'The Dark Knight Rises' Shooting in...Pittsburgh?

Chicago always seemed the perfect fit for Christopher Nolan's take on Batman: historical architecture, the raised L trains, and mixed areas of beauty and seediness worked to create a convincing Gotham City. Undoubtedly, that's why "Batman Begins" and "The Dark Knight" were both shot there.

So why has Christopher Nolan decided to film the last Batman installment, "The Dark Knight Rises," in Pittsburgh?

"Pittsburgh is a beautiful city," said Nolan in a statement.

"We have been able to find everything we were looking for here, and I am excited to spend the summer in Pittsburgh with our final installment of Batman."

I have nothing against Pittsburgh, it just seems very odd that the location of Gotham would change to a city that differs in layout and architecture. Of course, movies can make any space look however they want it to look, but wouldn't it be easier to stay in Chicago?

There are two possible explanations: either some kind of conflict is keeping "The Dark Knight Rises" out of Chicago (perhaps the fact that "Transformers: Dark of the Moon" will be shooting there?) or the movie doesn't take place in Gotham City at all, hence the change of scenery. I think the latter is unlikely...even though Batman will be on the run in the third film, he is still Gotham's protector.

Anyway, if you live in the Pittsburgh area, keep an eye out for the new Batmobile!