New York Stories (1989)

Three short films by three directors: 1) An artist (Nick Nolte) is obsessed with his protege (Rosanna Arquette) and when she announces she's leaving him, he does everything in his power to hold on to her. Directed by Martin Scorsese. 2) A 12 year old girl (Heather McComb) lives alone in a luxury hotel while her parents (Giancarlo Giannini, Talia Shire) travel around the world. 3) An attorney (Woody Allen) has a nagging mother (Mae Questel) who is unhappy with his choice for a wife (Mia Farrow). Directed by Woody Allen. The quality of the short films vary but none of the films are anywhere near the best of their directors' work. The worst is Coppola's film which is basically a weak riff on Kay Thompson's Eloise At The Plaza stories. Allen's film is fine up to a point but it's a one joke premise that loses steam very quickly. The best of the lot is Scorsese's mini drama with two people using each other in an unhealthy way. The large supporting cast includes Steve Buscemi, Patrick O'Neal, Debbie Harry, Illeana Douglas, Adrien Brody, Carole Bouquet, Larry David, Julie Kavner, Brigitte Bako and Kirsten Dunst.