"Welcome to New York" is based on the real-life scandal that involved the french diplomat Dominique Strauss-Kahn who was a member of french Socialist Party and also the Managing Director of IMF (Int. Monetary Fund) from 2007-2011 until he resigned due to allegation that he had sexually abused a hotel maid.
"Welcome to New York" presents this affair in a masterful way, that one would find it hard to get the attention off the screen even for a second. Be advised that this is not something Ferrara has done in the past during his long career. For the director this is just the first time that he elaborates a certain real life event to the last detail.
Welcome to New York proves that for Ferrara this is just the right kind of stuff that he can handle with ease with his unique talent. He has been provocative for all his carrier and this material proves to be something that can deliver without making a false step on the process.
On the other hand, Dapardieu gives one of the best performances of his carrier. He's so convincing as Deveraux that one can say he's the real man (DSK). The script doesn't exaggerate, - written by Ferrara himself and Zois (who worked previously with Ferrara in "New Rose Hotel"),- it handles the story plain and simple, in order for Ferrara to do his thing behind the camera without losing the focus from the real life story.
Undoubtedly, one of the best parts of the movie is when he (Devereaux) boards the plane, then is asked to step out and the whole police procedure begins. Depardieu feels very comfortable during this complex scenes as does Ferrara, who doesn't hesitate even for a second to show us what the real man experienced.
As the movie progresses another real life accusation is unfolded. Strauss Kahn, after the New York arrest, tried to rape a journalist. In real life this allegation happened to Strauss-Kahn who was accused for such an act and is scheduled to appear in court for trial in 2015.
Bisset plays Devereaux's wife and fulfills the other part of the story.
If you are not convinced and need more reasons to watch this or don't want to be misled and stay away from it consider the following: If you are familiar with the real life story of DSK then give it a shot, you wont be disappointed. If you are not an Abel Ferrara fan, then skip it (it will be your loss). If you want to see Depardieu on one of his best roles he has ever done in his career then watch it. He was the perfect choice for this role. If you are not a fan of movies where unpleasant situations are unraveled in details, then don't watch it.
Hope this helped!
