As their new documentary about New York’s Chelsea Hotel is released, directors Amélie van Elmbt and Maya Duverdier talk about gentrification and why “underground independence is so important for our society”
While some establishments dream of having five stars, the Chelsea Hotel hosted a far greater number. In its heyday, the building, located on 23rd street in New York City, was the temporary home for musicians like Bob Dylan, Patti Smith, Jimi Hendrix, Bob Marley, Joni Mitchell, Mick Jagger, and Chet Baker. Within the hotel’s walls, Jack Kerouac feverishly typed, and Miloš Forman penned his screenplay for, supposedly basing the asylum on the wild assortment of artists roaming the floors.
“We wanted to stay with the residents that really stayed there all their lives,” van Eltmbt tells me over Zoom from Paris – an alternative to a traditional in-person junket at the Chelsea Hotel. Van Eltmbt and Duverdier initially planned to end the film with the hotel’s grand reopening, but couldn’t wait that long. Instead, the film’s patient pacing highlights a sense of limbo amongst the residents, many of whom are unsure if they’ll be able to afford the presumed rise in prices after the luxury makeover. “When we met the people, we understood that they were still dreaming of their lives as artists,” says Duverdier.
Throughout our conversation, both directors lament the absence of a proper replacement for the Chelsea Hotel. Still, I wonder: haven’t artists simply migrated online? “Maybe,” says Duverdier. “But for me, it’s sad, even if the internet is very powerful.” “There are houses of artists in Belgium,” says van Elmbt. “But the rent is so high. As an artist, if you live in those spaces, you know you can be kicked out.
France Dernières Nouvelles, France Actualités
Similar News:Vous pouvez également lire des articles d'actualité similaires à celui-ci que nous avons collectés auprès d'autres sources d'information.
Mudryk shares new Chelsea chant on Instagram mocking Arsenal for transfer failureMykhailo Mudryk is fast becoming a fan favourite at Chelsea and they would have loved his post on Instagram after his debut. The Ukraine star impressed in the 35 minutes he played in the 0-0 draw a…
Lire la suite »
New Child Benefit update for people making a new claim or adding to existing oneChild Benefit payments are worth £21.80 every week for the eldest or only child.
Lire la suite »
Chelsea owner Boehly in cheeky dig at Arsenal over Mudryk and Trossard transfersTodd Boehly has had his say on Arsenal’s transfer for Leandro Trossard by claiming Chelsea’s move for Mykhailo Mudryk is a better deal. The Blues owner has spent close to £500million si…
Lire la suite »
The Caribbean resort ideal for families, where villas have access to hotel facilitiesWindjammer Landing is one of St Lucia’s most family-friendly resorts ☀️ This elegant collection of hillside villas, overlooking a white-sand beach, has the added attraction of superb resort facilities ⤵️
Lire la suite »
Chelsea legend John Terry spotted singing and dancing with fans in away end at AnfieldA video has emerged of Chelsea legend John Terry singing and dancing with the club’s fans away at Liverpool. The Blues travelled to Anfield in what was, unusually, a mid-table Premier League …
Lire la suite »
'Not going to complain' - Potter says investment from Chelsea owner Boehly is 'fantastic'Graham Potter has heaped praise on Chelsea owner Todd Boehly following his January spending spree, saying the heavy investment is ‘fantastic’ and ‘exciting’. The Blues have …
Lire la suite »