Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York

A really good movie. Much better "young woman finding herself in the big city" than was "Frances Ha," or even "Breakfast at Tiffany's" (thought that obviously has other qualities). Patient, intelligent, warm, and funny, with enough conflict and growth to make it interesting and rewarding. I have an advantage in that I haven't read the book, so I can take the movie at face value. And from that vantage it works. Jeannie Berlin is wonderful, with the same ability to own the camera whenever she's on screen that she displayed last year in "Café Society". When she wants to look like a fish out of water, escaping an overbearing mother by moving to NYC, that's what you see. Awkward, unsure of herself, without any real outward appeal. But when she's supposed to be beautiful, indeed she is - you can't take your eyes off of her.

I happened to live in NYC at the time that this movie takes place, and the feel is just right.

My wife has been looking for a copy of this for years, and finally our daughter hunted one down on the "Loving The Clasics" label, whatever that might be. And it's in its original aspect ratio!

I saw this on television in the early eighties on late night television. Strange but interesting film. As noted in the synopsis on this page, the song "Love me, oh love me, baby won't you love me" stays with you FOREVER. It's the one thing I remember most about the movie, that and the scene where Roy tells Sheila about wetting his pants in gradeschool... Odd film.

"Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York" is a quirky and dark romantic comedy that offers a unique take on the typical love story. With a runtime of 113 minutes, the 1975 film, directed by Sidney J. Furie, follows the life of a shy young woman, Sheila Levine (played by Jeannie Berlin), who moves to the bustling city of New York and finds herself in a complicated love triangle.

Based on the novel by Gail Parent, the film takes a different direction, offering a romantic drama with comedic elements. The story focuses on Sheila's journey as she navigates life in the big city, finding herself drawn to her roommate's boyfriend. The film effectively captures the challenges and emotions of a young woman striving to find her place and happiness in a new and fast-paced environment.

While the film has its charming moments, it falls short of being a truly memorable cinematic experience. The tone is inconsistent, veering from light-hearted to sentimental, and at times, confusing. The criticism by Pauline Kael of The New Yorker sums it up: "A confused, part-liberated rehash of old Hollywood attitudes." The film struggles to find a balance between its comedic and dramatic elements, resulting in a somewhat jarring viewing experience.

However, the film is not without its merits. Berlin's performance as Sheila is commendable, conveying a range of emotions with subtlety and depth. The film also captures the essence of 1970s New York, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of the city's history.

Overall, "Sheila Levine Is Dead and Living in New York" is an interesting yet flawed take on the romantic comedy genre. While it has its moments of charm and emotion, the inconsistent tone and confusing narrative let it down.

Jeanne Berlin (daughter of Elaine May) is perfect in this movie! What a funny, brilliant woman! The movie reminds me of My Big Fat Greek Wedding. All women are not beautiful and rich. You go girl! Another wonderful aspect of this movie is an early role for Roy Scheider who plays her love interest. My favorite part is the main character's job at a children's recording studio, Wha Wha Records. Everyone does a rather mundane job until a musician needs "backup". All the employees jump up and become the chorus. Gail Parent is one of my favorite writers (remember Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman on TV?) and she develops wonderfully real women in her comedies. Great movie for then and now.

This is a highly, highly recommended film. Very difficult to categorize it. Does not easily fit into the categories of chick flick, rom com, or even comedy vs. Drama.

It is that rare film that can be truly heart warming without being sappy. It is not a retread.

Jeannie Berlin absolutely deserves high praise for this. As great as she was in the 'heartbreak kid', the slays in this.

I have no idea if it is 'in print', etc. But if you are alone one evening, your plans fell through, etc. Watch this.

This film made the film co-op rounds in the mid to late 70's and I probably saw it 3-4 times in college.

As a heterosexual male, just 'getting started', this helped me take the first view into the female psyche.