Product Details

• Actors: Bernadette Peters, Adam Coleman Howard, Chris Sarandon, Mary Beth Hurt, Madeleine Potter
• Directors: James Ivory
• Writers: Tama Janowitz
• Producers: Fred Hughes, Gary Hendler, Ismail Merchant, Vincent Fremont
• Format: NTSC
• Rated: R (Restricted)
• Number of tapes: 1
• Studio: Sony Pictures Home E
• VHS Release Date: September 28, 1989
• Run Time: 124 minutes
• Average Customer Review: 3.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (13 customer reviews)
• ASIN: 6301415841
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #365,639 in Movies & TV (See Top 100 in Movies & TV)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

15 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Artist's Life of the '80s, September 4, 2003

By 

Bonnie Burton (San Francisco) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slaves of New York [VHS] (VHS Tape)

I have to admit. This is the movie that made me want to drop everything and move to NYC to become an artist/writer/hat designer/club kid. Of course, I was 16 when I first saw it and wasn't going to be leaving my Colorado suburban abode anytime soon. But it still inspired me to one day visit NYC and run into the same characters in this movie. Not only is the story entertaining, but the movie style is indeed unique.

My only request: PLEASE MAKE THIS AVAILABLE ON DVD!
I would love to see bonus DVD material including a documentary on NYC in the '80s and commentary with the director and Bernadette Peters. Maybe Criterion will take this one on.

Either way, this flick is a gem.

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Slaves of New York : a modern classic, March 20, 2009

By 

S. J. Howell - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Slaves of New York (DVD)

New York has changed since "Slaves of New York" was made. It has undergone a process of gentrification. Merchant-Ivory have created a motion picture which is nostalgic in an unique way, for a milieu that no longer exists, but lives on in our minds.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Subtle, Dry Masterpiece, September 8, 2005

By 

Bettyboy72 "Thom" (Buffalo, New York United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Slaves of New York (DVD)

I first saw Slaves of New York when it was originally released quite some time after reading the book. I was drawn into the world of the 80's NYC Art Scene. The film is a bit austere, but I think that helps viewer's relate to Eleanor's (Bernadette Peters)struggle in life as an outsider-that she never gets the joke. Bernadette gives a rich and nuanced performance as Eleanor. She is the reason for seeing the film. She vacillates between giddy joy, depression, heartbreak, and triumph. Her introverted Eleanor is a joy to watch.
The colorful peripheral characters add spice and contrast, but it is Eleanor's story of finding her identity in an environment where everything is a facade.

This film is definitely not for everyone. Many talented people worked on this film and I found it charming on so many levels. It is definately unlike anything you have ever seen. If you love anything about the 80's culture, fashion, or pop world this is a must see. The fashion alone is a hoot. There are several priceless scenes.