10 Iconic Batman Filming Locations You Can Actually Visit
5. South La Salle Street In Chicago
Notorious for his use of old-school stunts, Christopher Nolan does everything he can to avoid CGI…meaning The Dark Knight's truck-flipping scene is completely IRL.
The Dark Knight demonstrates the value of going back to our pre-computerized roots. Midway through the movie, Nolan used an 18-wheeled plot device to introduce the formidable foes. Harvey Dent and his armored police transport didn't stand a chance against the Joker and his henchmen. By the time his police convoy exited the bowels of Gotham, the race continues as the Batman joins the mix.
Using his Batpod to save the Dent, Batman weaves in and out of traffic and uses the pod's winch to flip the Joker's 18-wheeler. Keep in mind, old-school stunts require old-school stuntmen. There's a real man at the wheel of the semi as it flips forward a full 180º and clearing well over 50ft above ground.
Filmed in Chicago's financial district, Nolan blocked off a portion La Salle Blvd. to nail the stunt. After extensive tests, production got the green light to flip the 18-wheeler, pending the stuntman - who was surely questioning his career choice—could land the marks.