Awake in the City

The film follows an aspiring advertising executive struggling with addiction and alienation in the harsh urban landscape of New York City. As his personal life unravels, he navigates the superficiality of the advertising world and his own demons. His relationships, particularly with his wife, become increasingly strained, mirroring his internal conflict and descent.

Critically acclaimed upon its release, 'Awake in the City' was lauded for its raw portrayal of urban decay and psychological turmoil. It is often cited as a defining film of its era, capturing the anxieties and disillusionment of post-Vietnam America. The performances, particularly De Niro's, received widespread praise for their intensity and authenticity.

• Praised for its unflinching depiction of urban struggle and mental health.

• Robert De Niro's performance is considered a career highlight.

• The film's gritty realism and atmospheric cinematography were highly commended.

Google audience: Audiences frequently praise the film's powerful and realistic portrayal of a man battling addiction and despair. Many highlight the intense acting and the movie's ability to evoke a strong sense of empathy for the protagonist's struggles, despite its bleak subject matter.

Nominated for the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. Received multiple nominations for Golden Globe Awards, including Best Actor for Robert De Niro.

The film's stark, gritty aesthetic was heavily influenced by Schrader's own experiences with addiction and his observations of New York City in the 1970s.