Find 69+ Exquisite Citizen Kane Xanadu Living Room Filming Not To Be Missed

When it comes to iconic movie sets, the Xanadu living room from Citizen Kane ranks high on the list. This grand, opulent room serves as the backdrop for some of the most memorable scenes in the film. But what many people may not know is the fascinating story behind the filming of this iconic location.

Citizen Kane , released in 1941, is often hailed as one of the greatest films of all time. Directed by Orson Welles and starring Welles himself as the enigmatic Charles Foster Kane, the movie tells the story of a wealthy newspaper tycoon and his rise to power and eventual downfall. The Xanadu living room plays a crucial role in the film, representing the extravagance and excess of Kane's life.

The Xanadu living room is a sight to behold, with its towering ceilings, marble floors, and elaborate furnishings. The set was designed by renowned Hollywood art director Van Nest Polglase, who worked closely with Welles to create the perfect setting for the film. The attention to detail in the Xanadu living room is evident, with every object carefully chosen to convey the opulence and wealth of its owner.

Citizen Kane was at the forefront of technical advancements in filmmaking, and the Xanadu living room was no exception. The set was built on a soundstage at RKO Studios in Hollywood and was one of the first to use a technique called "forced perspective." This allowed the room to appear much larger on screen than it actually was, adding to the grandiose feel of the space.

The Xanadu living room may seem like a product of the imagination, but it was actually inspired by a real-life estate. The Hearst Castle, owned by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst, was a lavish and extravagant property that served as the basis for Xanadu in the film. Welles and Polglase visited the Hearst Castle multiple times to gather inspiration and ideas for the set design.

Fun fact: The grand fireplace in the Xanadu living room was a replica of one found in the Hearst Castle's Gothic Study.

While the Xanadu living room may have looked flawless on screen, filming in the set was not without its challenges. The room was so large that it caused issues with lighting and sound, making it difficult to capture the perfect shot. Additionally, the elaborate set pieces and furnishings had to be carefully moved and rearranged between scenes, adding to the complexity of filming in the Xanadu living room.

Despite these challenges, the end result was a visually stunning and memorable location that added depth and richness to the film.

Over 80 years since its release, Citizen Kane continues to be studied and celebrated for its groundbreaking cinematography, storytelling, and set design. The Xanadu living room remains a key element of the film's legacy, with many still marveling at its grandeur and attention to detail. The set has even been recreated in various forms, including a Lego set and a virtual reality experience.

Did you know? The Xanadu living room set was so impressive that it was kept intact for a year after filming, and visitors were allowed to tour it for a small fee.

While the Xanadu living room may have been a set, the Xanadu Mansion still stands today and is open to visitors. Known as the Greystone Mansion, this historic estate is located in Beverly Hills, California, and offers tours of the grand rooms and grounds. Visitors can even spot some similarities between the Xanadu living room and the real-life rooms of the Greystone Mansion.

Pro tip: If you're a fan of Citizen Kane , a visit to the Greystone Mansion is a must-do.

While the original Xanadu living room set may no longer exist, it has been recreated in various forms over the years. One of the most notable recreations was for the 1999 film The Mummy , where the Xanadu living room was used as inspiration for the tomb of the High Priest Imhotep. The set was built to scale and included many of the same design elements seen in Citizen Kane .

Today, the Xanadu living room set continues to inspire filmmakers and designers, showcasing the enduring impact of Citizen Kane on popular culture.

One of the most iconic scenes in Citizen Kane takes place in the Xanadu living room, where a group of reporters gather to discuss the meaning of Kane's final word, "Rosebud." This scene was meticulously crafted by Welles and Polglase, with every detail carefully considered. The lighting, camera angles, and set design all work together to create a powerful and memorable moment in the film.

The Xanadu living room set is not only a visual masterpiece but also a significant piece of film history. The use of forced perspective in the set design was a groundbreaking technique at the time and has since been used in countless films and TV shows. The attention to detail in the Xanadu living room also set a new standard for set design and has influenced many filmmakers and designers over the years.

The Xanadu living room is more than just a movie set; it is a symbol of the excess and wealth that defined the Gilded Age in America. In Citizen Kane , the room represents the downfall of its owner, Charles Foster Kane, and serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and power. Today, the Xanadu living room continues to captivate and inspire, reminding us of the enduring impact of this iconic film.

In conclusion, the Xanadu living room from Citizen Kane is more than just a set; it is a masterpiece that has stood the test of time and continues to fascinate and inspire audiences around the world. From its real-life inspirations to its impact on film history, the Xanadu living room will always hold a special place in the hearts and minds of cinema lovers.