Buirski’s Deep Dive Into ’60s NYC and More

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MOVIE REVIEW
Desperate Souls, Dark City and the Legend of Midnight Cowboy
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Genre: Documentary
Year Released: 2023 Kino Lorber DVD
Runtime: 1h 41m
Director(s): Nancy Buirski
Where To Watch: available now www.kinolorber.com, or www.amazon.com

RAVING REVIEW: When you think of New York's gritty streets during the transformative era of the '60s and '70s, you might envision neon lights, bustling avenues, and perhaps a cowboy? Nancy Buirski delivers just that with DESPERATE SOULS, DARK CITY AND THE LEGEND OF MIDNIGHT COWBOY, serving us a feast of cinematic nostalgia. It's as if she's inviting us to hop into a retro time machine, complete with groovy tunes and vintage film reels, to revisit that bygone era.

The documentary showcases the iconic MIDNIGHT COWBOY and its vibrant characters like Joe Buck and Ratso Rizzo. Fun fact to blow your cinephile friends away: This purely American tale was guided to the big screen by a British hand, the remarkable John Schlesinger! Who would've thought?

Navigating the documentary feels akin to flipping through a well-curated photo album. Every frame, whether an old clip or an industry insider's interview, feels handpicked to evoke nostalgia and admiration. With each segment, Buirski unravels the societal intricacies of that era, reminding us of the bold steps movies like MIDNIGHT COWBOY took. Remember, addressing themes such as homosexuality back then wasn’t just groundbreaking—it was revolutionary.

Amidst these illuminating insights, Jon Voight offers delightful tidbits from the set. His anecdotes are a cherry on top, especially when he recalls bolstering a doubtful Schlesinger's faith in the project. Well, the rest, as they say, is Oscar-winning history.

Let's address an element that takes this documentary up a cinematic notch—the brilliant montage of New York and the film that encapsulated it. The city's pulsating heart is laid bare, interspersed with insights from industry talking heads and interviews like Brenda Vaccaro and Brian De Palma. These voiceovers provide a depth that sinks you deeper into the couch, compelling you to witness the behind-the-scenes magic. Although, a notable absence is the silence of Dustin Hoffman. It's curious, almost palpable, making one wonder about untold stories that may have kept him away from this project.

However, the documentary isn't just about echoing praises. As he transitioned from his BBC documentary roots into narrative storytelling, the challenges faced by individuals like Schlesinger showcase the resilience required in the cinematic universe. Every triumph, like the film's defining moment at the Academy Awards, is balanced with the struggles, offering a well-rounded portrayal of the journey.

MIDNIGHT COWBOY is a testament to the power of cinema, mirroring societal shifts and evoking emotions that resonate even today. And through Buirski's lens, we're granted a VIP pass backstage, getting up close and personal with the magic of that time. Whether you're a regular movie-goer or just someone looking to reminisce, this documentary promises a journey worth taking.

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[photo courtesy of KINO LORBER]

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