Category Archives: New York City

2009 Films, Best Feature- Independent Spirit Award Winners, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, New York City, Social Issues

Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire-2009

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Precious: Based on the Novel Push by Sapphire-2009

Director Lee Daniels

Starring Gabourey Sidibe

Scott’s Review #581

Reviewed January 2, 2017

Grade: A

Precious is an amazing film and one of the best to come out in 2009. Due to the hype, I had high expectations entering the theater, and I was not disappointed.

The film is an in-your-face slug-fest with some of the rawest acting performed in recent years.

The marvelous aspect is that the film takes the viewer into a world that is probably not one’s own experience and makes them empathize with the characters.

The film is very disturbing at times, raw, gritty, and violent, but also has some light, humorous moments and is an important film to see.

There is a heartwarming charm that offsets the violence perfectly.

The story itself and the direction are basic, but the wonderful acting is what sets this film on a high pedestal.

Gabourey Sidibe, a relatively unknown and novice actress, gives an astounding turn as an unloved, overweight, pregnant teen mom.

Both of her parents abuse her in separate ways and seem to have a life of pain ahead of her.

Paula Patton, who has been in several fluff films, impresses as a teacher who takes a shine to Precious, and Mariah Carey is unrecognizable as a plain-looking social worker who is also a sympathetic character.

However, actress and comedienne Mo’Nique plays an unfeeling, brutal, violent mother to the hilt and holds nothing back. Her Best Supporting Actress Oscar win was deserving.

Everyone should see this fantastic slice-of-life film.

Oscar Nominations: 2 wins-Best Picture, Best Director-Lee Daniels, Best Actress-Gabourey Sidibe, Best Supporting Actress-Mo’Nique (won), Best Adapted Screenplay (won), Best Film Editing

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 5 wins-Best Feature (won), Best Director-Lee Daniels (won), Best Female Lead-Gabourey Sidibe (won), Best Supporting Female-Mo’Nique (won), Best First Screenplay (won)

2010 Films, Action, Comedy, New York City, Romantic Comedy, Screwball Comedy

Date Night-2010

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Date Night-2010

Director Shawn Levy

Starring Steve Carell, Tina Fey

Scott’s Review #481

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Reviewed September 17, 2016

Grade: D+

Date Night is a perfect example of mediocrity in modern filmmaking.

We have two current comedic actors here- Steve Carell and Tina Fey- circa 2010- at the top of their game.

The filmmaker’s idea is to pair these two and make an appealing romantic comedy for the masses.

The main issue with this film is that the result is generic and quite an average offering.

The entire film is incredibly plot-driven, with no character development to speak of.

If I am being too harsh, admittedly there is nice chemistry between the two leads, but it is wasted by sloppy writing.

A couple from the New Jersey burbs, Carrell and Fey portray husband and wife, Phil and Claire Foster. Saddled with two kids and their romance reaching dullsville, Phil decides to take Claire to a ritzy Manhattan restaurant.

When they arrive, they cannot get a table, so they pretend to be another couple a get one after the other couple no-shows. This leads to a tale of mistaken identity as the other couple possesses a flash drive that a mobster (Ray Liotta) wants.

This leads to a chase through Manhattan as they try to outrun and outwit their pursuers.

Wahlberg plays a hunky client of Claire’s, always shirtless, who threatens Phil and Claire’s marriage.

Several others of the current Hollywood elite- Kristen Wiig, James Franco, Mila Kunis, and Mark Ruffalo- make small and somewhat pointless appearances. Specifically, Franco and Kunis as a stoner-type bickering couple are silly and unnecessary to the story.

Carrell and Fey are quite funny as individuals and as a duo. Date Night, though, does not capitalize on or showcase their respective talents.

The film tries too hard to come up with scenario after scenario of the two on the run and encountering one problematic situation after another.

As the plot of Date Night wears on, I notice that each situation is a matter of convenience.

