As New York City braces for a historic election, I found an excellent film that chronicles one of the city’s most popular mayors.
“Koch” is a 2012 documentary by first-time filmmaker and former Wall Street Journal reporter Neil Barsky. It premiered at the Hamptons International Film Festival in October of 2012, and opened theatrically, and coincidentally, on February 1, 2013 – the day Ed Koch passed away at the age of 89.
I was first introduced to Ed Koch from commercials that aired during Mets games I watched as a kid in the late 80s. I had no idea who he was but found his demeanor in the spots to be pleasant enough. As years passed, he became one of my favorite politicians as I discovered how vital he was as a figure in the modern history of New York City.
1978 to 1989
Neil Barsky weaves a historical tale that never shy’s away from interest. We follow lifelong New Yorker Ed Koch’s mayoral run in 1977, and his three terms at the helm of the world’s most important city.
Through archival footage and interviews that include Koch himself, the picture covers his politics and turbulent events that occurred during his tenure. Son of Sam, the 1977 Blackout, the AIDS epidemic, high crime rates, higher poverty – it was an era unkind to New York City.
Governance aside, viewers also get a rare glimpse at Koch’s private life. He was a decorated WWII veteran, and a lifelong bachelor with rumors of his sexual orientation constantly scrutinized. Koch was often brash and combative, but consistently charismatic. “But enough of me.” He would say. “Let’s talk about you. What do you think of me?”
We see actual footage of meetings and interviews that demonstrate his polarizing style as a self-described “liberal with sanity.”
“I wake up every morning and say to myself,
Well, I’m still in New York. Thank you, God.” – Ed Koch
It was fun to discover he was an avid movie buff, with a particular passion for indie films. In his later years, he hosted a weekly online movie review web show called “Mayor at the Movies.” Koch is also the originator of my favorite political quote. “If you agree with me on 9 out of 12 issues, vote for me. If you agree with me on 12 out of 12 issues, see a psychiatrist.” Stuff like that would be welcomed in today’s Us versus Them sport team’s political climate.
As with any period piece, we get amazing video footage of 70s and 80s New York City. Graffiti covered buildings, less than pristine streets, aesthetic but junky cars, the Twin Towers. The magic time capsule is perfectly captured.
A Great Watch
Ed Koch was instrumental in turning around and reshaping New York City. “Koch” shows viewers the good and the bad behind the man in an easily digestible 95 minutes. If you’re a fan of documentaries, give it a shot.
Was he one of the best mayors of all time? The film leaves that for you to decide, which I think he would have wanted.
