NYC in Transit launches at Film Forum

The New York City subway system is far more than just a method of transport; it is a perfectly cinematic stage, teeming with drama, tension, and the raw, unvarnished rhythm of urban life. From the screech of brakes and the clackety-clack of wheels to the jenga-like density of commuters packed into rush hour trains, every turn and tunnel offers a unique, gritty perspective on the metropolis.

This profound visual landscape is being celebrated through Film Forum’s ongoing “NYC in Transit” series, an epic exploration that runs through September 1st and features a curated collection of films and archival footage. Hosted by the New York Transit Museum, the series invites viewers to look beyond the daily commute and examine the subway as a historical and cultural artifact.

The journey begins with a look back at the golden age of motion. One viewing highlights “Speedy”, a silent slapstick masterpiece starring Harold Lloyd alongside 1928 New York. While this film features some of the earliest known gags about being packed into a subway car like sardines, it also offers historical glimpses of elevated trains and streetcars, bringing history directly into the rails.

The series then delves into more complex narratives that use the transit infrastructure as a setting for deep sociological study. A viewing of Jules Dassin’s “The Naked City” uses the subway system in 107 different locations—from market stalls to bridges—to track an NYPD detective’s hunt for a murderer. The film treats the transit lines not merely as scenery but as a method for studying the city’s evolving reality.

Adding a layer of intense, high-stakes drama is the exploration of law enforcement and conflict. “The French Connection” provides a riveting cinematic look at an obsessive narcotics detective turning the city upside down to catch a heroin trafficker. This film stands as a “rich text” on themes of police procedure, justice, and the brutal realities that often lie beneath the surface of law enforcement.

This exploration into the grit of New York is further amplified by films centered on crime and urban tension. “The Taking of Pelham One, Two, Three” plunges viewers into a thrilling hostage situation aboard a subway train, capturing the atmosphere of a city struggling just before its inevitable collapse. It serves as a stark reminder that even during moments of systemic failure, dedicated public servants race against the clock.

Even more evocative are the archival segments from the Transit Museum’s collection. These films showcase the evolution of the subway and offer a paradoxical look at the system’s image—from a realm described as a “death trap” filled with peril to a modern concern for safety. They reveal the relentless, enduring presence of the rails in shaping the city’s narrative.

Finally, the series culminates with the electrifying energy of “The Warriors.” This film masterfully blends urban exploitation and Greek tragedy, focusing on a street gang navigating a volatile city. It captures the analog era of New York—complete with token-operated turnstiles and working public restrooms—offering some of the most visually thrilling footage of subway trains and tunnels in the entire series. It reminds us that beneath the surface of modern life, the city still harbors pockets of deep, unpredictable darkness.