With Julie Delpy’s brilliant new comedy 2 Days In New York in mind, we knocked out this list of absolute must-see NY movies. For any film buff visiting the city, these are the ones to check off the list first. But be warned: it’s not all sunny strolls in Central Park and frolicking about in Times Square. We venture into the shadiest corners of the city, where Harry probably wouldn’t have met Sally.
1. Kids (Larry Clark, 1995)
Harmony Korine was at the ripe age of 19 when he penned the script to this ‘90s masterpiece. In stark contrast to Gene Kelly and co. in On the Town, these street kids get their kicks by more illicit means: brawls in Washington Square Park, breaking into swimming pools to skinny-dip during the early hours, getting high while watching skate videos. Kids reveals a side of the city we rarely ever see in films. Don't mention The Wackness.
2. Do The Right Thing (Spike Lee, 1989)
Brooklyn in the blistering sun. Public Enemy’s “Fight The Power” blasts from a boombox, water explodes from a fire hydrant, director Spike Lee carries a pizza. One city, one street, one day... In a word, one classic. If you haven’t seen it don’t bother reading on, just whack the film on right now. You heard me; now.
3. The Warriors (Walter Hill, 1979)
For anyone who’s ever had one of those nightmare journeys home, you can take comfort in knowing The Warriors’ one was worse. They’re a gang who’ve been framed for the murder of the city’s top gang leader, and to get home, the waistcoat-wearing tribe have to battle some pretty awfully dressed tough guys. Set over one night in the city, The Warriors is an NY film that boldly paints out the more recognisable postcard view of the city.
4. Hackers (Iain Softley, 1995)
Most people think the best way to get around the city is by cab or subway. Not these kids. These techno-literate laptop nerds rollerblade everywhere: to school, through Grand Central Station, over cars. With its catchy techno soundtrack, the film follows the hormone-heavy computer hackers as they use their skills to screw up traffic light systems, set off sprinklers in buildings and broadcast themselves on every TV channel. Pretty nifty, huh?
5. After Hours (Martin Scorsese, 1985)
Like The Warriors, Paul Hackett just wants to get home to his own bed. Only trouble is, the subway’s been and gone, and his last twenty bucks flew out the window of a yellow cab. It’s clearly not Paul’s night. Scorsese’s comedy caper is all about the adventures that can only be had ‘after hours’: zany characters, smoke-filled streets, bar brawls, all-night diners. No matter what kind of trouble Paul gets into, this is a night in the city you don’t want to end.
6. Manhattan (Woody Allen, 1979)
One of the most memorable openings in the history of cinema: a black and white long shot of the city skyline, fireworks explode above the skyscrapers, George Gershwin’s Rhapsody in Blue plays on the soundtrack, and of course, Woody Allen’s inimitable voice-over professing his love of the town. The title really does say it all – to not include this one would be like having a pizza without cheese.
7. Taxi Driver (Martin Scorsese, 1979)
Bernard Herrmann’s last score plays to what is arguably Scorsese’s crowning achievement. De Niro’s iconic yellow cab (an ‘iron coffin’ as writer Paul Schrader describes it) emerges in slow-mo out of the ubiquitous street steam. De Niro’s Vietnam vet is the ultimate outsider, and to prove it, he shapes one hell of a mohawk. Taxi Driver makes the sleazy, gritty NY streets of the ‘70s look surprisingly enticing.
8. The Naked City (Jules Dassin, 1948)
This is not your regular film noir. Sure there are some classy dames, some wise guys and a lot of “sore” people, but what sets it apart is its rawness, its location shots of real city streets. Dassin’s best film contains one of the most unforgettable chase scenes ever committed to celluloid. Forget The Maltese Falcon, this is the film noir you’ve always dreamt of.
9. Shame (Steve McQueen, 2011)
An Englishman in New York. British director Steve McQueen’s extraordinarily visceral film about sex addiction is set right in the heart of the city’s high-rises and contains one of the best long takes of someone running ever (yes, much better than Marathon Man). It’s one of the more sombre views of the city, but it’s an incredibly compelling one nevertheless.
10. Independence Day (Roland Emmerich, 1996)
Of all the disaster movies to envisage a violent destruction of the city, Independence Day leaves the others in the dust. Even those who haven’t seen the film will know the iconic shot of the mothership hovering ominously over the Empire State Building. Meanwhile, Will Smith ventures into outer space to kick some alien butt. I think we can all assume that this was the main influence on Terrence Malick’s The Tree of Life.
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