New York City is a recurrent location used in the film industry. Its eclectic, unrestrained atmosphere adds depth to the plot of a motion picture, and can even become a character within itself. The New School resides in a well-established neighborhood in Greenwich Village, making it a prime setting for movie scenes. Here are some films that feature spots around campus.
This article contains movie spoilers.
Lady Bird (2017)
The Academy Award nominated film “Lady Bird,” written and directed by Greta Gerwig, weaves through the life of Christine “Lady Bird” McPherson (Saoirse Ronan) from Sacramento, California. This coming-of-age story focuses on Lady Bird’s senior year of high school and her yearning to escape the mundanity of her hometown by moving to the east coast. The film dissects the complexities within Lady Bird’s relationships with her family and friends–particularly her mother, Marion McPherson (Laurie Metcalf).
After being accepted to a New York college against her mother’s wishes, Lady Bird gravitates towards the beginning of her new, artistically-inclined life. However, her first night in Manhattan consists of reckless drinking and overnight hospitalization. After leaving the hospital, Lady Bird wanders through the streets on Sunday morning and briefly attends a service (something she resented in high school). She then leaves a repentant voicemail to her mother in the church courtyard in order to make amends. The church she enters is the First Presbyterian Church located at 12 W 12th St, along the same street as the John M. Kaplan building.
13 Going on 30 (2004)
The romantic comedy film “13 Going on 30” stars Jennifer Garner as Jenna Rink — an unpopular adolescent whose wish of becoming 30 comes true through the use of magical wishing dust given to her by her best friend, Matt Flamhaff (Mark Ruffalo), during her 13th birthday.
Jenna awakens the morning after her birthday in an apartment in New York City, initially unaware of the fact that she is now a thirty-year-old woman. Filled with utter bewilderment about her current situation, along with an unfamiliar boyfriend in her shower, Jenna darts out of the apartment onto the streets of Fifth Avenue. The exterior of Jenna Rink’s apartment is located on 51 Fifth Ave between West 11th and 12th Street, two blocks south of the University Center.
Maggie’s Plan (2015)
“Maggie’s Plan” follows the complicated life of Maggie Hardin (Greta Gerwig), a woman who attempts to navigate through her new role as a wife and mother. Although she starts with one plan for herself, she continually finds that the universe has other things in mind. This includes conceiving a child with John Harding (Ethan Hawke), a married anthropologist. Maggie balances her recently modified home life while simultaneously teaching at the New School.
Maggie and John first interact when they both collect their checks at the office. Soon afterwards, Maggie chats with Felicia — a fellow New School professor — in the Lang Café. The film prominently features the Lang building: the entrance, courtyard, sky bridge and cafeteria all appear multiple times. Maggie also visits nearby Union Square Park and Washington Square Park in the film.
Isn’t it Romantic (2019)
“Isn’t it Romantic” stars Rebel Wilson as Natalie, an architect who loathes romantic comedies due to her difficulty in finding love. After knocking herself out during an attempted mugging, Natalie soon finds herself in an alternate universe; New York City becomes the setting of a rom-com, with Natalie as the lead.
In this parallel world, Natalie regains consciousness in a hospital filled with attractive doctors and a “Williams Sonoma” aura. The beautified, romantic transformation of Manhattan creates even further suspicion for Natalie, especially when a client of her company — Blake (Liam Hemsworth) — becomes spontaneously infatuated with her. The facade of the hospital is the University Center. The movie also features a scene with Natalie and Blake at Fifth Avenue and 13th Street.
How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)
In the romantic comedy film, “How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days,” advice columnist Andie Anderson (Kate Hudson) proposes an article pitch for Composure magazine via the same name. Meanwhile, advertising executive Benjamin Barry (Matthew McConaughey) wagers with his colleagues that he can make any woman fall for him within 10 days. A chaotic relationship quickly brews after these two meet in a bar with polar opposite intentions.
As the plot progresses, Andie and Benjamin develop genuine feelings for each other, causing a gradual shift in their artificial romance. Benjamin even invites Andie to attend his company ball with him as his girlfriend. The evening of the event, Benjamin stares in awe as Andie strides through the front entrance of her apartment building. He marvels at Andie while she playfully flaunts herself in her canary yellow slip dress. The exterior of Andie Anderson’s apartment is located on 43 E Fifth Ave, two blocks south of the University Center.
Remember to observe your surroundings the next time you walk to class. You might stumble into the setting of next year’s feature film.
Photos by Lauren Hoffman
Illustrations by Olivia Heller