It's not the kind i would watch again but as someone who has seen a lot of 40s/50s musicals this a good throwback to them. Showing the 'Sappy' stuff that was in old movies and then what it would REALLY be like. It's not perfect but it's well acted and has some great songs. De Niro is as always a standout. He made Jimmy Doyle so unlikable that he was human.
My movie blog! http://the-forgotten-reel.blogspot.com/
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"He made Jimmy Doyle so unlikable that he was human"
Absolutely! I share the same sentiments. He made him so realistic, he felt like a real human being indeed.
People on these boards have mentioned that De Niro's performance was not the standout that it actually was. They've mentioned how it was easier to sympathize with characters in other films who were serial killers or people no one should find likeable at all. The difference between those characters and De Niro as Doyle, was the fact that they were all MOVIE characters living in a fantasy world, while De Niro made Doyle real. The real reason people can't believe that Liza Minelli's character stayed with Jimmy in spite of his behavior towards her (and people in general), is probably due to the fact that they've never actually met someone like Jimmy Doyle. Some have a hard time accepting the truth that there ARE women who stay with such unlikable men - even people who are worse than Jimmy Doyle, believe or not. I mean, have you ever met someone like Doyle? Not everyone in this world who has a disgusting attitude towards people, can posses any kind of genuine respect. This is why De Niro was AMAZING in this underrated film. He made it real. But I have to admit, he was hilarious in the first hour, especially when he pretended to have been injured when he was in the hotel. An immensely, tremendous talent he is.
Agree 100% :)
My movie blog! http://the-forgotten-reel.blogspot.com/
Agree 100% :)
My movie blog! http://the-forgotten-reel.blogspot.com/
Robert De Niro never ceases to amaze me, WOW!! just brilliant. First time seeing this film. There is just something about this Legend, and yes, that really is what he is. Your, well my, eyes just stay glued, it's like they just follow him throughout every scene He is in. Amazing Actor, so glad to get to enjoy his work in so many of the greatest films, throughout my life time.
shareIt took me a fair amount of time to really appreciate this film, but I found it absolutely riveting by the second half. The production numbers are top-notch, and the story is very compelling, with a very dark relationship under the bubbly exterior. It's not quite my favorite Scorsese film, but it's safely in the second tier. 8/10 stars from me.
shareI've just finished watching NY NY. I thought it was going to be a musical. Pleasantly surprised that it had an interesting story.
The musical aspects in the end were inevitable, I guess, because of Liza Minnelli's top billing. The musical scenes were brilliantly woven in giving it a story within a story type of fantasy. Felt their future lives were going to lack the passionate they shared, alas.
After just reading some of the other threads it seems the psychosis was drug-induced.
Here are my notes taken during the film:
- She should have just given him a fake number.
- Intoxicating atmosphere.
- Boring.
- She only has herself to blame.
- Taxi - poor attempt at humour.
- Her stupidity knows no bounds.
- He's obnoxious.
- She's stupid.
- Married!!!???
- Lacking continuity.
- Borderline sociopath.
- I knew he was going to become arrogant.
- De Niro's acting swamps Minnelli.
- Turning point, the Liza Show, portrays lamenting past life - good.
- Takes off - WOW!
- An over-the-top performance to inspire Joan Collins or a budding Madonna.
- Reality and illusion psychosis?
- Allure of material indulgences distracting the attention to forget the past and deflect the pain.
- Oh the torment of loneliness.
- Did Jimmy really help? She might be delusional; blinded by love.
- Well done Scorsese!
- Happy endings for as far as I can see are reserved for stars in the sky.
- Reality check.
- Final ending - the mind controls the body and suffocate the passion in the heart.
- She could see the writing on the wall. She didn't want him to corrupt the morals of their son and ruin his life; and neither did he.
7/10 Good (held back by Liza's poor acting and Scorsese's poor directing - he just threw everything in, stirred it around and hoped it turned out IMHO).