Conveniently, Claire has a client in town (Wahlberg), who is a security expert. They go to him for help and, predictably, his hunkiness bothers Phil and piques Claire’s interest- though, of course, we know full well Phil and Claire will end up together- that is how these mainstream films go.

In another scene. Phil and Claire can break into an office building unnoticed, trigger the alarms, conveniently find a needed file, and escape, miraculously all before the police arrive minutes later.

Very plot-driven.

The lead actors in Date Night are appealing and even charming together, but it falls flat. Still, the inane plot makes it unappealing to watch, and the slew of stars that somebody decided would be a great addition to a lukewarm film is odd.

The roles written have little bearing on the central plot, so it was apparent why they were added.

Date Night (2010) is a film we have seen time and time again with other actors in similar roles.

1955 Films, Comedy, New York City, Romantic Comedy, Summer

The Seven Year Itch-1955

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The Seven Year Itch-1955

Director Billy Wilder

Starring Marilyn Monroe, Tom Ewell

Scott’s Review #302

Reviewed December 18, 2015

Grade: B

Following a string of successful hits by director Billy Wilder (best known for films in the 1940s and 1950s), The Seven Year Itch features Marilyn Monroe at her prime and finest.

It is a cute film made charming by the likable legend. While not high art, it is a fun experience in classic romantic comedy cinema, and its innocence is undoubtedly lost in today’s genre.

Playing a familiar character to what she was known for (sexy, flirty, sweet blondes), it is arguably Monroe’s best role (though Some Like it Hot still wins out for me as her best film role).

Richard Sherman, a successful New York publisher, finds himself alone for the summer when his wife and son leave for a vacation in the country.

Middle-aged and bored, he immediately is enamored with his gorgeous new upstairs neighbor, known as The Girl, played by Marilyn Monroe.

The Girl is a commercial actress and former model, and is quite friendly and bubbly. She is conveniently staying in New York City while filming a new television ad for toothpaste.

Richard finds himself awkwardly tempted by the curvaceous Girl in one situation after another.

The Seven Year Itch is pure innocence and fantasy. The Girl has no designs on Richard, and his flirtation with her is harmless and juvenile.

Richard is nerdy and socially awkward, not to mention fearful of his wife’s stern nature if she discovers that he is even spending a moment with The Girl.

Much of the film features scenes in which Richard imagines conversations with his wife or sees her with another man, justifying his attraction to The Girl.

These scenes are done hilariously as he imagines conversations with his wife, and his thoughts are exaggerated.

Humorous scenes transpire, such as the “champagne scene,” in which The Girl and Richard attempt to open a champagne bottle while cooling off with Richard’s new state-of-the-art air conditioner.

The Girl keeps her underpants in a freezer to cool off. The Girl appearing in her toothpaste commercial is, comically, also a treat.

And who can forget Marilyn Monroe’s famous scene in which she stands over a subway grate, clad in a sexy white dress and high heels, the wind from the subway blowing her dress in the air, which is one of the most memorable scenes in film history and priceless.

Some would argue that The Seven Year Itch (1955) is nothing but fluff, and they essentially are correct.

Still, in an age of crude and obnoxious films disguised as romantic comedies, with cheesy jokes and canned humor, it is refreshing to look back to the 1950s culture, primarily an innocent era, and enjoy a fun film romp with one of cinema’s forever stars.

Golden Globe Nominations: 1 win-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy-Tom Ewell (won)

2013 Films, Drama, New York City, Period Drama, Romantic Drama

The Immigrant-2013

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The Immigrant-2013

Director James Gray

Starring Marion Cotillard, Joaquin Phoenix, Jeremy Renner

Scott’s Review #293

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Reviewed December 5, 2015

Grade: A-

The Immigrant (2013) is a lovely, classic, old-style Hollywood film set in early 1920’s New York City.

The film is a classic tale of a poor Polish immigrant who travels to America in hopes of a better life, only to be met with hardship, manipulation, and conflict.

However, The Immigrant is not a downer. Rather, a powerful and intriguing story of life and the clichéd pursuit of happiness, with a compelling love story mixed in.

