Won't Be Disappointed

When it comes to iconic movie scenes, the living room of Charles Foster Kane's Xanadu estate in the film Citizen Kane is often at the top of the list. The grand and opulent space serves as the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in the movie, and it is still talked about and studied by film enthusiasts today. But what went into creating this iconic set and filming it? Let's take a closer look at the top 10 things you need to know about the living room filming in Citizen Kane.

The living room of Xanadu was filmed at the Hearst Castle, a real-life estate owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst. Director Orson Welles was inspired by Hearst's life and used it as the basis for the character of Charles Foster Kane in the film. The Hearst Castle, located in San Simeon, California, served as the perfect location for the grandiose and extravagant living room scenes in Citizen Kane.

Orson Welles was not only the director of Citizen Kane but also its star. He played the role of Charles Foster Kane, the wealthy newspaper tycoon, and his performance is often hailed as one of the best in film history. Welles had a strong vision for the film and was heavily involved in every aspect of its production, including the filming of the iconic living room scenes.

The living room set for Citizen Kane was designed by art director Perry Ferguson. He worked closely with Orson Welles to bring his vision to life and create a space that was both grand and visually striking. The set featured an extravagant fireplace, ornate furniture, and intricate details that added to the opulence of the space.

Behind the scenes of the living room filming in Citizen Kane, there were many challenges and obstacles that had to be overcome. The set was built on a soundstage, and the crew had to work around the clock to ensure that every detail was perfect. The lighting and camera angles were carefully planned to capture the grandeur of the space and add to the storytelling of the film.

The production design of Citizen Kane, including the living room set, was heavily influenced by the German Expressionism movement. This style uses dramatic lighting, distorted perspectives, and exaggerated architecture to convey emotion and enhance the storytelling. The grand and ominous living room of Xanadu perfectly embodies this style and adds to the overall impact of the film.

The cinematography in Citizen Kane, particularly in the living room scenes, is often praised for its innovative and groundbreaking techniques. Cinematographer Gregg Toland used deep focus photography to create a sense of depth in the shots, allowing the audience to take in every detail of the set. This technique was not commonly used at the time and added to the film's visual impact.

As mentioned earlier, Orson Welles was not only the star but also the director of Citizen Kane. He was only 25 years old at the time, making his directorial debut with this film. His bold and creative choices, both in front and behind the camera, have solidified his place as one of the greatest directors in film history.

Did you know that the sled in the iconic "Rosebud" scene was actually a replica? The original sled was accidentally burned during filming, and a new one had to be quickly made. Also, the famous line "Rosebud" was not scripted. It was improvised by Orson Welles during filming. These are just a few pieces of trivia that make the living room scenes in Citizen Kane even more interesting.

The living room scenes in Citizen Kane have been analyzed and studied by film scholars for decades. From the use of lighting and camera angles to the symbolism and themes present in the set design, there is no shortage of discussion and interpretation of these scenes. They serve as a testament to the power of film and its ability to create lasting and impactful visuals.