Autumn in New York

“Love Story” in New York with an older man, younger woman

A handsome restaurateur in upscale Manhattan is also a notorious womanizer (Richard Gere). When he is wowed by a too-young woman (Winona Ryder), will she become the catalyst to positive change despite her secret?

“Autumn in New York” (2000) is a romance that mixes “Love Story” (1970) with a little “Pretty Woman” (1990). It has a lot of good in it, especially the Fall cinematography of the better parts of the Big Apple, as well as the characters played by Elaine Stritch and JK Simmons, not to mention Vera Farmiga. The "human lie detector" scene is great too.

Unfortunately, there’s zero build-up to consummation and Gere’s character is depicted in an outrageously negative light despite his good-looking charisma. I’m talking the first 40 minutes of the movie. Why would anyone with a brain want to waste their precious time on such a person?

I suppose you could view it as a character study and the power of love to change an attractive-but-loathsome person but, if that’s the case, explain what contemptibly happens at the Halloween party. Still, it's a bold scene that captures the viewer unaware and should be respected for that. No one can say it's an imitation of "Love Story" from 30 years earlier. Also, the close with Vera’s character is notable in a heartwarming way. There’s hope for ANYONE, if they’re humble and penitent.

The film runs 1 hour, 43 minutes, and was shot in Manhattan.

GRADE: B-