Where was Bad Santa filmed
Bad Santa
Year: 2003
Country: USA
<p>Filming of the comedy took place in the sunny state of California. The main location was an abandoned building of the Del Amo Fashion Center, located in the city of Torrance. It was here that the filmmakers recreated the atmosphere of Chamberlain's store, which plays an important role in the story. For this purpose, the former Montgomery Ward store was completely remodeled, turning it into a complete set for the movie. The team carefully worked out the details to create a believable and recognizable environment of the mall, where the main events of the comedy unfold. The choice of an abandoned building allowed the crew to experiment freely with the space and create a unique atmosphere for the movie.</p>
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Locations
Bar
In movie
Scene where Willy, after another day of work at the mall, as usual, goes to a bar to get drunk and forget himself until the next day. The bar becomes his refuge, where he tries to drown out his hatred for life and others. He is constantly suffering because he believes his life is a failure and worthless. Alcohol is his way of coping with reality and a temporary solution to the problems that seem to follow him everywhere.
Real
Scene was shot at 1100 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice. A bar did exist here. However, it is currently home to a women's clothing boutique. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is a well-known street in Venice, LA with many stores, restaurants and galleries. Perhaps the filmmakers chose this location because it is typical and unremarkable. Abbot Kinney Boulevard is famous for its history and cultural heritage, and the bar could have been part of that history
Beach bar
In movie
Scene where Willy staggers toward the beach bar, clearly having already taken a drink. Without paying attention to the people around him, he makes his way behind the bar. He grabs the first bottles he can find and begins to make himself a cocktail, generously and carelessly. Suddenly the bartender appears and grumbles unhappily, demanding that Willy get out. Willy snaps at him, but the bartender grabs him and, without ceremony, throws him right onto the beach.
Real
Scene was shot in an actual beach bar. Beach bars are quite common in California. These establishments are often found along the coast, offering visitors drinks and snacks right on the beach. This particular bar was probably chosen because of its typical atmosphere and convenient oceanfront location, which was perfect for creating the right atmosphere in the movie.
The boy's house
In movie
Scene where Bad Santa, working at the mall, meets a boy one day. The boy invites him to his house, and Willy, smelling an opportunity for profit, agrees. Arriving at the address, he discovers that the boy lives only with his grandmother, who is not himself. In addition, Willy learns that the boy constantly suffers from bullying on the street, where he is called fat. Seeing his difficult situation and feeling a sudden attack of compassion, Willy feels pity for him and decides to help him in some cases.
Real
Scene was shot at 7211 Whitehall Ln, West Hills, USA. This neighborhood, West Hills, is considered quite prestigious, with well-maintained houses and expensive cars. The choice of this particular house for filming was probably due to creating a contrast between the outward prosperity of the neighborhood and the boy's complex, dysfunctional life. This contrast adds depth to his character and emphasizes his social isolation. The location of the house in an affluent neighborhood makes the story more moving, enhancing the effect of the abandonment and loneliness felt by the boy and eliciting more sympathy from the viewer.