New York through film?

December 30, 2005 11:46 AM

Help me discover New York City through film--before I visit!

My wife and I will be visiting NYC for six days and five nights in mid-May. I've never been to the city, and she's only been once. I'm the kind of guy who likes to know a lot about my destination before I arrive, so I've been scouring guide books and websites, trying to learn as much as possible.

I'd like to learn about New York through film, though, too. I have access to BlockbusterOnline.com, so I've ordered an 8-part documentary, and I've always loved the musical "Out On The Town," so I've included it, as well. (I know it's old, stylized, and hopefully out-of-date, but I love it.) What films should I order, though, that will give me an accurate idea of NYC as it exist today? Or is this too tall an order? Any other suggestions, apart from film, guide books, and the web, that will help me with my research? All help is appreciated!

posted by unclejeffy to travel & transportation (15 comments total)

Obviously, any modern-day Woody Allen will get you somewhere.
Just because nobody else will think of it, I'll recommend Ed's Next Move.
Joke answers: Nighthawks, Fort Apache: the Bronx, Se7en, Escape from New York, Wolfen
posted by Aknaton at 11:55 AM on December 30, 2005

Speedy has some great NYC and Coney Island scenes. Outdated? Yes. A great film? Yes again.
posted by mds35 at 12:05 PM on December 30, 2005

The PBS Ric Burns New York DVD set. It's long but good.
posted by arh07 at 12:20 PM on December 30, 2005

Do your best to find The Cruise.
posted by dobbs at 1:01 PM on December 30, 2005

I found Celluloid Skyline on sale last week for only 15 bucks. It's about New York (or just the idea people have of New York) in the movies. It's by the co-writer of the Burns documentary, New York architect James Sanders. In the back is a massive ("selected") filmography, which should get you started with movies to watch.
posted by ar0n at 1:07 PM on December 30, 2005

Crossing Delancy
King of Comedy
After Hours
King Kong (original, 70s remake, Peter Jackson remake)
The Warriers
The Taking of Pelham 1, 2, 3
42nd Street
Eyes Wide Shut
Age of Innocence
Hero
Midnight Cowboy
Working Girl
Sweet Smell of Success
Broadway Danny Rose
Manhattan
Annie Hall
Hannah and Her Sisters
Husbands and Wives
posted by grumblebee at 1:26 PM on December 30, 2005

One of the things about Eyes Wide Shut was how little it resembled Manhattan. I believe it was shot entirely in England (as Kubrick never left).

Manhattan is Allen's film to the city. It should be at the top of your list.

For modern day, if memory serves me right, the 2000 Hamlet is a nice view of NYC, but I didn't like the movie.
posted by geoff. at 1:33 PM on December 30, 2005

Oh duh, Ghostbusters I & II.
posted by geoff. at 1:33 PM on December 30, 2005

I'm probably fooling myself, but I'd like to think Downtown 81 is still at least somewhat relevant.
Definitely The Cruise though.
posted by hellbient at 4:58 PM on December 30, 2005

I'd just watch some episodes of "Law & Order" or "Sex & the City." (It does makes a diff when something is shot on location.) Of course, excessive viewing may prompt you to act like a hard-boiled cop or a giddy sex columnist when you do get to Manhattan, but you'll fit right in.
posted by rob511 at 5:40 PM on December 30, 2005

Various Ed Burns movies.
posted by tangerine at 6:04 PM on December 30, 2005

The French Connection
posted by falconred at 8:23 PM on December 30, 2005

When Harry Met Sally
posted by papercake at 6:18 AM on December 31, 2005

One of the things about Eyes Wide Shut was how little it resembled Manhattan.

Which is why I included it. If I wanted to experience NYC through film, I'd want do experience both the truth and the myth. "Eyes Wide Shut" creates a mythic NYC -- as does, in a way, "Batman." Myths are best when they build on (or reflect on or comment on) the truth. I can't quite explain it, but as a longtime NYC resident, I think "Eyes Wide Shut" is onto something about the city.

Here are some more:

West Side Story
Rear Window
Stranger than Paradice
Christ in Concrete
All That Jazz
Radio Days
posted by grumblebee at 9:04 AM on December 31, 2005

Thanks to all who have responded. I like all of the options. I'll definitely try and get a copy of The Cruise, though it doesn't seem to be available on BlockbusterOnline.com.
posted by unclejeffy at 3:08 PM on December 31, 2005