New York New York

A collection of films that can be regarded as an homage to the - former - skyline of New York City. New York is the archetype of the postmodern metropolis, one of the first cities to embrace the paradigm of the mediated urban space, and perhaps the most re-mediated architectural space on the planet. New York is being already portrayed in so many films and documentaries, that one can even speak of a 'metropolis' genre strongly influenced by New York's architecture. Music videos have also surrendered to the undying fascination of the New-York archetype. But not just New York. Music videos, probably even more than film, make use of all urban typologies (from the skyscraper to ghetto tenements, from classy city-centre neighbourhoods to suburbia) to serve the purpose of the storyline or to simply match the feeling and rhythm of the music. In this programme, the many souls and representations of New York as portrayed are investigated, for instance, the metaphorical view of David Fincher's Love is Strong for the Rolling Stones, where the city is dwarfed by giant band members and used as a 'toy' to make music; or the stylish view Mark Romanek inferred on Beck's Devil's Haircut, where the image of the urban dimension is dynamic and overwhelming and at the same time very graphical in its representation. Director: artist, title, (supplied by) Mark Romanek: Beck, Devil's Haircut (Anomynous); Spike Jonze: Dinosaur jr. , Feel the Pain (Satellite); Stephane Sednaoui: Bjork, Big Time Sensuality (Universal); Garth Jennings: Badly Drawn Boy, Disillusion (Anonymous); A.N. Smith: Ian Simmonds, Swinging Millie (Bermuda Shorts); Sanji: Lauryn Hill, Everything is Everything (Columbia); Pedro Romhany: Matchbox 20, If You Were Gone (?) Philippe André: Roger Sanchez, Another Chance (Sony Music); Jake Scott: Tricky ft. Ed Kowlasky, Evolution Revolution Love (Anti); H5: Alex Gopher, The Child (Partizan); Dom and Nic: David Bowie, I am Afraid of Americans (Oil Factory); Geoffrey Barish: Lenny Kravitz, Mr. Cab Driver (Virgin); Tamra Davis: Luscious Jackson, Citysong (Virgin) Mike Mills: Air, Sexy Boy (Virgin) Ludovic Houplain: Super Furry Animals, Juxtaposed (?)