Risky Business is a classic American film from the 1980s, known for its iconic scenes and memorable performances. Starring Tom Cruise, the film follows the story of a high school student who gets involved in a series of unexpected events while his parents are away. The movie has left a lasting impression on pop culture, and many fans are curious about the locations where it was filmed.
Where was Risky Business filmed? The primary filming locations for Risky Business were in and around the Chicago area. The movie utilized various sites in Illinois to create the suburban setting that is central to the story. One of the most notable locations is the house used for Joel Goodson’s home, located at 1258 Linden Avenue in Highland Park, Illinois. This suburban neighborhood provided the perfect backdrop for the film’s plot.
Another significant location is the famous scene where Tom Cruise’s character dances in his underwear to the song “Old Time Rock and Roll.” This scene was filmed inside the same house, specifically in the living room area. The house’s interior was meticulously chosen to match the film’s aesthetic and to create an authentic suburban feel.
Filming in Chicago
In addition to the suburban settings, several scenes were filmed in downtown Chicago. For example, the exterior shots of the train station were filmed at the Ogilvie Transportation Center, previously known as the Chicago and North Western Terminal. This location was used to depict Joel’s journey into the city, adding to the film’s dynamic narrative.
The city of Chicago itself played a significant role in the film, providing a vibrant and urban contrast to the quiet suburban life depicted in the movie. The use of real locations in Chicago helped to ground the story in a recognizable and relatable setting for the audience.
Other Notable Locations
Another important filming location is the Princeton University campus, where Joel aspires to attend. Although the actual Princeton University was not used, the filmmakers chose the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign to stand in for Princeton. This choice allowed the production team to capture the academic atmosphere needed for the scenes involving Joel’s college aspirations.
Additionally, some scenes were filmed at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, adding a touch of luxury and sophistication to the film’s setting. The hotel provided an elegant backdrop for several key moments in the movie, further enhancing the visual appeal of the film.
The combination of suburban and urban locations in and around Chicago played a crucial role in bringing the story of Risky Business to life. Each site was carefully selected to enhance the narrative and to provide a realistic and engaging setting for the film’s events.
The choice of filming locations contributed significantly to the overall atmosphere and tone of Risky Business. By using real locations, the filmmakers were able to create a believable and immersive world for the characters and the audience. The suburban house, the bustling city, and the prestigious university all played a part in shaping the film’s story and its enduring legacy.
Risky Business remains a beloved film, in part due to its memorable locations. Fans of the movie can still visit many of these sites today, adding an extra layer of connection to this classic piece of cinema.