Nominated for Best Actress for Two Days, One Night, eligible the same year as The Immigrant, this is a good example of how the Academy got it wrong, as Marion Cotillard should have been nominated for this performance instead.

The actress was, however, recognized with an Independent Spirit Award nomination for Best Actress for this role. A true talent, she gives a wonderful performance.

Little is known about Ewa’s (Cotillard) life before she arrives on Ellis Island with her sister Magda in tow.

We meet them as they disembark a ship and wait in line at the immigration station, weary from their escape from war-torn Poland.

They have escaped their native country in hopes of a better life in the United States.

Unfortunately, Magda is ill, cannot hide a cough, and is sent to the infirmary, most likely before being sent back to Poland.

Ewa desperately needs money and is told that her Aunt and Uncle have not shown up to collect her as she had originally thought.

She is now on her own and desperate in a land where she knows not a soul.

As the plot unfolds, Ewa encounters two men who enter her life- Bruno (Joaquin Phoenix) and Emil (Jeremy Renner)- brothers with a rivalry, both professionally and over Ewa.

They both fall in love with her- she is gorgeous and innocent, after all.

But can the men be trusted? Are their feelings true? We begin to get to know the men better, and not everything is as it seems or as it originally appeared.

The Immigrant perfectly captures the 1920s era cinematically with gorgeous cinematography and camera work.

Directed by James Gray, a director with a tendency to direct films set in New York City and feature a romantic element (Two Lovers comes to mind- also starring Joaquin Phoenix as a Jew pursuing a blonde girl).

In The Immigrant, I felt transported to the 1920s with Bruno’s dark coat and bowler and the characters’ costumes in general.

The Lower East Side, from the automobiles to the theaters, seems like that’s how it was back then- charming, artistic, and yet combustible too.

Marion Cotillard gives a soft yet tough performance as the long-suffering, heart-of-gold Ewa.

Her yearning to keep her traditional Catholic values while being transported into a new, dangerous world filled with corruption and the need to survive is heartbreaking, and Cotillard wears her heart on her sleeve.

She is also tougher and more stubborn than we first think she is- she will not be taken advantage of, and these aspects give the character complexity.

I did not see her as a victim.

Let’s not forget the men in the film; while it borders on turning into a “woman’s movie” towards the climax, and Cotillard is front and center, Phoenix and Renner are flawless.

Phoenix, with the larger role, is extremely complex, and it takes the audience until the final scene to entirely figure Bruno out.

I wish The Immigrant (2013) would have found a wider audience, but for fans of a traditional, classic, romantic Hollywood experience, this film is a treat.

It will take you back to an earlier time in the world- in a completely authentic way.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Female Lead-Marion Cotillard

2013 Films, Coming-of-Age, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, New York City

It Felt Like Love-2013

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It Felt Like Love-2013

Director Eliza Hittman

Starring Gina Piersanti

Scott’s Review #283

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Reviewed October 17, 2015

Grade: B

It Felt Like Love is a small, independent film from 2013 that garnered an Independent Spirit Award nomination.

A coming-of-age story encompassing a vulnerable and naïve fourteen-year-old girl, aware of her budding sexuality and developing a crush on an older, rebellious boy.

Quiet and subdued, the film tells an honest story of a young girl’s emotional struggles surrounding jealousy, loneliness, and fitting in.

Lila is a typical teenager living in New York City in what appears to be a blue-collar area of Brooklyn. Lila emulates her seemingly more mature best friend (she is turning sixteen) and much more sexually experienced, Chiara.

Never without a boyfriend and very popular, Chiara gains the attention of almost every boy she is around.

One day on the beach, a handsome friend of Chiara’s, named Sammy, passes by, when Chiara describes him as “sleeping with anyone”, Lila becomes fixated on him.

As she pursues him relentlessly, she puts herself in precarious situations and gets in way over her head.

Throughout this drama, Lila’s best male friend and neighbor, a child-like and innocent-looking kid, contrasts perfectly with the rugged, older Sammy.

