TV

America's Most Smartest Model (VH1, Every Night)

American television at its finest. Taking the reality concept that step further, America's search for the perfect model continues, but this time they have to have brains, as well as beauty. Who are they kidding?

Tasks such as building a go-kart and undertaking an assault course in full fashion garb are hardly markers when it comes to one's IQ. This may of course be brain testing by US standards - with a leader like George Bush, anyone could appear mildly intelligent - but for the above average brains amongst us this is yet again another addictive opportunity to wonder with painful amusement over what current popular culture has become.

FILM

Cassandra's Dream (Woody Allen, 2007)

We're a little quick off the mark with this preview, but it would be a
crime to ignore a new Woody Allen movie during the NY special, even if it's is based in, erm, London.

Allen, famous for movies such as 'Hannah and her Sisters' and 'Sleeper', is back with this new flick which boasts a cast of Ewan McGregor, Tamzin Outhwaite (eek) and Colin Farrell. For once, Woody Allen has left his Manhattan shores for fresh pastures of South London, where two cockney brothers (Farrell and McGregor) struggle with their embroilment with love and murder, the central themes to this film.

Already getting a slating in the US press, the genius that is Woody Allen is under huge pressure to come back to form and deliver us another classic such as 'Annie Hall'.

FILMS TO LOVE NEW YORK BY

DJ and Producer Larry Tee is a New York institution. From being part of the legendary Clubs Kids scene, Larry lived and worked with Rupaul and created the colourful Electroclash movement in 2001. This launched acts such as the Scissor Sisters, My Robot Friend and Avenue D. He lives in Brooklyn and DJs all over the world, having just celebrated a global smash 'Licky' featuring Princess Superstar.

1) To Wong Fu, Thanks For Everything, Julie Newmar (1995, Beeban Kidron)

Three drag queens go across country in a van to compete in a beauty contest. It features Wesley Snipes, John Leguizamo, and Patrick Swayze as the 'girls' and sounds very much like when I came to NYC with Rupaul, Lady Bunny and Lahoma - in a van. OK, this might actually work better with the sound off or - to make it more digestible - with some good pot and a six pack. Of beer, that is.


2) Party Monster (2003, Fenton Bailey)

This is another film that tells the story of another portion of my life. It is set at the Limelite's Disco 2000 back in the day of clubkids and in-club pharmacies.
Home Alone star Macaulay Culkin stars as the out-of-control Michael Alig in this somewhat uneven film that has become a cult sensation to a new generation of glamour-starved children. Don't you just love them?


3) Manhattan (1979, Woody Allen)

I detest Woody Allen's latest films but somehow I can overlook this with films like this one. Diane Keaton's character really became the prototype of the bohemian styled New Yorker who shopped at thrift shops and dated complicated men (imagine dating Woody!). I haven't seen this 'Manhattan' in years, but this definitely shaped my view of the city before I got to live here.


4) Breakfast At Tiffany's (1961, Blake Edwards)

This a predictable choice of a New York film. It's safe in every way due to the Audrey Hepburn and the slews of tributes it has received over the years. But the basic story of an out-of-contol socialite and New York beauty is actually quite dark.

Truman Capote's masterwork is turned into movie magic with this treatment. The Givenchy clothes littered liberally throughout launched the courtier's career and made the little black dress an iconic New York classic.


5) Midnight Cowboy (1969, John Schlesinger)

The movie about a cowboy arriving in NYC on a bus and having to turn tricks with old women to survive has always struck me as a perfect film about 'old' New York.

Warhol superstar Sylvia Miles got an academy award for her turn as a desperate divorcee that makes him pay her for a lay. This movie launched Dustin Hoffman's career but the true heart of the film lies in the role of the hustler played by a very sympathetic Jon Voight.


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