New York Daily Photo Analytics

Wednesday, February 28, 2007

The El

Although it referred to as the SUBway, the NYC train system does travel above ground on various lines in parts of the boroughs. These stretches of elevated tracks are frequently shortened to L or el. This photo was taken along the elevated section of the F Train between Brooklyn and Manhattan, at the 4th Avenue stop. This ride across a trestle affords some nice views of the city, particularly if you like the gritty side of urban landscapes. The break from underground travel is welcome, especially on a sunny day. The ride outside also allows wireless access, so it is common to see riders seizing the opportunity to make short calls on their cellphones. Riding on the L reminds me of the famous chase scene in The French Connection (1971) - many feel this is the greatest car chase ever filmed (the chase was between a cop in a car and a hitman on an out-of-control train on a section of the L in Bensonhurst, Brooklyn.) Most of the chase sequence was real and filmed without permission from the city. It includes an accidental car crash, left in the film. Only in New York ...

5 comments:

Anonymous said...

I like the formal elements of the photograph, speaking of Els...

Anonymous said...

Great movie reference and photo! I love location shots of the city from the 1970's and earlier; it was so different in ways.

Brian Dubé said...

Beth - thanks. I hope I did not mislead you with the story. This is not the elevated train line where the movie was filmed. Just reminded me.
Brian

Anonymous said...

the photo RULES.

as does popeye doyle; i love that movie.

twilite said...

Travelling in many western countries be in US or Europe or Australia or New Zealand...why is there so much graffiti along the railway tracks?