New York Stories (1989)
New York Stories (1989) is an American anthology film featuring three segments with a central focus on the bustling metropolis of New York City. The first segment, Life Lessons, is directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Richard Price. It stars Nick Nolte. The second segment, Life Without Zoë, is helmed by Francis Ford Coppola and co-written by Coppola and his daughter, Sofia Coppola. Closing out the trio is Oedipus Wrecks, which is directed, written and stars Woody Allen. Interestingly, in international releases of the film, the order of the segments was rearranged, with Coppola’s segment taking first place followed by Allen’s and then Scorsese’s. Notably, this movie serves as the cinematic debut for actors Adrien Brody and Kirsten Dunst.
Life Lessons (Martin Scorsese). Lionel Dobie, a celebrated abstract artist, struggles to find inspiration in the days leading up to his highly anticipated gallery exhibition. His assistant and former lover, Paulette, is the source of much tension as they share a studio-loft together. While Lionel still holds strong feelings for Paulette, she is content with their professional relationship only and dates other people. This dynamic fuels Lionel’s jealousy and in turn, ignites his creative drive. It becomes apparent that they have been using each other: Lionel for physical gratification and Paulette for social and career opportunities. Despite Paulette’s desire to give up and return to her family, Lionel convinces her to stay in New York where he believes a painter must be.
Life Without Zöe (Francis Ford Coppola). Zöe, a 12-year-old schoolgirl, resides in a posh hotel and embarks on a mission to reunite an Arabian princess with her stolen jewelry, originally gifted to Zöe’s father. Amidst this endeavor, she also attempts to mend the strained relationship between her divorced parents – a photographer mother and a flautist father.
Oedipus Wrecks (Woody Allen). Sheldon Mills, a New York lawyer, often vents to his therapist about the struggles he faces with his overly critical mother, Sadie Millstein. He longs for her to simply disappear from his life. To introduce her to his shiksa fiancée, Lisa, Sheldon arranges for them to attend a magic show together. However, things take an embarrassing turn when Sadie is chosen by the magician to participate in a disappearing act. Despite initial anger towards his mother’s involvement, Sheldon finds relief in her absence and can finally unwind. But before too long, his peaceful state is shattered when Sadie reappears in the sky above New York City – much to his horror.
Date of download: 2015-11-11T17:22:34+00:00
Cast:  Nick NolteLionel Dobie ('Life Lessons')  Rosanna ArquettePaulette ('Life Lessons')  Steve BuscemiGregory Stark ('Life Lessons')  Heather McCombZoe ('Life without Zoe')  Talia ShireCharlotte ('Life without Zoe')  Giancarlo GianniniClaudio ('Life without Zoe')  Woody AllenSheldon ('Oedipus Wrecks')  Mae QuestelMother ('Oedipus Wrecks')  Mia FarrowLisa ('Oedipus Wrecks')  Julie KavnerTreva ('Oedipus Wrecks') |
New York Stories (1989) is an American anthology film featuring three segments with a central focus on the bustling metropolis of New York City. The first segment, Life Lessons, is directed by Martin Scorsese and written by Richard Price. It stars Nick Nolte. The second segment, Life Without Zoë, is helmed by Francis Ford Coppola and co-written by Coppola and his daughter, Sofia Coppola. Closing out the trio is Oedipus Wrecks, which is directed, written and stars Woody Allen. Interestingly, in international releases of the film, the order of the segments was rearranged, with Coppola’s segment taking first place followed by Allen’s and then Scorsese’s. Notably, this movie serves as the cinematic debut for actors Adrien Brody and Kirsten Dunst.
Life Lessons (Martin Scorsese). Lionel Dobie, a celebrated abstract artist, struggles to find inspiration in the days leading up to his highly anticipated gallery exhibition. His assistant and former lover, Paulette, is the source of much tension as they share a studio-loft together. While Lionel still holds strong feelings for Paulette, she is content with their professional relationship only and dates other people. This dynamic fuels Lionel’s jealousy and in turn, ignites his creative drive. It becomes apparent that they have been using each other: Lionel for physical gratification and Paulette for social and career opportunities. Despite Paulette’s desire to give up and return to her family, Lionel convinces her to stay in New York where he believes a painter must be.
Life Without Zöe (Francis Ford Coppola). Zöe, a 12-year-old schoolgirl, resides in a posh hotel and embarks on a mission to reunite an Arabian princess with her stolen jewelry, originally gifted to Zöe’s father. Amidst this endeavor, she also attempts to mend the strained relationship between her divorced parents – a photographer mother and a flautist father.
Oedipus Wrecks (Woody Allen). Sheldon Mills, a New York lawyer, often vents to his therapist about the struggles he faces with his overly critical mother, Sadie Millstein. He longs for her to simply disappear from his life. To introduce her to his shiksa fiancée, Lisa, Sheldon arranges for them to attend a magic show together. However, things take an embarrassing turn when Sadie is chosen by the magician to participate in a disappearing act. Despite initial anger towards his mother’s involvement, Sheldon finds relief in her absence and can finally unwind. But before too long, his peaceful state is shattered when Sadie reappears in the sky above New York City – much to his horror.
