"Bad Words"

We get a shot of the Pasadena Civic Auditorium in a golden glow as the location for the Golden Quill spelling bee finals in "Bad Words" (Focus Features, 2014). 

Jason Bateman directed and also stars as a 40 year old who has entered the competition. He's studied the rule book and found nothing preventing him from entering. Also featured in the film are Kathryn Hahn, Rohan Chand, Philip Baker Hall, Alison Janney, Ben Falcone and Beth Grant. The cinematography was by Ken Seng. 

 

Jason's view from the shuttle bus the next morning as he arrives for the competition. The Auditorium is at 300 E. Green St. in downtown Pasadena. The TV announcer covering the big event notes that we're in Los Angeles at "Figueroa Hall."

See the page about the Pasadena Civic Auditorium on the Los Angeles Theatres site for photos of the building and information about its history.

 

 

 

Heading inside. The interiors for the venue were filmed at the Hollywood Legion Theatre, 2035 N. Highland Ave. Since the film was shot the auditorium has had a major renovation. 

 

A view to the rear as Jason enters. 

 

A look down from the booth. 

 

 

 

A shot in the Legion's men's room. Jason and a fellow contestant are pulling pranks. 

 

 

 

Yes, it was a lobster in one of the toilets. 

 

In the Legion's bar. That's Kathryn Hahn over toward the right, playing a reporter.

 

 

Later in the competition. Jason, on the right, is playing mind games with one of the other contestants.

See the page about the Hollywood Legion Theatre on the Los Angeles Theatres site for a history of this 1929 vintage building along with many photos.

On IMDb: "Bad Words"