American Gangster (2007) – Filming Locations
Drama / Crime · Directed by Ridley Scott · Starring Denzel Washington, Lymari Nadal
Loosely based on the criminal career of Frank Lucas, a gangster from La Grange, North Carolina, who smuggled heroin into the United States on American service planes returning from the Vietnam War, before being detained by a task force led by Newark Detective Richie Roberts.
Where was American Gangster filmed?
- Harlem, New York, United States, New York – Frank Lucas's drug operations and street scenes establishing his criminal empire in 1970s Harlem. Extensive on-location filming in Harlem captures the authentic atmosphere of the neighborhood during the era depicted in the film
- New York, United States, New York – Various scenes of Frank Lucas's rise, including meeting with Denzel Washington's character and establishing his wealth and influence. Manhattan locations were used throughout to contrast Frank's criminal world with the legitimate upper-class settings he infiltrates
- New Jersey, United States, Newark – Scenes depicting Frank's operations and criminal activities in the tri-state area. New Jersey locations provided authentic settings for the film's depiction of drug trafficking networks in the region
- Bangkok, Thailand, Bangkok – Frank Lucas's source meeting and drug procurement operations in Southeast Asia. Authentic Bangkok locations establish the international supply chain and Frank's direct connection to heroin sources in the Golden Triangle
- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, United States, Philadelphia – Scenes depicting Richie Roberts's police work and investigations into Frank Lucas's operation. Philadelphia locations were used to establish the broader law enforcement effort to track Frank's drug network across multiple states
- Atlantic City, New Jersey, United States, Atlantic City – Frank Lucas celebrating and enjoying the spoils of his criminal enterprise in luxury casino settings. Atlantic City's famous casinos provide an authentic backdrop for depicting Frank's wealth and high-rolling lifestyle