Photo credit: Terabass, Wikimedia Commons, CC 3.0
Times Square, September 2009
By Julia Olson
Assistant Editor
The Mayerson JCC’s 60 & Better Center will be virtually hosting Brian Rose, a film historian, to discuss New York City in films. The online event will take place Thursday, December 19, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m.
Rose is a professor emeritus at Fordham University where he taught in the Department of Communication and Media Studies. He will be exploring the 125 year history of New York City as it is depicted in films. The city itself has been featured in over 17,000 films including “West Side Story,” “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” “Taxi Driver,” and more. Rose’s lecture will feature more than 50 clips from films that highlight the diversity of the city’s role in film throughout history. Consider the flexibility of the city. In “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” New York City appears as Holly Golightly’s glittering playground, dotted with high-end stores, expensive high-rises, and delightful delis. In stark contrast, consider Travis Bickle’s New York City as it appears in “Taxi Driver.” The swarming city streets and the endless noise contribute to Bickle’s descent into madness. Rose will explore all this and more in the upcoming lecture titled “It’s a Wonderful Town” at the JCC. Those interested in this virtual event may find more information and a link for registration on the JCC website.
