Slaves Of New York (1989)

Set in the mid-1980s, an aspiring hat designer (Bernadette Peters) struggles to maintain a healthy relationship with a narcissistic artist (Adam Coleman Howard) in the Manhattan art scene. Based on the collection of short stories by Tama Janowitz (who also adapted her book for the screen as well as playing a supporting role in the film) and directed by James Ivory (HOWARDS END). As a time capsule of the 1980s New York art and club scene with its artists, writers, designers, performance artists etc., this works really well. But it's difficult to connect with its shallow and self obsessed characters. In particular, it's hard to empathize with Bernadette Peters' male needy clinging vine. However, in Janowitz' attempt to combine her short stories into a cohesive film, we end up with a choppy narrative that floats uneasily from story to story and all the storylines outside of Peters' character get short shrift. The cinematography of Tony Pierce Roberts (REMAINS OF THE DAY) is first rate. The massive cast includes Chris Sarandon, Mary Beth Hurt, Stanley Tucci, Mercedes Ruehl, Steve Buscemi, Tammy Grimes, Anthony LaPaglia, Madeleine Potter, Betty Comden and Nick Corri.