Lila has two “men” in her life who could not be more opposite. The neighbor kid represents her youth, and Sammy, her adulthood, and she is stuck somewhere in the middle, wrestling between the two stages of her life.

The film is the debut of acclaimed director Eliza Hittman, who weaves an interesting and true-to-life premise. A fourteen-year-old girl’s feelings and emotions are powerful and often lead to risk-taking without thought of repercussions.

Liza is extremely vulnerable as anyone her age is, especially since the film reveals that she has recently lost her mother to breast cancer.

Her father is a caring yet no-nonsense type and is written well, as a typical blue-collar father would act.

The standout to me is the actress who plays Lila, Gina Piersanti. What a marvel! The youngster brilliantly portrays a range of emotions- gloominess, insecurity, and annoyance.

She is insecure but intelligent and savvy for her age. Her obsession with Sammy, clearly from the wrong side of the tracks, is dangerous, as he smokes pot regularly, parties, and works in a pool hall.

He ultimately isn’t for her, and I think Lila knows it deep down. But at her age, she is craving attention and sexually blooming.

All of the actors in the film are newcomers and do a fantastic job of relaying honesty. Lila’s motivations are not always clear, but then again, she is a teenager- moods and motivations change with the weather.

In one powerful scene, Lila hangs out at Sammy’s apartment (where she usually is and is seen as a pest). Sammy and his two friends are smoking pot and watching basketball on television.

Somehow, the subject matter turns to oral sex. As Sammy’s friends eagerly accept Lila’s awkward offer to pleasure them, Sammy rebuffs her advances and says that his “privates” do not like her.

This seems to lead Lila to leave him alone.

The audience hopes she musters her self-esteem and goes on with her life. The showing of full-frontal male nudity was surprising to me- very seldom is this shown in American cinema.

Interestingly, we never actually see Lila engage in any sexual activity. The point of the film is that she wants to desperately, but we cringe as we fear for the worst in each dangerous sexual encounter she experiences.

Perhaps it could have been further developed or fleshed out, but It Felt Like Love (2013) is a truthful, quiet film with powerful acting and writing from new talent sure to be around for years to come, with the wonderful skills they possess.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Cinematography

2013 Films, Documentary, LGBTQ+ Documentary, LGBTQ+ Films, New York City

Getting Go-The Go Doc Project-2013

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Getting Go- The Go Doc Project-2013

Director Cory Krueckeberg

Starring Tanner Cohen, Matthew Camp

Scott’s Review #250

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Reviewed June 23, 2015

Grade: C

Getting Go-The Go Doc Project (2013) is a low-budget documentary that follows a shy, awkwardly gay college student named Doc.

He is completing his thesis project by filming a documentary surrounding an online crush he has developed, via porn, on a New York City exotic dancer named Go.

When Doc finally contacts Go and inevitably meets him, the filming of Go’s life begins. From there, a relationship forms, but at what cost, and what will the turnabout be?

The film is okay but surprisingly dull as it develops, and it quickly drags toward a predictable conclusion.

The underlying themes of this documentary are loneliness and obsession, shown from two different perspectives.

Doc, the boring, lonely college student, is enamored by the gorgeous, buff, seemingly independent Go.

As the two get to know each other, more is revealed about Go, his life past and present, his hopes, dreams, and fears. The film also explores Doc psychologically, and the two form an unlikely bond.

The film succeeds in teaching the audience that there is more to a dancer than his body and more to a nerd than his brain. Both are complex individuals.

The first half of the feature is fairly interesting.

Doc’s initial courage to contact and ultimately meet Go is admirable, and I enjoyed seeing what happened next.

Will Go be receptive to Doc or callously treat him as another enamored gay man?

When Go agrees to be filmed, and his life story is slowly revealed, I feel sympathy for him and am intrigued to learn more.

What was his family life like? Was he abused or victimized as a child?

I wondered.

Getting Go- The Go Doc Project loosely explores matters like this, though it introduces no supporting characters. Go and Doc and their budding relationship are the only focus.

