Summary
“Timescapes: A Brief History of New York City” was a successful film for the sole reason that it strategically captured the essence of every time period from discovery to present day. As each period of time was explained the storytelling was paired with imagery, maps, vocalized facts and readable texts. All of these parts effortlessly worked together to show viewers the planted seeds in New York and what has blossomed as a result. For example, the film highlighted pivotal times in New York’s history that attributed to the city’s beat. Such as the implementation of new rail road lines and alternative forms of transportation, as a result of a new mayoral administration, changing the rhythm of the city, making New York a metropolis. Additionally, the film expressed that these parts help change the way people interacted within their societies forever. Specifically, New York became one of the first places people no longer had to live where they worked.This came as a result of the ample transportation options provided by former elected officials elevating the City. While these details were being displayed and information was shared, there was also imagery flashed of the people who were a part of the working class and the upper class. Since the film was able to tell the viewers so much in a short amount of time and cover a wide range of information, I believe the essence was strategically captured on a decade-to-decade basis.
