Film Review: New York Stories (1989)

Anthology films are seldom good, because too many times segments serve only to show someone’s talent or style at the expense of the content and narrative coherence. It can happen when such films represent gathering of great film makers, like in the case of New York Stories, 1989 film directed by Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen.

Film consists of three segments, each dealing with particular character in New York City. The first one, directed by Scorsese and titled Life Lessons, deals with Lionel Dobbie (played by Nick Nolte), middle-aged artist who recently broke up with her much younger girlfriend and protege Paulette (played by Roseanne Arquette). Plot shows how she reluctantly agrees to move back into his studio, but how her refusal to restart relationship makes Lionel angry and frustrated, but, at the same time serves as inspiration for his work. Second segment, directed by Coppola, is Life Without Zoë is dedicated to Zoë (played by Heather McComb), 12-year girl who lives in luxurious New York hotel while her parents (played by Giancarlo Giannini and Talia Shire) live separately and tour the world. Plot shows how she gets involved in mystery involving Middle Eastern princess which allows her opportunity to reconcile her parents. The last segment, directed by Allen, is Oedipus Wrecks and it deals with Sheldon Mills (played by Woody Allen), 50-year old lawyer who is frustrated by his overbearing mother (played by Mae Questel). The plot shows how she mysteriously disappears during magician’s trick, allowing Sheldon to find happiness with divorcee Lisa (played by Mia Farrow) but only until mother finds fantastically frightening way to reappear in his life.

Like with almost all anthology films, quality varies with each segment. The best is Scorsese’s. It features dynamic direction, interesting shots, loud and very expressive rock’n’roll soundtrack and Nick Nolte brilliantly playing complex character of an artist which is both frustrated and manipulative. Coppola’s segment, which happens to be his typical family project - father Carmine as composer; daughter Sophia as co-writer and costume designer; granddaughter Gia playing a baby – is the worst. While it features some interesting stylistic choices that might have inspired Wes Anderson, the plot and the characters are weak and utterly forgettable. Allen’s segment begins promisingly, featuring his trademark themes and style, but at half time inspiration leaves him and Oedipus Wrecks turns into overlong joke. As a whole, New York Stories nevertheless can be recommended to viewers who wants to quickly familiarise themselves with styles of three legendary directors. The film is also chance to watch some future great names in early roles – like Steve Buscemi in the role of Paulette’s ex-boyfriend in Life Lessons and 7-year old Kirsten Dunst in her film debut as one of Lisa’s daughters.

RATING: 5/10 (++)

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