It is called a neglected gem from director Martin Scorsese, I can see reasons why it was neglected, it isn't the greatest musical drama in history, but it is a good film. Basically it tells the story of the love-hate personal and professional relationship between saxophonist Jimmy Doyle (Golden Globe nominated Robert De Niro) and singer Francine Evans (Golden Globe nominated Liza Minnelli). It is a bit slow when they meet, but through the film they make a band, marry, even after some squabbles, and have a baby. De Niro has many good moments with the sax, but Minnelli almost steals the show with her singing (even when her voice sounds a bit wobbly). Like I said, not the greatest musical drama, but certainly one that you may like. It was nominated the BAFTAs for Best Costume Design and Best Sound Track, and it was nominated the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture - Musical/Comedy. The Golden Globe nominated "Theme from New York, New York" was number 31 on 100 Years, 100 Songs. Very good!

It's V-J Day in New York. Jimmy Doyle (De Niro) is an aggressive, volatile saxophone player. He relentlessly pursues USO singer Francine Evans (Liza Minnelli). She eventually goes with him on an audition and it's a long rocky relationship as her star rises.

This Martin Scorsese film comes right after Taxi Driver. Jimmy Doyle is essentially Travis Bickle with a little more social graces. There is a split in intention from the two movie leads. Jimmy Doyle is driving towards a dark disturbing story like Taxi Driver. It is off-putting but fascinating. On the other hand, Liza Minnelli seems to be pushing for a Broadway musical. There are a couple of good songs including the iconic New York, New York. I just don't see why she would ever go with him since she doesn't have the prerequisite damage. Neither really works and they certainly don't work together. I'm wondering if the movie would function better with an even darker ending.

I never knew that the classic Frank Sinatra, New York, New York song was sung for the very first time in this film by Liza Minnelli. The song was written specially for this movie. It just shows how something recent can become considered as an old standard so quickly!

New York, New York is a gritty studio bound musical drama directed by Martin Scorsese. He was coked up at the time and having an affair with Liza Minnelli. This might explain why the film is such a mess with a narrative that is all over the place.

The film opens on the night of V-J Day in New York. Jimmy Doyle (De Niro) wearing an Hawaiian shirt goes to a nightclub to hit on a woman, any woman whether she is married, got a boyfriend sitting next to her. It did not matter to him. He relentlessly ask girls he does not know for their telephone numbers.

Doyle then sees USO singer Francine Evans (Liza Minnelli) seated at a table alone and pesters her relentlessly. The film has already made its initial mistake. Doyle is a sex pest, a creep, a louse.

It gets worse, Doyle goes from hotel to hotel running up debts. He pretends to be an injured soldier. Doyle also is a saxophonist who gets into arguments with promoters and club owners. Yet somehow Francine falls for him and they become an act performing in nightclubs.

The film never addresses that Doyle could be bi-polar or is some kind of manic depressive who acts on impulse. Doyle and Francine suddenly get married and they have a volatile, even an abusive relationship. The marriage destructs when Francine becomes pregnant.

The film becomes something different in the latter stages, as Francine becomes a hit musical star. In this long segment we see Liza Minnelli perform (or should I say, shout) show tunes that would be at home in those 1940s and 1950s MGM musicals. This includes New York, New York.

Well Scorsese certainly gave his own original tribute to the Hollywood musicals of yesteryear. The film is never coherent in narrative and style. In places the film is dull. Most of the supporting characters are never fleshed out or look uneasy in acting roles such as Clarence Clemons. It is a misfire but it's not without interest. There were instances of Scorsese trying to emulate Powell & Pressburger.

The biggest problem was making de Niro to be such a psycho jerk. I never bought him once as a saxophone player or someone who could even lead a band.