Song of My City (2025)

-Written by Kyle Bain.  

Song of My City is a collection of b-roll footage expressing what New York City was like in the 1970’s–primarily through the eyes of the films that characterized it. What is effectively a montage of unrelated footage looks to glorify, mythologize, and demonize the city that never sleeps, while painting somewhat of an accurate depiction of the world’s largest city. 

Song of My City is simple and immersive, transporting viewers back in time to a place that feels more simplistic, yet somehow more harrowing and chaotic. The older footage reminds viewers of a time that was far simpler, that relied on simplicity rather than convolution and unnecessary depth. Viewers quickly realize, however, that Song of My City isn’t here only to glorify New York, but to express the sad reality that it can be a dangerous place, one that threatens, maims, attacks, and is incredibly unforgiving. New York City is, in many ways, a living, breathing entity that interacts with those that rumble through the bustling streets, and Song of My City presents that sentiment to viewers in a way that makes it abundantly clear. 

Furthermore, Director David C. Roberts pieces together a multitude of archived footage that is both fractured and fluid. Moments of grandeur fill the screen, brought to life by a series of images and videos–then, at the drop of a hat, Roberts is able to shift Song of My City tonally and create something charming, tantalizing through his catalog of available footage. His ability to create something both linear and frumpy is a testament to his eye as a filmmaker, his attention to detail, and his love for both filmmaking and the city of New York. 

In many ways Song of My City is just that, a love song for the city that seemingly means so much to, not only Roberts, but millions of others as well. The film is invasive, immersive, honest–everything you want a documentary (and I use that term loosely) to be. The film is a testament to all that NYC is, glorifying it in both honest and ironic ways. The continued juxtaposition of content adds depth to a short, unique film that doesn’t necessarily need depth, but uses it to reel in viewers, allowing them to experience New York (and film) in a new way. 

In some ways Song of My City doesn’t fall into any genre of film. It’s neither a narrative nor a documentary. There are no interviews, no testimonials, nothing that you’d expect to see in a standard documentary. I appreciate how Song of My City alters the usual, explores different veins of filmmaking and presenting information to viewers. Viewers ultimately get to play along, form their own opinions, and experience New York how they see fit in this short documentary. 

Directed by David C. Roberts. 

Starring:

Across 110th Street

All That Jazz

The American Friend

The Andersen Tapes

Born to Win

Cops and Robbers

Cruising

Death Wish

Dog Day Afternoon

Dressed to Kill

The Exorcist

Eyes of Laura Mars

The French Connection

Gloria

God Told Me To

Godspell

Hair

The Hot Rock

Husbands

The Last Detail

Loving

Maniac

Marathon Man

Mean Streets

Midnight Cowboy

Network

A New Leaf

The Panic In Needle Park

Saturday Night Fever

Serpico

The Seven-Ups

Shaft

Such Good Friends

Superfly

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three

Taxi Driver

Three Days of the Condor

Times Square

An Unmarried Woman

The Warriors

8.5/10 = WORTH RENTING OR BUYING