Watch Pretend It's a City

Pretend It's a City from Netflix is a docuseries that revolves around the life of writer and humorist, Fran Lebowitz. The show is directed by renowned filmmaker Martin Scorsese, who also appears in the series as a conversation partner to Lebowitz. The show spans over seven episodes that run for approximately half an hour each.

Fran Lebowitz is an enigmatic personality who has been a fixture of New York City's cultural landscape for the past fifty years. The show captures her unapologetic views and sharp wit on various topics that range from New York City's history and architecture to politics and technology. Lebowitz's musings are interspersed with footage of her giving public talks, her interactions with Scorsese, and her hangouts with her friends.

The show opens with Lebowitz talking about her aversion to many aspects of modern life, starting from mobile phones to Uber. She gives insightful commentary on how the world has changed drastically during the past decades, which makes her uncomfortable. Her views on technology are particularly amusing, as she refers to most of them as nuisances that keep people from engaging with each other.

Scorsese is an integral part of the show as he not only directs but also engages in candid conversations with Lebowitz. Their conversations are structured around various locations in New York City - from cafes to libraries, each reflecting a different aspect of the city's history. Their discussions cover many themes that include the evolution of New York City, the arts and culture of the city, and the people who've lived there.

One of the most hilarious segments of the show is where Lebowitz speaks on her pet peeve, tourists. She recalls an instance where a tourist took a photograph of her and compared it to the Statue of Liberty. Lebowitz's disdain for the booming tourism industry in New York City provides a refreshing perspective.

Another engaging aspect of the show is when Lebowitz talks about her early years in New York City. She discusses her struggles with finding work and her eventual rise as a successful writer. Lebowitz's anecdotes about her encounters with cultural icons, such as Andy Warhol, Johnny Carson, and Toni Morrison, are especially fascinating.

The series incorporates archival footage of Lebowitz's past appearances, public speaking engagements, and her time in conversation with other notable personalities like David Letterman. These snippets provide a glimpse of how Lebowitz has become the cultural icon she is today.

Michael Alexis Palmer, Lebowitz's long-time assistant, has a recurring presence throughout the series. Palmer accompanies Lebowitz through her everyday routines and is often seen rolling his eyes at his employer's quips. Palmer's presence provides a new perspective on how Lebowitz's personality plays out in her everyday life.

The show compellingly captures Lebowitz's unique outlook on life, her storytelling prowess, and the distinct New York City milieu, which make her a popular figure in the city's cultural scene. Her unfiltered take on everything, from popular culture to the constraints of modern life, is a refreshing change from the polished, stage-managed personalities we often see in contemporary culture.

In conclusion, Pretend It's a City from Netflix is a funny and reflective exploration of the life and times of Fran Lebowitz. Martin Scorsese's direction provides a blend of archive footage, intimate conversations, and insightful commentary on the vast cultural landscape of New York City. The show is an entertaining watch that captivates viewers with its wit and charm.

Pretend It's a City is a series that ran for 1 seasons (7 episodes) between January 8, 2021 and on Netflix