Dark Knight Trilogy

5. Franklin Street Bridge

Chicago, IL

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In Batman Begins the historic Franklin Street Bridge is used as one of the nine drawbridges that connects midtown and downtown Gotham with the Narrows, an island referred to as the "skid row" of Gotham. Director Nolan based his interpretation of the Narrows on the now demolished slum city of Kowloon, Hong Kong. Stretching 320 feet over the Chicago River, Franklin Street Bridge connects the wealthy and ignorant to the crime infested Narrows that haunt the underground of Gotham. In the center of the dingy atmosphere lies Arkham Asylum, usually depicted in a rural area, but fitting perfectly with Director Nolan's recreation of the slums. When raised in the film the bridge served as a restrictive barrier trapping the residents of the Narrows with the escaped inmates of Arkham Asylum due to the cruel antics of Ra's al Ghul. Caught in the chaos was Assistant D.A. Rachel Dawes, carrying the fear hallucinogen antidote for herself and Lieutenant Gordon, who accompanied Gotham's riot police into the upheaval of the Narrows. Abandoned on the island, Gordon struggles with the fact that "there is no one else to send." All bridges lifted, The Batman easily clears the divide in his Tumbler, bringing news and relief to Lt. Gordon. Though the bridge is four lanes wide directing northbound Chicago traffic and considered the fourth highest traffic bridge in the city, you won't find The Batman had any use for it.