Browsing: Gotham
Downtown 81
October 3rd, 2009 | By
Downtown 81 is an urban fairy-tale set in New York that tracks a day in the life of a young artist named Jean (played by Jean-Michel Basquiat, then 19). In a Homeric, yet open ended styling, Jean has a rollercoaster ride of a day filled with different characters, obstacles and scenarios. Through the course of his odyssey Jean’s travels span Manhattan from the Upper East Side to the financial district, however most of his time is spent “Downtown” (SoHo,LES,Tribeca). The day is peppered with cameos, performances (notabley Kid Creole and the Coconuts) and locales that paint an amazing scene of downtown in 1981.
“Downtown” geographically is the brilliance of downtown 81. The film itself isn’t particularly good for films sake, but the documentation of the rugged and raw essence of what downtown once was makes this a must see for any creative or interested individual. The Dark alleys, pushers, streets, artists, squats, musicians, designers, models, clubs, graffiti… Downtown 81 feels authentic, like a real snapshot of an exciting and important time in Gotham history. Imagine all of this culture jammed into an 80 minute film set to a dope soundtrack and starring JMB…… exactly.
I had forgotten that once upon a time there was a elevated highway running along the lower west side until I saw the closing shot of Downtown 81, which made the entire film for me. We miss you.
The Clock Is Ticking…
September 17th, 2009 | By
If you want to do something memorable for fashion week, skip the Jane hotel, Rosebar, The Standard and all of the usual haunts and go to the International center of Photography to see Avedon Fashion 1944-2000. Blocks away from the tents and fabulousness of fashion week is the first ever museum exhibit dedicated to visionary fashion photographer Richard Avedon’s entire career in fashion.
A Love Letter
August 24th, 2009 | By
Gentrification, the perpetually hungry and ironic resident of New York once again illustrates that it aint where you’re from its where you’re at.
Hot Hot Heat
August 18th, 2009 | By
On Broadway there was no respite. The particular position of the sun bathed the entire street in its light. Oppressive and sullen, even the weeds on the sidewalk were listless, uncomfortable. The air was still, stark and hot. I found myself laughing because the intensity of the moment was such that there was nothing else to do.
On the walk turned walkabout my mind went back hours to the all night bacchanal that had occurred. Still laughing, I found the situation to be ironic. The walk, bearable as there was no humidity, was unbearable as the hazy sun was so hot that I could feel my skin burning. Penance? Perhaps. The guilt, shame and regret were literally baked out of me as I continued on… Solitude, intensity and stillness made me feel as if this moment was crafted just for me. Like a morning shower…. I entered the subway station awake and clear.
Photo: Ian Reid
