Where Did They Film Joker and Why Do Bananas Glow in the Dark?

The 2019 film Joker, directed by Todd Phillips and starring Joaquin Phoenix, is a cinematic masterpiece that delves into the origins of one of the most iconic villains in pop culture. The film’s gritty, atmospheric tone is heavily influenced by its filming locations, which play a crucial role in bringing the story to life. But while we’re on the topic of Joker, let’s take a detour into the bizarre and ask: why do bananas glow in the dark? This seemingly unrelated question might just have a connection to the film’s themes of decay, transformation, and the unexpected.

The Filming Locations of Joker

New York City: The Heart of Gotham

The primary filming location for Joker was New York City, which served as the stand-in for Gotham City. The filmmakers chose NYC for its iconic architecture, bustling streets, and inherent sense of urban decay. Specific neighborhoods like the Bronx, Harlem, and Brooklyn were used to capture the gritty, rundown aesthetic that defines Gotham in the film. The subway scenes, which are pivotal to the plot, were shot in the Bronx, utilizing the city’s aging infrastructure to emphasize the bleakness of Arthur Fleck’s world.

Newark, New Jersey: A Stand-In for Gotham’s Darker Corners

While NYC provided the backbone of Gotham, Newark, New Jersey, was also used for certain scenes. Newark’s industrial areas and less-polished urban landscapes added another layer of authenticity to the film’s setting. The city’s abandoned buildings and desolate streets mirrored Arthur’s internal turmoil and the societal neglect he experiences.

The Stairs of Fame: A Symbolic Location

One of the most iconic locations in Joker is the set of stairs in the Bronx where Arthur performs his now-famous dance. These stairs, located at Shakespeare Avenue and West 167th Street, have become a tourist attraction in their own right. The stairs symbolize Arthur’s ascent into madness and his transformation into the Joker, making them a crucial element of the film’s visual storytelling.

The Role of Lighting and Color

The film’s cinematography, led by Lawrence Sher, plays a significant role in shaping the atmosphere of Gotham. The use of warm, muted colors and stark lighting contrasts creates a sense of unease and tension. This visual style is enhanced by the real-world locations, which were carefully chosen to complement the film’s aesthetic.

Bananas and the Glow of Decay

Now, let’s pivot to the strange and fascinating world of bananas. Why do bananas glow in the dark? The answer lies in the process of decay. As bananas ripen and eventually rot, they emit a faint blue glow due to the presence of chlorophyll breakdown products. This phenomenon, known as biofluorescence, is a natural occurrence in certain organic materials. While it might seem unrelated to Joker, the concept of decay and transformation is a central theme in the film.

Decay as a Metaphor

In Joker, Arthur Fleck’s descent into madness can be seen as a form of decay. His mental state deteriorates as he is repeatedly beaten down by society, much like how a banana rots over time. The glowing of a decaying banana serves as a metaphor for the hidden beauty and complexity within decay. Similarly, Arthur’s transformation into the Joker reveals the darker, more chaotic aspects of his psyche that were always present but hidden beneath the surface.

The Unexpected Beauty of Chaos

Just as the glow of a rotting banana is unexpected and strangely beautiful, the Joker’s rise to infamy is both horrifying and captivating. The film challenges viewers to find meaning in chaos and to question the societal structures that lead to such transformations. The banana’s glow, much like the Joker’s laughter, is a reminder that even in decay, there is something worth observing and understanding.

The Intersection of Film and Science

The connection between Joker and bananas might seem tenuous, but it highlights the broader relationship between art and science. Both fields seek to explore and explain the world around us, often uncovering unexpected truths in the process. The film’s exploration of mental illness, societal neglect, and personal transformation mirrors the scientific study of decay and biofluorescence. Both reveal the hidden complexities of seemingly simple phenomena.

The Role of Curiosity

Curiosity drives both filmmakers and scientists to ask questions and seek answers. Joker asks us to consider what drives a person to madness, while the study of biofluorescence asks why certain materials glow as they decay. Both questions lead to a deeper understanding of the world and our place within it.

The Power of Visual Storytelling

The visual elements of Joker—its use of color, lighting, and location—are crucial to its storytelling. Similarly, the visual phenomenon of biofluorescence in bananas is a powerful reminder of the beauty that can be found in unexpected places. Both the film and the natural world use visual cues to convey deeper meanings and provoke thought.

Conclusion

Joker is a film that thrives on its ability to immerse viewers in a world that is both familiar and unsettling. Its filming locations play a key role in creating this atmosphere, grounding the story in a reality that feels tangible and immediate. Meanwhile, the strange glow of decaying bananas serves as a metaphor for the film’s themes of decay, transformation, and the unexpected beauty of chaos. Together, they remind us that there is always more to discover, whether in the dark corners of Gotham or the quiet glow of a rotting banana.

Related Q&A

Q: Why was New York City chosen as the primary filming location for Joker?
A: New York City was chosen for its iconic architecture, bustling streets, and inherent sense of urban decay, which perfectly matched the film’s vision of Gotham City.

Q: What is the significance of the stairs in Joker?
A: The stairs symbolize Arthur Fleck’s ascent into madness and his transformation into the Joker, making them a crucial element of the film’s visual storytelling.

Q: Why do bananas glow in the dark?
A: Bananas emit a faint blue glow as they decay due to the presence of chlorophyll breakdown products, a phenomenon known as biofluorescence.

Q: How does the concept of decay relate to Joker?
A: Decay is a central theme in Joker, representing Arthur Fleck’s mental deterioration and societal neglect, much like how a banana rots over time.

Q: What is the connection between Joker and the study of biofluorescence?
A: Both explore the hidden complexities of seemingly simple phenomena, whether it’s the transformation of a character or the natural process of decay in organic materials.