The iconic film Coming to America painted a vibrant picture of both the opulent kingdom of Zamunda and the gritty reality of Queens, New York. While Zamunda itself exists only in our imaginations, the real-world locations that brought these contrasting worlds to life are very much tangible, offering a fascinating glimpse behind the scenes of this beloved comedy classic.
From Fantasy Kingdom to New York City: A Location Breakdown
Coming to America, released in 1988, cleverly blended real locations with studio sets to create a convincing and memorable cinematic experience. The movie’s brilliance lies in its ability to contrast the extravagance of Akeem’s (Eddie Murphy) privileged life in Zamunda with the humble existence he sought out in Queens.
Zamunda: A Blend of Artifice and Reality
While most scenes depicting Zamunda’s palace and royal grounds were filmed on meticulously designed studio sets at Paramount Studios in Los Angeles, certain exterior shots and establishing scenes were cleverly interwoven to suggest a tangible location.
- Exterior Palace Shots: These were primarily achieved using matte paintings and visual effects, augmenting the studio sets to create the illusion of vast landscapes and imposing architecture.
- Royal Bath: The opulent bathing scene featuring Akeem was filmed within a lavishly decorated Paramount Studios set.
- Street Scenes: Some exterior shots representing Zamunda’s bustling marketplaces were actually filmed at various locations in Los Angeles, carefully dressed to resemble an African city. Expert set decoration and costuming played a crucial role in creating the impression of a faraway land.
Queens, New York: Authenticity on Display
The film’s portrayal of Queens, New York, stands in stark contrast to Zamunda’s fantasy setting, emphasizing Akeem’s fish-out-of-water experience. The filmmakers embraced the realism of New York City, using genuine locations that added authenticity to the storyline.
- McDowell’s Restaurant: The fictional fast-food restaurant, a clear parody of McDonald’s, was filmed at a real-life location. The original building stood at 85-07 Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst, Queens, and housed a Wendy’s restaurant at the time. It has since been renovated and now houses another business, but the structure’s recognizable features remain.
- Akeem’s Apartment: Akeem and Semmi’s humble apartment was located in a building on 44th Street in Queens. This location highlighted the stark contrast between Akeem’s former life of luxury and his new, more modest circumstances.
- My-T-Sharp Barber Shop: This iconic location where Akeem and Semmi found employment was located at 84-02 Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens. The barber shop, unfortunately, no longer exists, but its presence was a significant part of the film’s neighborhood feel.
- Other Queens Locations: The filmmakers utilized various streets and businesses in Queens, including Jackson Heights and Corona, to capture the vibrant and diverse atmosphere of the borough. Establishing shots of the subway system and bustling sidewalks added to the film’s authenticity.
- Holiday Inn, Long Island City: While predominantly filmed in Queens, some scenes, including those involving more spacious interiors, were shot at the Holiday Inn in Long Island City, offering the production greater control over filming conditions and space.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
H3 Was Zamunda a real place?
No, Zamunda is a fictional country created for the film Coming to America. It’s a blend of African culture and fantasy, designed to contrast with the realism of Queens, New York.
H3 Where exactly was McDowell’s filmed?
McDowell’s was filmed at 85-07 Queens Boulevard in Elmhurst, Queens. It was a Wendy’s restaurant at the time of filming, but has since been renovated and now houses a different business. While the interior has changed, the building’s exterior retains some recognizable features from the movie.
H3 Is the My-T-Sharp barber shop still there?
Unfortunately, the My-T-Sharp barber shop at 84-02 Corona Avenue in Elmhurst, Queens, no longer exists. It was a real barber shop that was temporarily rebranded for the film.
H3 Did Eddie Murphy own the building that housed McDowell’s?
No, Eddie Murphy did not own the building that housed McDowell’s. It was a functioning Wendy’s restaurant owned by a separate entity. The filmmakers secured permission to film there and temporarily rebranded it as McDowell’s.
H3 Were any scenes filmed in Africa?
While Coming to America is set partly in the fictional African nation of Zamunda, no scenes were actually filmed in Africa. All Zamunda scenes were filmed on studio sets in Los Angeles and select locations in the city, using clever set design and visual effects to create the illusion of an African kingdom.
H3 Did the actors actually work at McDowell’s during filming?
While the actors were portraying employees of McDowell’s, they did not actually work there in a functional capacity outside of the filming requirements. They were acting and performing scripted scenes.
H3 What made the Queens locations so important to the film’s success?
The authenticity and grit of the Queens locations were crucial to the film’s success. They provided a realistic backdrop for Akeem’s cultural shock and his journey to find genuine love, contrasting sharply with the opulence of Zamunda. The relatable environment helped audiences connect with the characters and their experiences.
H3 How did the filmmakers choose the Queens locations?
The filmmakers likely scouted various neighborhoods in Queens, searching for locations that fit their vision of a diverse and working-class community. They sought out establishments and buildings that could be easily adapted for the film, adding to the believability of the story. Proximity to the studio might also have been a factor.
H3 Are there any tours of the Coming to America film locations?
While there aren’t officially sanctioned Coming to America tours, fans often create their own self-guided tours of the Queens locations. Some websites and fan forums provide information on the addresses and current states of the filming sites. Always respect private property and local businesses when visiting these locations.
H3 Did the locations used impact the local community?
The filming of Coming to America likely had a positive impact on the local community in Queens, providing temporary jobs for extras and crew members. The movie’s popularity may have also increased tourism to the area, as fans sought to visit the iconic locations.
H3 How was the contrast between Zamunda and Queens achieved visually?
The contrast between Zamunda and Queens was achieved through a combination of factors, including set design, costume design, cinematography, and color palettes. Zamunda was portrayed with bright colors, lavish costumes, and grand sets, while Queens was depicted with more muted tones, everyday clothing, and realistic urban environments.
H3 What other movies have been filmed in the same Queens locations?
Queens is a popular filming location, and many other movies and television shows have been filmed in the borough. Exploring film databases and resources dedicated to movie locations can reveal other productions that utilized the same or nearby locations used in Coming to America. Its diverse architecture and vibrant atmosphere make it a favored spot for filmmakers seeking an authentic New York setting.