The film was shot in the USA, in New York City, where the action of one of Martin Scorsese's early films takes place. The director used real city locations to create an authentic atmosphere reflecting the nightlife and diversity of characters encountered by the protagonist, Paul Hackett.
The main scenes of the film were shot in various neighborhoods and locations in Manhattan, allowing the conveyance of the sense of chaos and absurdity Paul faces during his nocturnal odyssey. The old River Diner was a popular spot among locals and served as the backdrop for several scenes. Paul often returns to this establishment seeking solace after his misadventures. The Spring Street subway station becomes an important location in the film when Paul tries to get home after his adventures. In the Terminal bar, Paul interacts with eccentric patrons and bartender Tomi. These locations not only create the film's unique atmosphere but also help develop themes about life's randomness and the search for meaning in the chaos of a big city.

Filming Locations:

Paul's Workplace

In the Film

Scene where Paul leaves work at the end of the workday. Paul Hackett works as a computer data specialist in an office in New York. Paul is a typical office clerk who experiences boredom and insomnia after the workday. His life changes when he meets Marcy Franklin in a diner and decides to spend the evening outside the office, leading to a series of strange and dangerous adventures in the night city.

In Reality

The scene was filmed in the building known as the Metropolitan Life North Building. This 30-story Art Deco skyscraper is located in the Flatiron District near Madison Square Park in Manhattan. The building was designed by architects Harvey Wiley Corbett and D. Everett Waid, with construction starting in 1928 and finishing in 1950. Originally planned to be 100 stories, the project was scaled down to 30 stories due to the Great Depression. The skyscraper became an important part of New York's architectural landscape due to its unique design and historical significance. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1996 and is considered one of the best examples of Art Deco architecture in the USA. The interiors are decorated with marble and other high-quality materials, emphasizing its elegance. Its location at the intersection of Madison Avenue and East 24th Street and its famous gates make this place easily recognizable and symbolic for viewers.

Kiki and Marcy's Apartment

In the Film

Scene where Paul arrives at Kiki and Marcy's apartment. Paul meets a sweet girl named Marcy, who invites him to her place. When Paul arrives at the address she gave him, he meets her roommate Kiki. Kiki is an eccentric and creative individual working on an unusual plaster sculpture that later plays an important role in the plot. Kiki becomes the first link in the chain of strange events Paul encounters. Her behavior, like the atmosphere of her home, amplifies the sense of absurdity and chaos that permeates the entire film.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at 28 Howard Street. This apartment building, built in 1915, is part of the SoHo neighborhood, known for its art galleries, boutiques, and unique architecture. This place is famous for its characteristic lifestyle and creative atmosphere: you can find buildings with cast-iron facades. The choice of this building for filming Kiki's apartment is because it perfectly reflects the bohemian lifestyle and creative atmosphere of the area. The filmmakers chose it to create a contrast between Paul Hackett's ordinary office life and the eccentric world of artists and sculptors.

Subway Station

In the Film

Scene where Paul tries to go home by subway. Paul ends up in the subway when he tries to return home after a series of strange and dangerous events that occurred during the night. After meeting Marcy, he loses $20 that flew out of the taxi window, leaving him with only a small amount of money. When he decides to take the subway, he finds that the fare increased exactly at midnight and he no longer has enough money for the ride. He tries to persuade the attendant to sell him a ticket for the money he has or let him through, and even jumps over the turnstile, but all in vain. He is immediately caught by a police officer who forces Paul to leave the subway station.

In Reality

The scene was filmed at Spring Street station in the New York City subway. It is located at the intersection of Lafayette Street and Howard Street in the SoHo and Little Italy neighborhoods of Manhattan. The station opened on October 27, 1904, and is one of the original New York subway stations. It is served by the 6 train, which stops here 24/7, as well as the 4 and 5 trains during daytime. The filmmakers chose this station for the subway scene to emphasize the atmosphere of nighttime New York and add an element of realism to Paul Hackett's adventures.