The film then plods for the final forty-five minutes with an uninteresting love story that lacks suspense. Are we to believe the pair will live happily ever after? Not a chance.

Unfortunately, the acting isn’t great either, especially from Go, played by Matthew Camp.

Tanner Cohen is a bit better and the more interesting character of the two, with more depth. He is not comfortable with himself, his body, or even with being gay.

However, at this age (early twenties), one wonders if the character would even be comfortable with girls had he been made to be straight.

The main problem with the film is that the two are mismatched. Even though they develop a fondness for each other, the audience knows it won’t last.

Props to the filmmakers for trying something a bit different.

In the end, Getting Go – The Go Doc Project (2013) starts well, meanders, and ultimately stalls, but it tries hard to present a different type of story, and that is not so bad.

2011 Films, Comedy, Heist, New York City, Screwball Comedy

Tower Heist-2011

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Tower Heist-2011

Director Brett Ratner

Starring Ben Stiller, Eddie Murphy

Scott’s Review #160

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Reviewed August 29, 2014

Grade: D

Tower Heist (2011) is a completely formulaic, by-the-numbers comedy with absolutely no surprises or, frankly, creativity.

It follows Josh Kovacs, a luxury high-rise apartment manager weakly played by Ben Stiller in New York City, whose favorite tenant, a businessman Arthur Shaw (Alan Alda), is arrested for involvement in a Ponzi scheme.

The entire staff’s pensions have been squandered after Josh entrusts Shaw with the funds, and he tries to return the money to the rightful owners with a team of staff and an ex-con, played by Eddie Murphy.

They team up and attempt to locate millions of dollars hidden in Shaw’s apartment.

If this film was a starring vehicle for Ben Stiller, it was done horribly. He has been much funnier in There’s Something About Mary (1998) or Meet the Parents (2000).

Tower Heist has some similarities to Ocean’s Eleven (2001) because the score is recognizable and mirrors that film. The group of players is similar to that film, and its look reminds me of it too.

Murphy plays a silly, stereotypical role, and the group has zero chemistry as they try to keep the money.

There is also no chemistry between Stiller and Tea Leoni, who plays an FBI agent with a phony Queens accent that I found laugh-out-loud bad.

Nothing worked in this film since it was one tired gag after another and completely predictable.

I will admit two minor positives in Tower Heist: Alan Alda, who’s always great to see in films, and the interesting choice of a luxurious high-rise setting with cool, ritzy interiors taken from real buildings in New York City.

Otherwise, Tower Heist (2011) is a complete dud.

2011 Films, Drama, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, New York City

Gun Hill Road-2011

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Gun Hill Road-2011

Director Rashaad Ernesto Green

Starring Esai Morales

Scott’s Review #138

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Reviewed July 27, 2014

Grade: A-

Gun Hill Road (2011) is a very small, independent film set in the Bronx, New York, hence the title, which is a famous street there.

It tells the story of a Hispanic family: the father, Enrique (wonderfully played by Esai Morales), has recently been released from prison and is adjusting to clean living.

His wife Angela (Judy Reyes) has moved on emotionally and physically, and his teenage son Michael (Harmony Santana) is going through a sexual identity crisis and defines himself as a female.

Each of the three characters is sympathetic and well understood in terms of motivation.

The most interesting facet of the film is the father/son relationship, as Enrique must eventually come to terms with Michael’s sexuality and gender definition, which is not portrayed as easy in the Latino community.

The film has a rawness and realness.

Gun Hill Road is a dysfunctional family drama, character-driven, sometimes difficult to watch, and quite captivating, though the ending is slightly disappointing, as events were left open-ended.

Santana was nominated for the 2012 Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Female.

I only wish this film had received wider recognition and acclaim, as it’s a marvel.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Supporting Female-Harmony Santana

2012 Films, Documentary, New York City

The Central Park Five- 2012

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The Central Park Five-2012

Directors Ken Burns, Sarah Burns, David McMahon

Starring Antron McCray

Scott’s Review #124

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Reviewed July 21, 2014

Grade: B+

The Central Park Five (2012) is a fascinating documentary surrounding the infamous 1989 events of the Central Park jogger, who was raped, beaten, and left for dead one night.

