Autumn in New York

This film has been savaged by critics and it's easy to see why. The story is oooollllllddddd (young girl dying of an incurable disease) and some of the dialogue is beyond belief. But it is well-acted (Ryder and Gere give two of their best performances) and it looks beautiful. Basically the acting and photography kept me in my seat. Take those things away and it would probably be unwatchable. So, not too bad but not good either.

Just saw this movie today, and without giving too much away, the story does tug at your heartstrings. I just read a few comments by other authors. One in particular was very negative. Hard to understand this point of view, because this was a believable story. These days we are shown too much of the movie in the trailers; therefore we have an idea of what we're going to see. I did enjoy the wonderful autumn colours of the trees in New York. Also enjoyed the acting of Richard Gere and Winona Rider. Yes! We come up against the old story of the older man and the younger woman, and to many this is unacceptable ... but this story is different; understandable and acceptable, because of the plot. Elaine Stritch, a veteran actress makes her part a memorable one; likewise Richard and Winona. I enjoyed the camera work in this movie. I could smell the autumn leaves as they swirled in Central Park, and I could feel the cold crisp air in the winter scenes. I enjoyed my visit to "New York in Autumn" while sitting in my seat in a movie theatre in Canada.

My wife and I are 70 plus, and we enjoyed the movie very much. It is disappointing to read the poor reviews this movie is receiving. The photography was magnificent and New York is shown as it can be, beautiful. One thought we had while viewing it was "Paris, eat your heart out". The story line was not bad either. We recommend it to older folks like us who are tired of movies sprinkled with the F word.

Nor could they have cast anybody better than Elaine Stritch.

Beautiful in every way -- the cinematography, the music, the patience of the direction. You could feel the ease Gere and Ryder felt. They were allowed their best selves. The portrayal was wholly believable. There was exquisite nuance and not an iota of artifice, not even one.

This was an experience in true life portrayal; genuine, and somehow dug down to where we all really live, especially Gere's transformation, Ryder's delicacy in one particular scene, and Stritch's hallmark capacity for authenticity.The actor playing Gere's best friend was just as commendable, the actress playing the daughter, and the feel about the medical rush. I haven't checked yet who did the casting or cinematography or music or direction, but this movie is put together with world-class people.

There is an element of deep reality throughout that rings true.

Will (Richard Gere) is a New York City restaurateur and ladies man, in his middle forties. His life's motto is definitely love 'em and leave 'em and have fun in between. So, when he meets Charlotte (Winona Ryder), a beautiful young lady half his age, he is surprised at how smitten he is with her. Wanting to make a connection, he hires her to make a hat for his date to a charity function. When she shows up at his apartment on the evening of the affair, he informs her that his date is sick. Would she, Charlotte, take her place? She agrees and they have a lovely evening together, one that lasts all night. Love is in the air, all right. But, Charlotte confides in Will that she has a dire medical condition, one that is threatening her life. What will their future hold? This is really a nice film for those who like to sigh and cry over a set of star-crossed lovers. Gere is great as the aging lothario and Ryder positively enchanting as the spunky and lovely young lady in his life. The rest of the cast members, including Anthony LaPaglia, Sherry Stringfield, and Elaine Stritch, are great. Then, too, the film is replete with lovely costumes, sets and scenery, making for a very beautiful watch. If you have a hankering for romances, even and especially ones that elicit tears, you should get this film without delay. On an autumn evening, with a fire blazing and mugs of hot chocolate on hand, you will feel very satisfied when the story is spent.