The Iconic Movies That Shaped New York City - From Scorsese to Woody Allen

New York City has long been a bustling metropolis that has captured the hearts and minds of people all over the world. It's no surprise that this dynamic city has become a popular setting for countless movies, serving as a backdrop for both romance and excitement. From classic films to modern blockbusters, the silver screen has painted a vivid picture of the city that never sleeps. In this article, we will explore the iconic movies that made New York City the cinematic gem that it is today.

1. Taxi Driver (1976)

Directed by Martin Scorsese, "Taxi Driver" is a gritty portrayal of a Vietnam War veteran, Travis Bickle, who becomes a taxi driver in New York City. The film takes viewers on a dark journey through the seedy underbelly of the city, highlighting the intense urban decay and moral ambiguity that plagued New York during the 1970s. This movie perfectly captures the essence of the city's late-night streets with its iconic scenes of neon lights reflecting off rain-soaked pavements.

Fun City Cinema: New York City and the Movies that Made It

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2. Manhattan (1979)

Woody Allen's "Manhattan" showcases the city's beauty with stunning black and white cinematography. This romantic comedy-drama highlights the unique energy of New York City while simultaneously exploring love, relationships, and the human condition. The film's portrayal of Manhattan's iconic landmarks, such as Central Park and the Queensboro Bridge, has become synonymous with New York City itself.

3. Ghostbusters (1984)

Who you gonna call? "Ghostbusters"! This supernatural comedy, directed by Ivan Reitman, is a beloved classic that brought numerous laughs and thrills to audiences worldwide. Set in New York City, the movie follows a group of paranormal investigators as they combat paranormal entities. From the iconic firehouse headquarters to the climactic battle with the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, "Ghostbusters" showcases the city's architecture and the charm of its streets.

4. Midnight Cowboy (1969)

Winner of three Academy Awards, "Midnight Cowboy" is a groundbreaking film that explores themes of friendship, survival, and identity in the harsh reality of New York City. The movie tells the story of a Texas cowboy, played by Jon Voight, who dreams of becoming a successful male prostitute. Through its poignant storytelling and mesmerizing performances, "Midnight Cowboy" showcases both the grit and vulnerability of the city's inhabitants.

5. Wall Street (1987)

Oliver Stone's "Wall Street" takes us into the fast-paced and cutthroat world of finance, centered in New York City. With Michael Douglas delivering an unforgettable performance as the ruthless Gordon Gekko, the film explores themes of greed and corruption in the stock market. Through its evocative portrayal of iconic locations like the New York Stock Exchange, "Wall Street" became a symbol of the excesses and aspirations of the 1980s.

6. When Harry Met Sally... (1989)

Rob Reiner's romantic comedy "When Harry Met Sally..." captures the essence of love and friendship through the lens of New York City. The film unfolds over several years, depicting the evolving relationship between Harry and Sally, played by Billy Crystal and Meg Ryan. With its charming scenes set in Washington Square Park and Katz's Delicatessen, this movie sparks nostalgia for the city's vibrant neighborhoods and the enchantment of chance encounters.

7. The Godfather (1972)

Although set in New York City during the early 1940s, Francis Ford Coppola's "The Godfather" left an indelible mark on the city's cinematic history. The film tells the story of the Corleone crime family and their rise to power in the criminal underworld. With its iconic scenes filmed on location in iconic places like Little Italy, "The Godfather" offers a glimpse into a bygone era of New York City's colorful past.

8. Breakfast at Tiffany's (1961)

"Breakfast at Tiffany's," based on Truman Capote's novel, is a timeless romantic comedy that showcases the elegance and charm of New York City from a bygone era. Audrey Hepburn's portrayal of Holly Golightly, a socialite searching for love and meaning in the city, has become legendary. This film immortalizes iconic New York City landmarks like Central Park and the Tiffany & Co. flagship store on Fifth Avenue.

9. King Kong (1933)

Long before the age of computer-generated effects, the original "King Kong" introduced audiences to the spectacle of a giant ape terrorizing the streets of New York City. This groundbreaking film combines elements of fantasy, adventure, and romance, with its climactic scene on top of the Empire State Building becoming one of the most iconic moments in movie history. "King Kong" helped establish New York City as a premier setting for larger-than-life cinematic experiences.

10. Serpico (1973)

Based on a true story, "Serpico" follows the life of undercover police officer Frank Serpico, played by Al Pacino. Directed by Sidney Lumet, this gritty crime drama exposes the corruption within the New York City Police Department during the 1970s. Through its authentic portrayal of the city's neighborhoods and the challenges faced by law enforcement, "Serpico" showcases the resilience and determination of those who strive for justice in the face of widespread corruption.

New York City's status as a movie mecca is undeniable. Whether it's the towering skyscrapers, the vibrant streets, or the melting pot of cultures, the city has provided the perfect canvas for filmmakers to create cinematic masterpieces. These iconic movies have not only entertained audiences worldwide but have also immortalized the spirit and energy of New York City.

So, the next time you find yourself wandering the streets of the Big Apple, take a moment to appreciate the history and allure of the city as seen through the lens of these unforgettable movies. Lights, camera, action!

Fun City Cinema: New York City and the Movies that Made It

by Jason Bailey (Kindle Edition)

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	110032 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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A visual history of 100 years of filmmaking in New York City, featuring exclusive interviews with NYC filmmakers

Fun City Cinema gives readers an in-depth look at how the rise, fall, and resurrection of New York City was captured and chronicled in ten iconic Gotham films across ten decades: The Jazz Singer (1927), King Kong (1933), The Naked City (1948), Sweet Smell of Success (1957), Midnight Cowboy (1969), Taxi Driver (1976), Wall Street (1987), Kids (1995), 25th Hour (2002), and Frances Ha (2012). A visual history of a great American city in flux, Fun City Cinema reveals how these classic films and legendary filmmakers took their inspiration from New York City’s grittiness and splendor, creating what we can now view as “accidental documentaries” of the city’s modes and moods.

In addition to the extensively researched and reported text, the book includes both historical photographs and production materials, as well as still-frames, behind-the-scenes photos, posters, and original interviews with Noah Baumbach, Larry Clark, Greta Gerwig, Walter Hill, Jerry Schatzberg, Martin Scorsese, Susan Seidelman, Oliver Stone, and Jennifer Westfeldt. Extensive "Now Playing" sidebars spotlight a handful of each decade’s additional films of note.