Movie New York

October 15, 2003 10:25 AM

Celluloid Skyline. New York City as a dream constructed by the movies, with reference photographs and production drawings from Hollywood.
posted by liam (8 comments total)

great site, very informative and excellent example of flash done right, imo.
posted by poopy at 10:32 AM on October 15, 2003

Related: Douglas Levere's rephotographs of Berenice Abbot's "Changing New York" pictures.
posted by liam at 11:51 AM on October 15, 2003

That's gorgeous. I love the day/night shots from the same location.
posted by dnash at 2:27 PM on October 15, 2003

Wow! Astounding and beautiful(ly done). Thanks a lot, liam.
posted by MiguelCardoso at 4:36 PM on October 15, 2003

Nice link, fascinating and lots to explore.
posted by lunadust at 6:19 PM on October 15, 2003

liam, this is a marvelous find - thanks!
posted by madamjujujive at 9:22 PM on October 15, 2003

Interesting stuff. And I found it fascinating, from liam's link, how few of the views have changed dramatically--whereas in Calgary, downtown is almost completely dominated by post-1970 (and often post-1980) skyscrapers. Of course, New York was already the financial capital of the U.S. at least in 1937, whereas Calgary was but a tiny city on the prairie during the same timeframe.

Also interesting, in a similar light: Vertigo Then and Now, comparing San Francisco circa Hitchcock's "Vertigo" with today.
posted by arto at 3:30 AM on October 16, 2003

What a spectacular site. I am always completely fascinated by film depictions of New York (and some other cities, as well, but always and especially NYC) and will crane my neck to absorb all the city scenes, even in movies I have no other interest in.

I also particularly love books that basically employ the city as another significant character. One of my favorites is Mark Helprin's Winter's Tale, which, even if one is not a a fan of epic works of magical realism, will be of interest to NewYork-ophiles.
posted by taz at 4:28 AM on October 16, 2003