New York Stories (1989)

New York natives Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Woody Allen use their considerable talents to make 3 short NY-based films. The film opens with Scorsese’s segment, “Life Lessons”, where well-known artist Nick Nolte needs inspiration for an upcoming show. His “student” and sometime-lover Rosanna Arquette is his obsession and muse. Nolte’s obsessive and overbearing behavior drives her away and their relationship is on its last leg. Scorsese is in top form with his camerawork, music selection, and editing. At 45 minutes, this is the best short film ever and second only to Vertigo in films dealing with obsession.(Click below for even more Twin Towers)
I could point out the brilliant use of irises, background artwork, and writer Richard Price’s multi-layered dialogue for longer than the running time. So I’ll just point out Scorsese’s use of the Twin Towers (which are visible from Nolte’s loft).

Seen in the daytime first, while the relationship still has life, Scorsese places the Towers between Nolte and Arquette as a symbol of fame, fortune, and glory. It’s what Nolte has and Arquette wants.

Later in the movie (at night), the relationship is finally over and Arquette is leaving New York, the Towers are placed over Nolte’s head.

All of the brilliance of the first 45 minutes make the next 33 minutes all the more painful. Coppola’s segment, “Life Without Zoe” is his worst film. It’s co-written by his daughter Sofia and about a spoiled girl who hangs out with other spoiled pre-teens. She misses her famous daddy. It’s painful to the ears, eyes, and soul. Avoid it.

At least Coppola works in the Twin Towers (barely).

“Oedipus Wrecks” is about a lawyer (Woody Allen) with an overbearing mother who is constantly intrusive in his life and bosses him around. Woody’s reaction shots are priceless, and there are many funny situations. The movie doesn’t come together too well at the end and Allen doesn’t strive for anything deep like in his greatest movies. He only wants to be funny – and that’s enough.

After a magician “loses” his mother during his act, she winds up in the sky overlooking New York, and follows Woody around. (It’s funnier than it sounds)

Still not convinced? That’s Larry David (with some kind of Clown haircut).

Life Lessons: A
Life Without Zoe: D-
Oedipus Wrecks: B