Search - Slaves of New York on DVD

The Artist's Life of the '80s

Bonnie Burton | San Francisco, CA | 09/04/2003

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I have to admit. This is the movie that made me want to drop everything and move to NYC to become an artist/writer/hat designer/club kid. Of course, I was 16 when I first saw it and wasn't going to be leaving my Colorado suburban abode anytime soon. But it still inspired me to one day visit NYC and run into the same characters in this movie. Not only is the story entertaining, but the movie style is indeed unique. My only request: PLEASE MAKE THIS AVAILABLE ON DVD!
I would love to see bonus DVD material including a documentary on NYC in the '80s and commentary with the director and Bernadette Peters. Maybe Criterion will take this one on. Either way, this flick is a gem."

Slaves To Art

thomas angelo zunich | long beach, ca USA | 04/18/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Big hair, loud colours, 80's music, and funky hats. Slaves To New York captures the essence of the eighties in a New York party circuit kind of way. I marveled more at the clothes and the hair, and turned a deaf ear at the soap opera that was unravelling before my eyes. Watching all those artists play bed tag with eachother didn't seem to phase me. It's all so passe in the art world.I loved Bernadette Peters and her constant array of feathered and bowed hats, and the film did supply some awe inspiring shots of New York city skyline. Steve Buscemi provides a cameo as a fashion designer, that was kind of interesting. But like i said before, the hats took center stage in this spectacle. Along with Bernadette Peter's bravado, Slaves of New York is a slice of 80's big apple pie."

Oh heck, guys - it's just plain fun.

Deborah B. Boyer | 07/19/1999

(3 out of 5 stars)

"An adaptation of Tama Janowitz's novel by the same name, this is a great story about the confusion inherent when you are living amongst those whose creative juices are always the most interesting things to them. We see mainly the emotional, mental, and professional struggles of Eleanor, the protagonist, played by Burnadette Peters. Torn between love and the desire to be loved tenderly, we find Peters stumbling through New York with her uber-cool artist boyfriend Stash trying to just keep her furrowing brow above water. Meanwhile, she works on her own artistic persuit of unique hatmaking. One of the highlights (for me) is watching Stash in artist mode, because - come on - who wouldn't fall for a conceptual artist turned cartoon painter? His artistic ego and blase - yet one would almost swear he has emotions - attitude can both frustrate and amuse. The film captures beautifully Peter's moments when you aren't sure what you would do, either, and also those when you know exactly what you would do. You get the feeling that she knows too; yet everything for Peters simply seems easier said than done. Thrown into the mix are a couple of love triangles involving other artists, and it seems that everyone is acting behind everyone else's back...it's just another element of being too chic to care. Peters remains the exception, simply attempting to break out of her increasingly degrading relationship. We go through the film laughing, shaking our heads, and championing our lovely, confused heroine - an extremely enjoyable two hours. There are some fun technicalities as well - watch for them."

Very entertaining and humorous for the thinking class!

butterflygrrrl@hotmail.com | unfortunately the southeast--aka hell | 03/17/1999

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This movie gives a humorous and honest portrayal of the "elite" arts community in NYC, as well as a basic love story. It is particulary funny if you've ever been privy to those (arts related persons) with inflated self-worth or self-esteem. One of my favorite visual parts is during the group softball game when you get a look at the makeshift uniforms the arts community has come up with-- I guarantee you won't be able to stop laughing during parts of this scene... Also, Bernadette Peters' Broadway acting legacy shines throughout the flick. I'm about to sound like an Imposters perfume box, but.... If you liked the movies The House of Yes, Desperately Seeking Susan, and Welcome to the Dollhouse ... you'll like this!"