Joker (2019): Film Locations and Production Details

Rest easy, fans of the critically acclaimed and controversial 2019 film Joker. While many viewers were captivated by Joaquin Phoenix's portrayal of Arthur Fleck, the filmmakers went to lengths to recreate the gritty atmosphere of Gotham City. From lively neighborhoods in New York City to bustling subway systems, here’s a comprehensive guide to the filming locations and production process of Joker.

Introduction to Filming Locations

When it comes to delving into the intricate details of a movie’s production, IMDb is often the best source. For Joker (2019), this is no exception. IMDb lists extensive details about the filming locations, showcasing the extensive effort put forth by the production team to bring Joker to life on the big screen.

New York City: The Backbone of Gotham

Perhaps the most prominent filming location for Joker (2019) is New York City. Several scenes were authentically shot in various neighborhoods, capturing the raw essence of Gotham City. In the Bronx, the iconic steps where Arthur Fleck (played by Joaquin Phoenix) famously dances down became a focal point and even turned into an Instagram hotspot for a while. Newark, New Jersey provided the urban backdrop, further enhancing the film's gritty atmosphere.

Notably, the majority of the filming took place in New York City and Brooklyn. The production utilized locations such as the 7 subway line (also known as the J train), First Central Savings Bank in Astoria, Queens, and other bustling areas of the city. The filmmakers paid meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every location aligned with their vision for Gotham City.

Production Details and Challenges

Principal photography commenced in September 2018 under the working title Romeo. According to director Todd Phillips, the rewrite of the script mid-production due to Joaquin Phoenix's significant weight loss posed a major challenge. To address this, Phillips often had to rely on the raw emotional depth of Phoenix's performance on set.

Notable scenes were filmed in various locations, including:

New York City Subway: The film utilized the 7 subway line (J train), which featured a leftover sign for the fictional 0 train. This subway system proved to be a versatile and efficient stand-in for Gotham City's transportation infrastructure. Brooklyn: An actual city station was modified for the scene depicting a violent protest, turning into a convincing representation of Bedford Park Blvd. Astoria, Queens: Filming of robbery scenes took place at the First Central Savings Bank, bringing a realistic and gritty feel to the scenes. Jersey City and Newark, New Jersey: Filming in these areas involved shutting down specific avenues and streets to ensure the authenticity of the scenes.

The production faced some regulatory challenges, such as a complaint from SAG-AFTRA about extras being locked in subway cars. Fortunately, the issue was resolved quickly once an official visited the set.

The Conclusion of Filming

Filming wrapped on December 3, 2018, a month after completing the last scenes in Newark. On December 20, Todd Phillips celebrated the completion of filming with a post on his Instagram feed, marking the significant achievement for the production team.

For those interested in the intricate details of Joker (2019)'s production, IMDb's trivia section provides a wealth of information. From the creative challenges faced to the meticulous attention to detail, the film's journey is a fascinating tale of artistry and dedication.

So, the next time you watch Joker, consider the meticulous effort that went into recreating Gotham City. From the iconic dance scenes to the gritty urban streets, the film truly captures a sense of the urban setting.