Review of New York, New York (1977) by Rod A — 01 Mar 2010
In the introduction, Scorsese clarifies that he intended to combine the gritty, tinder-box, realism of someone like Travis Bickle or Johnny Boy from Mean Streets with the artifice of the big Hollywood musical.
Given that construct, I was completely thrilled by this film. I think a lot of that had to do with my extremely low expectations. I had always heard that this film was a dud. On the contrary, it is a painful portrait of a relationship that goes on for way too long.
De Niro presents us with Jake la Motta before Raging Bull was even made. Fans of the actor's work won't see drastically new approaches to that signature obsessive personality, but this often over-looked performance comes across as energetic and fresh.
When considering Liza, I was prepared for the worst as I could barely get through her scenes in Cabaret. Here, she is understated. Her characterizations have a subtlety which makes De Niro's emotional abuse that much more powerful.
The music is very well done and because Scorsese explained his desire to make the sets, costumes, and make-up bigger than life, it was much easier for me to get into the 40s musical frame-of-mind. For me, this film served as an important missing link from a director whose work I've always enjoyed.
This review of New York, New York (1977) was written by Rod A on 01 Mar 2010.
New York, New York has generally received positive reviews.
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