Explore Chicago as Gotham, uncover location filming secrets, and learn how camera angles in "The Dark Knight" reveal chaos and power Batman in Chicago: Filming Locations and the Art of Anarchy Explore Chicago as Gotham, uncover location filming secrets, and learn how camera angles in "The Dark Knight" reveal chaos and power All Talks About Book for Oct. 2026 and after— download 2026 calendar . Discover how Chicago became Gotham in The Dark Knight (2008). Using original HD footage of the Chicago Board of Trade Building and Millennium Station , we’ll explore two iconic filming locations and share behind-the-scenes stories that highlight the creativity and challenges that brought Christopher Nolan’s Gotham to life. But Gotham isn’t just a city—it’s a stage for chaos. In the second half of this program, we’ll explore Heath Ledger’s Joker and his mantra, “introduce a little anarchy,” linking it to both the film’s story and visual style. Using downtown Chicago as our backdrop, you’ll learn to spot low-angle shots, understand their cinematic impact, and see how they heighten themes of power and disorder. By the end of this hour-long talk (and video tour) with Kelli , you’ll not only know where The Dark Knight was filmed, but you'll also gain tools to read the film’s imagery in a new way. Request Talk

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Beginning of the End Beginning of the End (1957) centers on a scientist who uses radiation to grow gigantic vegetables, which are then eaten by locusts that transform into enormous creatures and attack Chicago. The movie was produced during the early boom years of American science-fiction cinema. In this screenshot, giant locusts (actually male grasshoppers from Waco, Texas) begin their attack by crawling up Chicago’s Wrigley Building . For this scene, the movie’s director/producer/special effects coordinator, Bert I. Gordon , planned to build miniatures of Chicago landmarks for the grasshoppers to climb on. But he found it too costly. Instead, Gordon used still photographs, filming the grasshoppers moving across these images. Despite being criticized for its poor special effects, Beginning of the End , some critics argue, has a certain charm that makes it watchable. Check out the full film below. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Learn about three eras of Hollywood's history, from 1893-1970 Brief History of Hollywood Film Learn about three eras of Hollywood's history, from 1893-1970 All Talks About Looking for an accessible introduction to the history of mainstream cinema? This fast-paced, informative talk is led by a PhD with extensive experience teaching film studies at the university level. In just 60 minutes, you’ll explore three major eras of Hollywood history: Early cinema and the coming of sound Classical Hollywood and the studio system The New Hollywood of the 1960s–80s Whether you're new to film history or want a fresh overview from a seasoned educator, this lecture delivers a lively, insightful journey through the evolution of American cinema. Request Talk

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Fugitive (1993) In The Fugitive (1993), Harrison Ford plays Dr. Richard Kimble, a Chicago surgeon wrongfully convicted of murdering his wife. Kimble escapes custody and sets out to prove his innocence while being relentlessly pursued by U.S. Marshal Samuel Gerard, played by Tommy Lee Jones. Filmed in iconic Chicago locations like City Hall, Daley Plaza, and (the former) Cook County Hospital, as well as rural areas in North Carolina, The Fugitive combines suspense with a vivid sense of place: that place, of course, Chicago. The above screenshot is a close-up of a book called Atlas of Limb Prosthetics: Surgical and Prosthetic Principles by the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons. In this scene, Dr. Kimble has rented an apartment from a Polish woman and her son (see clip below). Here, Kimble plans to hide from the police while researching the one-armed man that, he believes, killed his wife. In this shot, Kimble is asleep with the medical book he's been reading resting on his chest. In The Fugitive , the book Atlas of Limb Prosthetics functions as a fictional prop. That said, it is an actual book , first published in 1981, aimed at orthopaedic surgeons. Four editions of the book have been published since 1981, the most recent in 2023 . The prop department for The Fugitive secured the most recent edition at the time, the second (1992), for Harrison Ford to hold while his character naps. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Child's Play Today's #OneShotWed comes from the 1988 horror movie Child's Play . In the movie, a single mother gives her son a doll, Chucky, only to discover it's possessed by the soul of a serial killer. Eek! In this scene, Chucky kills his first victim, Aunt Maggie, whom he throws out an apartment window. Standing in for the apartment is Chicago's Brewster Building, built in 1893 and originally known as Lincoln Park Palace. The interior, with its labyrinthian stairs, is also used in the movie. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

From “Harry and Tonto” to “The West Wing,” see how two of Chicago's western suburbs have played leading roles onscreen Chicago Suburbs Onscreen: Forest Park and Oak Brook From “Harry and Tonto” to “The West Wing,” see how two of Chicago's western suburbs have played leading roles onscreen All Talks About Step beyond Chicago’s city limits and explore how its western suburbs have quietly starred in film and television. In Forest Park, the historic Altenheim—once a home for elderly German immigrants—was transformed for the movies Harry and Tonto (1974), The Package (1989), and The Babe (1992). See how one location became three very different cinematic worlds. Then, travel to nearby Oak Brook, where The West Wing (1999–2006) filmed a dramatic episode far from Washington, D.C. As we trace the cast and crew’s filming path with HD video, discover local landmarks tied to a former mobster hangout and the Underground Railroad. Led by Kelli Marshall , a PhD and former film professor, this hour-long talk reveals surprising ways Chicago's western suburbs appear onscreen. Request Talk

