Okay, so I’ve been really into this whole 1970s New York City vibe lately. You know, that gritty, raw, dangerous energy that just screams classic cinema? I figured, why not dive deep and watch some movies that really capture that era? So, I started this little project, kind of like a personal film festival, all focused on 1970s New York movies.
First thing I did was hit up the internet, just browsing around to get some ideas. I wasn’t looking for anything specific, just wanted to see what was out there. Typed in some stuff like “gritty 70s New York movies” and “classic New York films.” You know, real basic stuff.
Brainstorming and Listing
I ended up making a list, a pretty messy one at first. Just jotting down names of movies that kept popping up. Stuff like “The French Connection” – which, duh, everyone knows is a classic. But then there were some wilder ones, like this thing called “1990 Bronx Warriors.” I mean, the title alone was enough to pique my interest. I figured, even if it’s trashy, it might still give me that New York vibe I’m after.
Then I stumbled upon “Taxi Driver” and I was like, okay, this is a must-watch. A mentally unstable veteran working as a nighttime taxi driver? In 1970s New York? That just sounds like pure cinematic gold. So that got added to the top of my list.
After a while, the list was getting pretty long and all over the place. I had some of the big names, some more obscure stuff, even a few that were set in the 80s but seemed to have that same kind of feel. It was a good starting point, I thought.
Getting into the Mood
I started with “Taxi Driver,” because, well, how could I not? And man, it did not disappoint. The movie just sucked me right in. It’s like you can almost smell the garbage on the streets and feel the tension in the air. And this is in the 70s!
After that, I watched “The French Connection.” Total classic. That car chase scene? Insane! I was on the edge of my seat the whole time. It’s just so raw and real, you know? You can see why these movies are so highly regarded. It’s not just the action, it’s the whole atmosphere they create.
After those movies I got curious and started to read about the time period. It turns out that in the early 70s there was a big fiscal crisis in New York, but also a cultural renaissance and a surge in urban activism. There was also a movie from 1977 called “New York, New York” which was directed by Martin Scorsese, and features a song called “New York, New York”, which became famous worldwide. I added both the movie and the song to my list, because why not? There was even a movie called “Year of the Dragon” from 1985, so I guess I’m now expanding to the 80s as well!
Where I’m At
So, that’s where I am right now. I’ve seen a few of the big ones, and I’m working my way through the rest of the list. It’s been a blast so far. Each movie is like a little time capsule, taking me back to a New York that doesn’t really exist anymore. It’s fascinating, and a little bit sad, to see how much the city has changed.
I’m definitely going to keep watching more of these movies. And who knows, maybe I’ll even branch out and explore other cities and eras. But for now, 1970s New York has got me hooked. It’s just such a unique and interesting period in history, and these movies are like a window into that world. If you’ve got any recommendations, hit me up! I’m always looking for more gritty goodness to add to my list.
