N.Y., N.Y. (1957)

A day in the life of the city and citizens of New York as seen through the fantastic eye, and the incredibly distorted optic lenses, of filmmaker Francis Thompson.

Director:

Francis Thompson

1 win.

Storyline

A nearly-wordless collage that follows a day in New York City from early morning to late at night. The day starts with a look at power generators, ready to light the city. At eight, an alarm clock goes off, people go to work on the subway, type, and break for lunch. In the evening, night clubs and jazz take over. The images are fanciful, abstract, and multiple, suggesting a kaleidoscope of color and activity. The soundtrack is light, breezy, and staccato. New York City is a place of bridges, skyscrapers, and motion.

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Plot Keywords:

new york city | semi abstract | experimental film | surrealism

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Genres:

Short

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Details

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Release Date:

17 January 2013 (USA)

Also Known As:

N.Y., N.Y.: A Day in New York

Filming Locations:

New York City, New York, USA

Company Credits

Production Co:

Les Productions Artistes Associés

Technical Specs

Runtime:

15 min

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

1.37 : 1

Did You Know?

Trivia

It has been reported that it took Francis Thompson over 20 years to make film and manufacture the special lenses used to create the surreal and fractured images that dominate it. He refused to reveal how he did it.

User Reviews

Great

N.Y., N.Y. (1957)

**** (out of 4)

I've read a lot of different things about this film but the main thing appears to be that director Thompson spent over twenty-years making the perfect camera to put his strange and unique vision on film. The kaleidoscope lenses used here were Thompson's creation and the secrets he took to the grave with him. There's not really any story being told but instead we just see all sorts of visuals from the morning time through the evening up into the night. All of the images coming from New York City but we're seeing them unlike anything before or after. I'm really not sure how to explain this form of cinema except by calling it very original and unique. Needless to say I haven't seen a movie like this one before and I'm sure you'd see or feel something different with each new viewing because there's just so much going on here. I think the best stuff was the night scenes just because of how the beautiful colors leaped off the screen. The kaleidoscope lense certain made a true treasure in terms of visuals.