April 25, 2008

Tribeca picks: Hotel Gramercy, 27 Club, Cindy Sherman

NewYorkology contributor Vanessa Geiger covers alternative cinema offerings in New York City and this week she's been spending time in the screening room of the Tribeca Film Festival. She's a freelance writer and photographer who has just finished production work on the upcoming documentary "Crazy Sexy Cancer" and was most recently published in GO Magazine. Here's here first report after viewing a few of this year Tribeca offerings.

As always, the Tribeca Film Festival is courting New Yorkers with a beautiful selection of worldwide films to watch, take in, and exchange wonderful conversation afterwards. But let's get selfish and start with a homegrown talent of a fellow New Yorker. We are given great insight of the grit and grime that founded our incredible city.

The first must is "Hotel Gramercy Park." Want a narrative retro pull back into just how crazy life was in the best city in the world just a blink of an eye ago? Then grab a ticket for the release of this gem. This film explores the inside drama of family members who were long-time owners of this infamous hotel. Taking you into the give-it-all, no regrets, drug haven that hosted Mr. Ziggy Stardust himself David Bowie, and the woman who coined "Call Me," for Blondie; to all night escapades of ethereal moments that many of us can only dream of having. The Kennedy's were known to have some times that would possibly make Dubya blush.

It brings you into the transition of the hotel's former self, flowing into the new face under new management of Ian Schrager. Director Douglas Keeve brings you the story of all this hotel's glory as the grand re-opening is unveiled. Keeve weaves the story of all the past, present, and soon to be future guests of this iconic hotel that is a little piece of New York City heritage.

"Hotel Gramercy Park" debuts April 26th at 6:15 p.m. at the Village East 1 Cinema.

Another film that might be worth your time is "The 27 Club" a fictional drama whose name in and of itself is noteworthy. Loosely defined, it's an exclusive domain of rock stars who kick off to the other side of the universe at age 27. It revolves around a band that loses a member and the lead singer hires a nerdy grocery store clerk to drive him across the United States, eventually landing them in New York for the band member's funeral.

"The 27 Club" debuts April 26th at 8:30 p.m. at the AMC 19th Street East.

For you art lovers, a film that is art itself, about a native New Yorker: "Guest of Cindy Sherman." Co-director Paul H-O confronts issues of ego and identity when he begins a relationship with the reclusive Cindy Sherman. With unprecedented access, the documentary places us in the company of the artist and offers a critique of the ever-inflated New York art market and the culture of celebrity. If you are not familiar with this incredible photographer's work, take a bit of time to take in her view of society, truly worth a dip into your time savings account.

"Guest Of Cindy Sherman" debuts April 27th at 9 p.m. at Tisch, NYU.

Whatever your intellectual pallet, satisfaction is guaranteed. Rainy forecasts have nothing on the elevation you'll reach after getting comfortable in something that is becoming a piece New York history each year. Live it up.

Image source: From "Hotel Gramercy Park."

Earlier: Tribeca Film Fest - April 23 to May 4 - the full overview
Gramercy Park Hotel key access now with escorts

April 25, 2008 12:07 PM in Downtown, Hotelology, Sightsology

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