Pretend It's a City

A love letter to New York from a critical perspective. These conversations between Fran Lebowitz and Martin Scorsese, which continue the documentary "Public speaking" (HBO, 2010), reel off diverse topics with a sense of humor. You could say that it is a snobbish, old-fashioned and curmudgeon look, but that is precisely one of the virtues of Lebowitz's thoughts. And, above all, it is a chronicle of cultural life in a magical and dark city.

We tend to give so much weight for the younger generation to share their philosophies and views on life and, for some reason, this has become the mainstream (especially with the social media era). More and more, we are seeing a movement towards being politically correct, polarization, self-righteousness, obsession about health and wealth. At some point, you know what to expect and hear from everyone.

This documentary is everything but that. I never came across Fran before this documentary, however, here she comes with a completely different perspective on life, which is very relevant and important for the younger generation. You can't help but admire her wisdom, wittiness and raw views that speaks directly to your inner thoughts, and sometimes heart! This documentary has zero cliches and will grow on you (episode by episode) and keep you grounded.

This is my first IMDB review!

What a wonderful treat this is! The concept of the film is incredibly simple. It's a conversation but really it is Fran talking. About everything, mostly about NYC and also about everything. And to see Scorsese barely saying 2 words but laughing hard almost throughout it, yet to be completely gripped is such a surprise. You hang onto Fran's every word.

My personal favourite so far, I haven't finished the series - I'm on episode 6 and don't want to finish it just yet so I can enjoy it for a bit longer - my favourite moment so far is Fran talking about believing all the women who have called out the men taking advantage of them or abusing them: the me to movement. It is so empowering and validating because, as a woman who was once a girl and a young woman, I have been through all that and think exactly like Fran. This is just a small nugget of beauty of the whole series. There are so many, many more moments like this.

And what adds to its beauty is the fact that a woman who talks about being so angry and is ranting and raging about this and that can talking about things that are so inspiring and moving and hopeful. Thank you for such a treat.

Amazing dynamic between Marty and Fran! And Fran is probably the funniest person I know. I have never been in New York and that didn't take anything away for me.

I could listen to Fran Lebowitz all day. A lot of her observations are astute, clever and very funny. She's brilliant at describing New York and New York life, mixed in with a little of her personal biography, I was left wanting to know more about her. She would make a mint if she ever wrote her memoirs.