Watch What's Up, Scarlet?

What's Up, Scarlet? is a quirky independent film from 2005 that tells the story of Scarlet Zabrinski, a young woman living in New York City who dreams of becoming a famous designer. The movie is a love letter to the city, filled with shots of iconic landmarks and hidden corners that capture the energy and diversity of life in the Big Apple.

Scarlet is played by Susan Priver, who brings a quirky charm to the role. She's a bit of a wild child, with a devil-may-care attitude that often gets her into trouble. But beneath the surface, there's a determination and drive to succeed that keeps her pushing forward, even when things seem hopeless.

The story begins as Scarlet has just been fired from her latest job at a fashion boutique. Undaunted, she sets out to create her own clothing line, using scraps of fabric and discarded materials she finds in the city's trash bins. Her designs are unconventional, to say the least, but they catch the eye of a wealthy socialite named Mona Champagne, played by Sally Kirkland.

Mona offers Scarlet a chance to showcase her creations at a fashion show she's organizing, but there's a catch – Scarlet has to find a way to get her reclusive brother, who suffers from agoraphobia, to attend the event. This sets off a chain of events that involves Scarlet dressing up as different characters, sneaking into her brother's apartment, and even faking a medical emergency to get him to leave the safety of his home.

Along the way, Scarlet encounters a colorful cast of characters, including a drag queen named Diva, played by Musetta Vander, and a handsome musician named Danny, played by Gabriel Mann. Diva becomes Scarlet's confidante and partner in crime, while Danny becomes a potential love interest – though Scarlet's commitment to her career often gets in the way of their budding romance.

What's Up, Scarlet? is a movie that defies categorization. It's part romantic comedy, part urban adventure, and part character study. It's a movie that celebrates the creativity and individuality of its characters, while also acknowledging the struggles and setbacks they face in pursuit of their dreams.

One of the movie's strengths is its portrayal of New York City. The city itself becomes a character, with its bustling streets, colorful neighborhoods, and iconic landmarks. Director Anthony Caldarella captures the city's energy and diversity, using a mix of hand-held cameras and static shots to create a sense of intimacy and immediacy.

Another strength is the performances. Susan Priver is a revelation as Scarlet, bringing a range of emotions and quirks to the character that make her both endearing and frustrating. Sally Kirkland is also excellent as the eccentric Mona, while Musetta Vander steals every scene she's in as the flamboyant Diva.

The movie's soundtrack is also worth noting, featuring a mix of indie rock, jazz, and electronic music that reflects the city's eclectic musical scene. The music is used effectively to set the mood and tone of various scenes, from the frenetic energy of a fashion show to the quiet contemplation of a walk through Central Park.

Overall, What's Up, Scarlet? is a charming and quirky movie that defies expectations. It's a movie about following your dreams, even when the odds are stacked against you. It's a movie about the power of friendship and human connection in a city that can feel cold and impersonal. And it's a movie that will leave you smiling, even as you ponder the deeper themes it touches on.

What's Up, Scarlet? is a 2005 comedy with a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 5.9.