Marc pointed out that News from Home was removed from YouTube, so here it is on Hulu (and embedded above). Chantal Akerman’s 1976 (or 1977?) film is not for everyone: While I imagine it’s far more powerful on a big screen, with the real world blocked out, distractions can get the better of it on a small screen. For Tribecans, the appeal is less likely to be the juxtaposition of Akerman’s imagery and her mother’s letters than the time-capsule element. I made a bunch of screengrabs—some locations I recognize from around here, and others are guesses—but they’re not nearly as evocative as watching the scenery unfold in real time. P.S. Jennifer Kotter said on Facebook that cinematographer Babette Mangolte lived in Tribeca. P.P.S. Akerman filmed a lot on the subway, which is less interesting than the streets. But I included the guy below because I couldn’t resist.
First is Staple
Second is Laight looking West towards Greenwich
Third is Washington Street looking north towards Vestry
Fourth is Collister Street looking south (between Vestry / Hubert)
Fifth is Greenwich looking north towards Vestry
Seventh is Harrison looking east towards Hudson and Puffys (I think)
Great pics!
Seven is definitely Harrison. And eight is Hudson between Duane and Jay.
This is awesome! Thanks for sharing!