Watch Naked in New York
- R
- 1993
- 1 hr 35 min
-
5.5 (1,737)
Naked in New York is a romantic comedy-drama film that was released in 1993. It is directed by Daniel Algrant and stars Eric Stoltz, Mary-Louise Parker, and Ralph Macchio. The movie revolves around the life of Jake, a struggling young playwright, and his relationships with two women, Joanne and Betsy. The film opens with Jake (Eric Stoltz) and his writing partner, Chris (Joshua Kadison), presenting their play to a group of producers in New York City. Although they receive praise for their work, the producers eventually reject it, leaving Jake feeling disillusioned and defeated. However, shortly after the meeting, Jake meets Joanne White (Mary-Louise Parker), a journalist who is covering the theater industry. Despite her engagement to a wealthy businessman, Joanne and Jake become romantically involved.
Meanwhile, Jake's childhood friend, Betsy (Lili Taylor), is struggling to find her place in the world. She comes to New York to pursue acting and reconnects with Jake. They reminisce about their past and discuss their present-day struggles. Betsy is also involved in a relationship with a famous actor, Elliot (Ralph Macchio), who is cheating on her.
As the story unfolds, Jake's relationship with Joanne becomes complicated as they both struggle with their own anxieties and insecurities. Jake's envy of Joanne's wealthy fiancé, Mickey (Timothy Dalton), and his doubts about his own talent and future lead him to push Joanne away.
Meanwhile, Betsy's relationship with Elliot falls apart, and she finds herself turning to Jake for support. Through their conversations, they both realize that they have been holding onto unrealistic expectations of success and happiness in their careers and personal lives. Jake eventually comes to terms with his own issues and decides to move on from his unsuccessful play.
Naked in New York is a witty and insightful look at the struggles of young artists trying to find their place in the world. The film's script is full of clever banter and thought-provoking conversations. The performances by Stoltz, Parker, and Taylor are all superb, with each actor bringing depth and nuance to their respective characters. The supporting cast, including Macchio and Dalton, also deliver strong performances.
The film is set against the backdrop of New York City, and the city itself becomes a character in the movie. The film captures the energy and creativity of the city during the 1990s, from the bustling theaters to the gritty streets.
Naked in New York is not without its flaws, however. Some of the plot points and character motivations feel contrived, and the movie can be a bit heavy-handed in its themes of self-discovery and artistic validation. However, the film's strong performances and witty dialogue make it a compelling watch.
Overall, Naked in New York is an insightful and entertaining look at the struggles of young artists trying to make their mark in the world. Its sharp script and strong performances make it a must-see for fans of romantic comedies and indie films.