I remember the case well but was too young to know the details and circumstances involved.

Suppose one believes the documentary presented.

In that case, one is to be outraged and disgusted by police, detectives, and attorneys who railroaded and influenced the youths found guilty because they assumed they were guilty.

Youths who were later found to be innocent after years of wasting away in prison.

It saddens me how the media turned the case into a witch hunt and sensationalized the story. What is sadder is that this still happens today.

I like documentaries that present both sides, but according to the film, no attorneys, detectives, or police would comment so that I will accept this as truth.

After the youths were exonerated, no apology was ever issued.

It is a sad day when detectives can pressure and threaten someone into a confession. In modern times, DNA evidence has come to the rescue of the falsely accused.

As with anything, there are two sides to every story, but one can’t help but wonder: if the police did no wrongdoing, then why not comment on the events?

The Central Park Five (2012) is a shockingly truthful, informative documentary.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Documentary Feature

1977 Films, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Comedy, Drama, Los Angeles, New York City, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama, Satire

Annie Hall-1977

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Annie Hall-1977

Director Woody Allen

Starring Woody Allen, Diane Keaton

Scott’s Review #48

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Reviewed June 19, 2014

Grade: A

Annie Hall (1978) is one of Woody Allen’s finest works, and that says something as his list of wonderful films goes on and on; Manhattan, Blue Jasmine, and Interiors are gems.

Annie Hall is a witty, intelligent, great comedy. It is sharply written, quirky, and neurotic all rolled into one.

Comedy is a tough genre. Romantic comedies are even tougher to get right.

My favorite part of the film is Woody Allen himself. Some might say he plays himself, but he is engagingly hysterical as the neurotic, skeptical, Jewish, cynical New York man named Alvy.

He meets and falls in love with equally neurotic Annie Hall, played by Diane Keaton.

They quarrel, love, and travel from New York to California and back.

The film has some very funny scenes (lobster, movie theater line, and the drive-through Manhattan), and the intelligent, crisp dialogue makes it a top-notch comedy.

Oscar Nominations: 4 wins-Best Picture (won), Best Director-Woody Allen (won), Best Actor-Woody Allen, Best Actress-Diane Keaton (won), Best Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen Based on Factual Material or Story Material Not Previously Published or Produced (won)

Golden Globe Nominations: 1 win-Best Picture-Comedy or Musical, Best Director-Woody Allen, Best Actor-Comedy or Musical-Woody Allen, Best Actress-Comedy or Musical-Diane Keaton (won), Best Screenplay

2012 Films, Black & White, Comedy, Drama, Independent, Independent Comedy, Independent Drama, New York City

Frances Ha-2012

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Frances Ha-2012

Director Noah Baumbach

Starring Greta Gerwig

Scott’s Review #44

Reviewed June 18, 2014

Grade: B+

Frances Ha (2012) is an intelligent, quirky comedy-drama made ever so appealing by its star, Greta Gerwig, an up-and-coming indie star (Greenberg-2010, The House of the Devil-2009).

She later achieved massive success directing Barbie (2023).

Gerwig is the heart of this film and has an intense rooting value. You want to be her friend.

Made in black and white, which is unique and highly effective in an indie way, it tells the tale of a moderately talented dancer struggling to make it in New York City.

“Frances”, along with her best friend, hops from situation to situation in an attempt to establish normalcy.

Gerwig shines with the perfect blend of awkwardness, sarcasm, and wit she gives the character, and the viewer falls in love with her as she endures trials and tribulations.

It’s a year-in-the-life type of film.

Frances Ha (2012) is reminiscent of a Woody Allen film, with many neurotic yet lovable characters.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: Best Feature, Best Editing

1973 Films, Comedy, Drama, Musical, Musical Comedy, Musical Drama, New York City

Godspell-1973

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Godspell-1973

Director David Greene

Starring Victor Garber, David Haskell

Scott’s Review #23

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: B

Although Godspell (1973) is a popular and legendary Broadway musical production, the film left me with very mixed reactions.

