Why Spike Lee's 'Highest 2 Lowest' is a New York film | 7.30

Key Concepts:

• New York City as a character in film.
• The unique "character, feel, tempo" of New York.
• Scorsese's use of New York in his films.

New York as a Character

The speaker emphasizes that New York City is a significant "character" within the movie being discussed. The speaker states definitively, "New York is a character in in the film."

Uniqueness of New York

The speaker argues that while the movie could potentially be made in another location, it wouldn't be the same. This is because New York possesses a unique "character feel tempo" that is difficult to replicate elsewhere. This suggests that the city's atmosphere, pace, and overall identity are integral to the film's essence.

Scorsese's New York Films

The speaker draws a parallel to Martin Scorsese's films, citing examples like Mean Streets, Dog Day Afternoon, and other "certain New York films." This comparison implies that the movie in question utilizes New York in a similar way, where the city itself becomes a defining element of the narrative, influencing the characters and plot.

Conclusion

The main takeaway is that New York City is not merely a backdrop but an active participant in the film, contributing its distinct personality and rhythm. The speaker believes that this quality is essential to the movie's identity, drawing a comparison to how Scorsese has used New York in his iconic films.