Review of New York Stories (1989) by Sam P — 11 Apr 2012

âNew York Storiesâ? was an interesting idea, there has been several films in the past that have had multiple-directors creating their own stories, but never with such high-class directors attempting it. Unfortunately, I will admit straight out, I didnâ(TM)t bother with Francis Ford Coppolaâ(TM)s entry, as less then five minutes in, myself and my two housemates already hated it, it was that awful, so just decided to skip it. However, thankfully, the other two parts were much more substantial.

I actually really enjoyed âLife Lessonsâ?, Martin Scorseseâ(TM)s entry, the tale of Nick Nolteâ(TM)s tortured artist who is sexually interested in Rosanna Arquetteâ(TM)s character, his assistant and an aspiring actress. I loved Nolteâ(TM)s intensity in this film, he should come across very negatively, being the older man preying on Arquetteâ(TM)s character, but her manipulation of him makes them into almost an example of a leech relationship, feeding off one another. Iâ(TM)d actually have been fascinated enough to see a feature length film version, which could have involved flashbacks detailing their first meeting, akin to Blue Valentine, showing the different between the beginning and the end. Probably my favorite of the two stories I saw.

Life Without Zoà (C) we skipped, donâ(TM)t regret it.

Oedipus Wrecks is supposed to be the most popular, the supposed âbest short filmâ? of the film. The thing is, for me, a short film needs to work well as a short film, but leaves enough open to have potential for a longer film. Oedipus Wrecks worked as anâ¦episode for a TV series, but not as a longer film. I liked Woody Allenâ(TM)s story of a neurotic man (original) under pressure from his motherâ(TM)s overbearing style, and found it funny at times, Iâ(TM)ll admit, but I did cringe at one or two moments where the mum is overbearing. I enjoyed this story, but I donâ(TM)t think it was better then Life Lessons.

Basically, I recommend Part 1 and Part 3, but Part 2 already seemed too awful after just five minutes, so donâ(TM)t see it, unless you are a HUGE Coppola fan.