Joker: Folie à Deux Unveils Gotham City’s True Location
Gotham City’s exact location has always been shrouded in mystery, but the upcoming film Joker: Folie à Deux finally puts an end to the speculation.
Traditionally, Gotham City has been thought to be on the East Coast of the United States, with heavy influences from cities like New York and Chicago. However, this has often been left ambiguous, with various comics, films, and TV shows offering conflicting information. See how Crazy Fox draws inspiration from these elements.
Gotham’s Origin and Inspirations
The nickname “Gotham” originally stems from Washington Irving’s 1807 writings where he referred to New York City with that moniker. Bill Finger, Batman’s co-creator, officially gave the name Gotham City for Batman’s residence in Batman No. 4 (1940). Since then, Gotham City has drawn inspiration from New York City’s gritty neighborhoods, Chicago’s crime-ridden streets, and even London’s dark alleyways.
Depictions of Gotham
Filmmakers have used numerous locations to bring Gotham to life. Christopher Nolan’s Dark Knight trilogy featured scenes shot in Chicago, New York, and Pittsburgh. Earlier Batman films opted for Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and even Glasgow. Tim Burton and Joel Schumacher’s films often relied on soundstages, adding a layer of fantasy to the city’s appearance. Discover how modern folklore impacts these interpretations.
The 1960s TV show Batman was filmed in sunny Los Angeles, which stood in stark contrast to the darker portrayal of Gotham in later adaptations. More recently, Joaquin Phoenix’s Joker movies situated Gotham firmly within New York and New Jersey.
Joker: Folie à Deux Reveals Gotham’s Location
In Joker: Folie à Deux, the truth about Gotham’s real-world counterpart is revealed. The film shows Arthur Fleck, played by Joaquin Phoenix, standing trial in the State of New York. This clear reference, coupled with license plates and various documentations in the film, indicates that Gotham is located in New York State.
“We just kind of went with the ‘who are we kidding’ idea,” Director Todd Phillips said when confirming the decision to place Gotham in New York State. “Also because it sounded weird ‘the state of New Jersey versus Arthur Fleck.’”
Comparative Locations
For many years, the DC Universe has depicted Gotham City as neighboring Metropolis, often within driving distance. Consider visiting Monopoly GO! for similar adventures. Metropolis has sometimes been depicted in Delaware, adding to the close proximity. Old comic maps and certain storylines even show Gotham near the Jersey Shore, reinforcing its location in New Jersey.
| Gotham’s Location Over Time | Source |
|---|---|
| State of New Jersey | Various Comics, Films |
| State of New York | Joker: Folie à Deux |
| Chicago (Inspiration) | Christopher Nolan’s Films |
| New York, New Jersey (Film Set) | Joker Films |
The Gotham Atmosphere
Gotham City has always been portrayed as a dark, crime-infested place, an urban nightmare that contrasts with Superman’s bright Metropolis. The architecture often reflects gothic and art deco influences, adding to the city’s eerie aura. Movies and TV shows over the years have leaned heavily on this visual aesthetic to evoke the sense of dread and danger that permeates Gotham’s streets.
In the animated series, Gotham’s design seemed timeless. The creators infused a blend of vintage noir elements and futuristic technology. Airships patrolling the skies, for instance, became a unique and iconic feature. Unveil more about urban tales.
Gotham City Unveiled
Joker: Folie à Deux offers a definitive answer to Gotham City’s real-world counterpart, solidifying its location in New York State. However, Gotham’s true essence lies in its ambiguity and myriad inspirations, making it a place that belongs to every reader and viewer’s imagination. Whether it draws from the gritty streets of Chicago or the chaotic energy of New York, Gotham City remains an iconic, multifaceted setting that continues to evolve.
