The Brian Lehrer Show 100 Years of 100 Things: New York Films
May 19, 2025
James Sanders, an esteemed architect, author, and filmmaker famous for his work on the PBS series about New York, discusses the evolution of the city in films. He explores how NYC has been portrayed from the silent film era to modern classics, emphasizing its dynamic depiction as a storytelling backdrop. Sanders dives into the impact of technological advancements, the gritty realism of films from the 70s and 80s, and iconic works like 'The Naked City.' Intriguingly, he also reflects on how political changes shaped the film landscape.
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NYC Began America's Film Industry
- New York was where American filmmaking was born before Hollywood became dominant.
- Silent era films used real street scenes, offering authentic glimpses of early 20th-century New York City.
Talkies Shifted NYC to Hollywood
- Early sound films struggled to shoot on noisy New York streets, pushing production to California studios.
- Hollywood produced iconic versions of New York that combined fantasy and reality, shaping global perceptions of the city.
Postwar Films Capture Real NYC
- Post-WWII films embraced realism, influenced by Italian neorealism, filming on New York's streets.
- Films like The Naked City brought gritty authenticity, making the city itself a key storyteller.