Go behind the scenes of "The Fugitive" to explore its Chicago roots, on-set challenges, and lasting legacy in film and TV history On the Run in Chicago: Behind the Scenes of The Fugitive Go behind the scenes of "The Fugitive" to explore its Chicago roots, on-set challenges, and lasting legacy in film and TV history All Talks About Step behind the camera of The Fugitive (1993), the Oscar-winning thriller filmed in Chicago. In this hour-long talk, you’ll uncover backstories from the movie’s whirlwind production—including script struggles, recasting challenges, and even studio debates about makeup. Along the way, we’ll situate the film in the larger history of TV and cinema, connecting it back to the 1960s series that inspired the blockbuster. From there, the program shifts to Chicago’s City Hall and the city’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Using original HD footage, you’ll walk virtually along the Chicago River, learning about the tradition of dyeing the water green, its role in The Fugitive’s iconic climax, and the environmental effects of the practice. Finally, we’ll examine the film’s enduring legacy, including its little-known 1998 sequel and its train derailment site that has become a popular tourist attraction. Request Talk

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Vow Today's #OneShotWed comes from the romantic drama The Vow (2012) and takes place under the Bean (aka. Cloud Gate) in Millennium Park. In his review, Roger Ebert laments the couple, played by Channing Tatum and Rachel McAdams, is rarely seen alongside any Chicago landmarks since the movie is primarily filmed in Toronto. Still, we should keep our eyes peeled for "one nice shot of the newlyweds running from the Art Institute across a footbridge into Millennium Park and ending up under the Bean." Watch the scene below. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Groundhog Day In this low-angle shot from Groundhog Day (1994), Bill Murray’s character, Phil, is about to jump from the roof of the Woodstock Opera House in Woodstock, IL . Groundhog Day follows a weatherman (Murray) who finds himself trapped in a time loop, reliving the same day over and over until he learns to reevaluate his priorities. In this segment of the film, Phil has grow so depressed with his situation that he tries to end his life multiple times. In constructing the plot of Groundhog Day, screenwriter Danny Rubin used Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’ ideas on the stages of death and dying: denial anger bargaining depression acceptance This scene, highlighted in today's screenshot, is perhaps the movie’s most morbid: “Perhaps the movie’s riskiest, funniest and certainly blackest section involves Murray’s spectacular, even grotesque, attempts to deal with the overwhelming despair of being stuck forever in the exact same place.” — LA Times , Feb. 12, 1993 Located about an hour from Chicago, Woodstock, IL, serves as the filming location for the fictional town of Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. Its picturesque charm and historic square enhance the film's sense of nostalgia—and reinforce its theme of self-discovery and redemption. Every year, the town celebrates the movie for which it is famous. Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Ocean's 11 Only a fraction of Steven Soderburgh's Ocean's 11 filmed in Chicago. The scene below introduces Matt Damon's character, Linus. We see him first riding the 'L,' then walking underneath the tracks, and finally at Emmitt's Pub at 495 N. Milwaukee Ave. Sadly, the Irish pub closed in 2022 . But you can see it onscreen in Oceans 11 , Uncle Buck , Only the Lonely , and most recently, Justified: City Primeval . Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. The Break-Up This screenshot comes from The Break-Up , a 2006 romantic comedy co-starring Vince Vaughn and Jennifer Aniston. Here, we see Vaughn's character working as a tour guide on the Chicago River. The Break-Up 's screenwriter, along with Vaughn (a Chicago native), wanted to be sure Chicago was a star in the film as well: "It was without question something the two made clear right from the get-go: they really wanted this film to not only look like Chicago but really, really embrace Chicago" (Chicago Tribune , 2006). How do you think they did? 🤔 Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive

Every Wednesday, join us in guessing the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Visit our archive to play the ones you missed! One-Shot Wednesday On Wednesdays, guess the Chicago-based movie or television show from one screenshot. Candyman Today's #OneShotWed comes from the horror film Candyman (1992), filmed primarily in the former Cabrini-Green public housing project on the Near North Side of Chicago. In this scene, Candyman (Tony Todd) appears to Helen (Virginia Madsen) in a parking garage and hypnotizes her. According to the film's co-director, Bernard Rose, and Madsen herself, Madsen was actually hypnotized in scenes in which she came into contact with Candyman. Apparently, a keyword was used to make the actress snap in/out of her onscreen trance. Creepy! Welcome to One-Shot Wednesday! Think you’re a Chicago screen buff? On Wednesdays, we post one still from a movie or TV show filmed or set in the Windy City. Your mission? Guess the title! You've already seen this week’s image above. If you're feeling nostalgic, explore the full archive of past challenges to keep the fun rolling. Psst: you're on screenshot: 84 Access Archive