The positives for me are the songs- they are memorable, and they stay in your head for days to come.

My absolute favorite is “Day by Day”.

I also enjoy the cast traveling throughout NYC, as I love it when films are set here.

For the first thirty minutes of the film, I did not get it at all.

There is no plot, but simply a group of college-aged people leaving their crummy jobs and celebrating Jesus as they aimlessly flit about the city, with nobody else in sight, singing songs of salvation and celebration.

Then I realized this is not a “message” movie or an attempt to convert people to religion. Many devout Christians despise the film.

The film left me with questions.

Is it tongue-in-cheek or meant to be taken seriously?

By the end of the film, I took it for a fun musical with great songs. It offers nothing more, nothing less.

1998 Films, Drama, Favorite Film of the Year, Independent, Independent Drama, LGBTQ+ Drama, LGBTQ+ Films, LGBTQ+ Romance, New York City

High Art-1998

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High Art-1998

Director Lisa Cholodenko

Starring Ally Sheedy, Radha Mitchell

Scott’s Review #21

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Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A

Superlative indie drama by acclaimed director Lisa Cholodenko (The Kids Are All Right, 2008) and an incredible performance by Ally Sheedy, who makes viewers forget all her past, forgettable “80’s roles”.

She portrays a lonely, drug-abusing, star photographer, enamored with a new neighbor in her New York City apartment building.

Her life is spiraling out of control, and she is inspired by her new friend, who is on an upward career path.

The film is a dark love story with a raw, moody quality. It’s a raw, emotional, mesmerizing film.

Patricia Clarkson is her usual awesome self as Sheedy’s even more drugged-out, unhappy partner.

The love triangle is interesting and painful.

The three leads (Sheedy, Clarkson, and Radha Mitchell) all give knockout performances, but the film belongs solely to Ally Sheedy, who is spectacular.

Independent Spirit Award Nominations: 1 win-Best Female Lead-Ally Sheedy (won), Best Supporting Female-Patricia Clarkson, Best First Screenplay, Best First Feature, Best Cinematography

1960 Films, Best Picture Oscar Winners, Best Picture-Comedy or Musical Golden Globe Winners, Comedy, Drama, New York City, Romantic Comedy, Romantic Drama

The Apartment-1960

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The Apartment-1960

Director Billy Wilder

Starring Jack Lemmon, Shirley MacLaine

Scott’s Review #7

Reviewed June 17, 2014

Grade: A-

The Apartment (1960) is another gem by Billy Wilder (Sunset Boulevard-1950, The Lost Weekend-1946).

This one is set in 1959 New York City, a setting and period I adore.

The black-and-white images effectively portray the loneliness and bleakness of the characters, who are all friendless, sad, and starved for love.

It questions social morality and getting ahead in the corporate world but goes from drama to romantic comedy with no sappiness.

Quite the contrary, as the film has dark moments of despair and angst.

The film influenced the television series “Mad Men”. As with most Billy Wilder films, there is a darkness of humanity, which is fascinating to watch.

Jack Lemmon and Shirley MacLaine are terrific, but their chemistry is lacking. Despite this, the film is still excellent.

The Apartment (1960) won the Best Picture Oscar.

Oscar Nominations: 5 wins-Best Motion Picture (won), Best Director-Billy Wilder (won), Best Actor-Jack Lemmon, Best Actress-Shirley MacLaine, Best Supporting Actor-Jack Kruschen, Best Story and Screenplay Written Directly for the Screen (won), Best Sound, Best Art Direction, Black-and-White (won), Best Cinematography, Black-and-White, Best Film Editing (won)

Golden Globe Nominations: 3 wins-Best Picture-Comedy (won), Best Director-Billy Wilder, Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture-Musical or Comedy-Jack Lemmon (won), Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role-Musical or Comedy-Shirley MacLaine (won)