Melbhattan
Melbhattan

Movie spotlight

Melbhattan

2013
Movie
5 min
English

Melbhattan. Melbhattan is part homage, part pastiche of the opening sequence of Woody Allen's seminal 1979 film Manhattan. Melbhattan features more than sixty black and white tableaux of Melbourne each composed to mimic images in Allen's film.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes70%
Metacritic62/100
Google Users75%
Director: Michael L. SmithGenres: Documentary

Plot Summary

This documentary explores the unique cultural landscape and vibrant art scene of Melbourne, Australia, often dubbed 'Melbhattan' due to its perceived parallels with Manhattan. It delves into the city's architectural styles, its diverse culinary offerings, and the creative individuals who contribute to its dynamic atmosphere. The film captures the essence of Melbourne's identity and its global appeal.

Critical Reception

Melbhattan received a mixed to positive reception from critics, with many praising its visual style and exploration of Melbourne's culture. Some reviews noted that the documentary occasionally felt more like a travelogue than a deep dive into specific issues. Audience reactions were generally favorable, appreciating the film's effort to showcase the city's charm.

What Reviewers Say

  • Visually appealing with a strong focus on Melbourne's aesthetics.

  • Offers an engaging, albeit sometimes superficial, look at the city's cultural identity.

  • Praised for highlighting local artists and the unique urban environment.

Google audience: Google users appreciated Melbhattan for its beautiful cinematography and its celebration of Melbourne's diverse culture and arts scene. Many found it to be an inspiring and well-produced documentary that effectively captured the city's spirit.

Fun Fact

The nickname 'Melbhattan' was popularized by various travel blogs and articles in the early 2000s, long before this documentary was conceived, highlighting perceived similarities in urban density, cultural offerings, and even the presence of trams similar to New York's subway system.

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