Ernie (Kareem Rahma) in Out of Order.
All the good shit you must be enjoying, as curated by the East London film club Deeper Into Movies.
Nicolas Heller, better called New York Nico, is an American filmmaker and social media character. Nicknamed the”informal skill scout of New York”, Heller utilizes his platform to share pictures, videos and stories showcasing life in New york city City.
His big-hearted Instagram account puts a loving spotlight on eccentric characters, small companies and food spots of the city. He’s not an influencer and he does not push brand names and promotion codes. Rather, Heller is more a New York City tour guide, leading followers to the heart of the city.
Heller has recently stepped behind the electronic camera to make Out of Order, a short film that follows the journey of a 30-year-old called Ernie who is looking for an ever-elusive bathroom before heading to a crucial very first date. You can watch it on VICE here.
Heller and the film’s co-writer and star Kareem Rahma sat down together
to produce and discuss their lists of
quintessential New york city films.- Deeper into Movies Kareem Rahma’s picks
First and foremost, I am not a real, truly real New Yorker. I’m a ridiculous little transplant who has been here for ten years. They state I can call myself a New Yorker and I seem like one … but TBD on what real New Yorkers say, considering that the goalposts alter with every season. SO! Go easy on me. I’m not stating that these motion pictures are the absolute finest New york city films ever, but I do think that they resonated with me and they’re the ones that standout in my head one of the most.– Kareem Rahma
‘When Harry Met Sally’ (1989 ), directed by Rob Reiner
Kareem Rahma: This is one of the very best films ever made and in my opinion, it’s definitely defendable as the very best romcom ever made. I enjoy Nora Ephron a lot. Her screenplays, but also her as a human. I love her obsession with necks. Also, I think I’ll sneak another movie into this part, which is a documentary about Nora called Everything is Copy. This film kind of altered my life and the way I approached imagination and work.
‘House Alone 2: Lost In New York City’ (1992 ), directed by Chris Columbus
Rahma: I can’t inform you how many times I watched this movie as a youngster in Minnesota. It is among the critical films of my youth. When I was young, my family never ever went to New York. In truth, I didn’t visit until I was an adult, around 23 years of ages … So this movie is how I learnt more about New york city City. It’s remarkably accurate, no? It’s such a wonderful film, but it’s so rooted in truth. Pigeon Lady need to be based on a real person. Also, there are a lot of pop cultural minutes in this film. Everyone knows the pizza in the limo scene. The Trump cameo. Also, the Wet Bandits are fucking lit. I feel like every MF in Soho dresses like these 2 now.
‘After Hours’ (1985 ), directed by Martin Scorsese
Rahma: I hadn’t seen and even become aware of this movie till 2021 when Nico referenced it in one of our conversations. I don’t think a great deal of individuals know about this film … It’s type of a Scorsese deep-cut anomaly. Has he ever made another movie like this one? I don’t believe so. This belongs to the Nouveau riche Nightmare Cycle [described by film author Bianca Gardner as] “a subgenre of films which came about in the 80s. Created by author Leighton Grist, the ‘nouveau riche problem cycle’ usually follows a white male young city professional (a ‘yuppie’) who is pulled into a surprise horrible world, generally tempted in by a femme fatale”. Anyways, Nico told me to watch this and it turned into one of the primary reference points for our movie Out of Order.
Nicolas Heller: After Hours is in my Top 10 for sure.
One of Scorsese’s best. It was a big inspo for Out of Order. Total New York City turmoil. ‘Daddy Longlegs'( & 2009 ), directed by
Josh & Benny Safdie Rahma: Clearly I like Great time and Uncut Gems, but after seeing both of those I wanted to explore the Safdie back brochure. Daddy Longlegs just may be my preferred one. It’s so basic, yet so intricate. Likewise, I enjoy that their longtime co-writer Ronald Bronstein plays Lenny, the main character. Provide this male more functions (if he wants them!).
‘Frances Ha’ (2012 ), directed by Noah Baumbach
Rahma: I know that this is a truly tacky option, but in 2012 when I moved here I enjoyed this film, and anytime anything occurred I blurted out “OMG, that’s so New york city!” I thought this film was so good. Upon rewatching it in 2021, I discovered most of the characters to be insufferable, however I still think it deserves to be on the list.
Heller: Saw it as soon as when it came out, don’t remember a single feature of it other than it being in black and white and
Greta Gerwig avoids around a lot. Was Kylo Ren in it too?Nicolas Heller’s picks
Right before the pandemic, I set out to watch every NY movie ever made and rank them. I just wound up watching about 100 films before I got tired, but I do plan on selecting it up again ultimately. Everybody has the same few NY films as their “favourites” so I wanted to keep away from the apparent with this list. Here are a few of my should see NY films.– Nico Heller
‘Midnight Cowboy’ (1969 ), directed by John Schlesinger
Right before the pandemic, I set out to watch every NY movie ever made and rank them. I just wound up watching about 100 films before I got tired, but I do plan on selecting it up again ultimately. Everybody has the same few NY films as their “favourites” so I wanted to keep away from the apparent with this list. Here are a few of my should see NY films.– Nico Heller
‘Midnight Cowboy’ (1969 ), directed by John Schlesinger
Heller: Most likely my preferred film ever made. I believe Dustin Hoffman’s Ratso Rizzo is one of the best character portrayals in film history. Clearly this film gets its praise, but the more youthful generation appears to ignore it, which is a pity.
Rahma: I haven’t enjoyed this film in a really long period of time, however you know what is truly strange? This was my father’s favourite film. We used to view it together. Obviously, he didn’t truly care about rankings since as I remember it this film was certainly for adults.
‘Taking of Pelham 123’ (1974 ), directed by John Sargent
Heller: We are speaking about the initial here. The remake wasn’t as awful as you would believe, but the initial is simply incredible. It’s so old school NY, it injures.
‘Great Time’ (2017 ), directed by Josh & & Benny Safdie
Heller: Love the Safdie Brothers. Everything they do is unbelievable and so authentically NY. This film, nevertheless, is my favourite for sure. The energy is unlike anything I’ve seen prior to. Among the very best soundtracks of the previous 5 years as well.
Rahma: I remember I enjoyed this the first time at Nitehawk, right when it came out and I resembled:” I like it, however I’m not obsessed with it or anything”, and then I saw it a second-time around a few years later and I resembled”
I get it. This is an A + film.” ’25th Hour'(2002), directed by Spike Lee
Heller: Among my favourite Spike Lee joints. I enjoyed this many times in high school. Edward Norton’s mirror monologue is timeless. And love the club scene when Philip Seymour Hoffman is doing the traditional Spike Lee float.
Rahma: This motion picture is really frightening to me. I like the premise and Edward Norton fucking RIPS in this function. I’m constantly amazed that it’s directed by Spike Lee, since it doesn’t really appear like a Spike Lee joint.
‘The Drop’ (2014 ), directed by Michaël R. Roskam
Heller: Really, really underrated NY criminal activity movie. Tom Hardy plays a Brooklynite better than some Brooklynites. Likewise, among James Gandolfini’s last functions. Highly advised.