Humans logo

My New York Year (2021) - Film Review

Margaret Qualley & Sigourney Weaver star in the adaptation of Joanna Rakoff's memoir

By Ted RyanPublished 3 years ago Updated 3 years ago 3 min read
1

Rarely has a film genuinely spoke to me as a writer like this film has - I’m still gutted I missed the cinema screening, but renting this film from home was totally worth the cinema ticket price. My New York Year is based on the memoir My Salinger Year of poet and novelist Joanna Rakoff, a college graduate who took a clerical job working for the literary agent of the renowned, reclusive writer J.D. Salinger in 1995.

Director Philippe Falardeau also pens the script of this adaptation, capturing the 90s atmosphere beautifully and even delving into some fantastical elements to explore Joanna's internal psyche and conflict visually. This coming of age drama is universally relatable, not just from a writer's perspective - but many of us can identify with Joanna's arc of trying to find her way in her twenties and in an industry where she is an unknown speaks volumes to many.

This film has been described as The Devil Wears Prada in the literary world and I can see that comparison. However, the mentor-mentee relationship between Margaret Qualley and Sigourney Weaver's characters feels a lot more ground and subtle in their interactions both in the writing and performances.

Weaver's portrayal of Margaret was simply superb. This is a character that other actresses would have gone full Miranda Priestly, but Weaver brings a quiet dignity to the role. There was so much about her character that was unsaid, but we got through Weaver's performance - her selective nature over clients, her blunt mannerism and prioritising the agency even above her own needs - made her a truly fascinating character and foil to Qualley's Joanna.

Joanna is a character that I could identify with on so many levels - fresh out of university with a passion for writing, but no connections that early in her career to get her work read by the right people - and Qualley brings such authenticity to the role.

This was an interesting protagonist, because as well as it being a coming of age for her as a writer we also see that growth from her as a person. She was very much someone trying to figure her life out, realising her mistakes and growing with that knowledge along the way. As well as the exploration of her relationships with a pretentious wannabe novelist (played by Douglas Booth) and her high school sweetheart (played by Hamza Haq), this film deviated from the tropes of glossing over a relationship that isn't right for someone or downplaying an actual nice guy and I appreciated seeing that complexity on screen.

This film also explored an interesting time for the writing industry - the dawn of the digital age and the struggles of being an unsolicited writer. In many ways, the writing industry has remained pretty similar during the past two decades and that's why this film did so well at portraying writers. With it being based on Rakoff's experiences with published authors, readers and agents alike - having that perspective and more importantly, giving a voice to these individuals is something we rarely see in cinema and need more of.

The relationship between Joanna and Catcher in the Rye author J.D. Salinger was a pivotal part of the story and was actually a sweet dynamic. Told primarily through telephone calls, it’s an unlikely friendship that develops between the aspiring writer and the reclusive novelist. As Joanne reads his unanswered fan mail, the audience are given an intimate insight on how novels can impact and move their readers.

I enjoyed this film much more than I expected to, it was a marvellous production with nuance and depth. For writers, this is a production that really does capture the trials and victories of finding your voice - both in your craft and in your personal life.

I’m more than happy to rate this film ★★★★★ - the mark of a good writer is that their story stays with you long after the book is closed or the film credits roll and this one certainly has.

movie review
1

About the Creator

Ted Ryan

When I’m not reviewing or analysing pop culture, I’m writing stories of my own.

Reviewer/Screenwriter socials: Twitter.

Author socials: You can find me on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and Goodreads as T.J. Ryan.

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.