Matt Novak speaks with history professor Max Page, author of The City’s End: Two Centuries of Fantasies, Fears and Premonitions of New York’s Destruction:
"It’s interesting because there are disaster fantasies [in books and movies] about lots of different places…. [But] what I was struck with is that New York has remained the predominant focus for literally close to two centuries." Page said. "It came to be the symbol of the city — not just the American city, but the city itself — with skyscrapers in the early 20th century."
Novak reflects on how this cinematic habit made 9/11 "surreal, but not unimaginable." Meanwhile, Elizabeth Rappe notes that the runner-up for onscreen destruction – after New York's 61 obliterations – is Los Angeles, which has been leveled 22 times. (However, given that there are 28 Godzilla films, Tokyo is another contender for second.)
The Dish 