Tuesday, February 14, 2023. Sunny and bright, and the temperature touching 60 midday yesterday, middle of the winter, if that’s what it’s called.
February 14th was an important day in my life when I was a kid in First Grade. Because it was when we got to open the “Valentines” box in the schoolroom and get the valentines sent to us. I sent one to a girl named Ann Colton. She was my secret love (even six year olds can have a secret love). Ann actually remained that in my life right through grade school and high school when it wasn’t a secret anymore. And eventually faded into memory.
But mainly Valentine’s was also the birthday of my most favorite aunt Jennette Childs whom I called “Natnie” (that must have come to mind before I knew what I was talking about). Natnie had no children and whenever she came to visit, she showered me with her affection and kindness. And she was pretty. And she smelled good too to this little one. When she came to visit in wintertime she always wore a fur coat that smelled good too. She was my angel, so it seemed natural that she would be born on this day.
As it happens at this late date, I know several people who share the day as their birth date. Today, its “special” is related to me, for as of today they are officially streaming/running the documentary about me and my life “Last Night In New York” on iTunes/Apple TV; Google Play, and Amazon.
The idea of making the film came from Delia von Neuschatz who readers of the NYSD will recognize for her interesting and detailed pieces including the piece we published yesterday on the new fragrance FORMOSA.
She and I had a brief conversation that went something like this:
Delia: “We,” (she and her husband Kevin) are thinking about making a documentary about Society and wondered if you could help us.”
DPC: “There really is no Society anymore because women’s roles have changed.”
Then I recall being wise-guy saying, “If you wanna make a film about Society, you should make a film about me …” I was being (half)-funny but essentially I was pointing out that it no longer carried weight socially.
That was our conversation. And not another word was said. Until about six months later, Delia asked if I would be interested in doing a docu about me.
I was flattered on one hand (and I agreed to do it), but I was also uncertain about the whole process. Life is interesting, always interesting, and I’ve been fortunate although I haven’t always felt that way about my own life. Although in retrospect, the little David who came into the world full of dreams and imagination has been in many ways blessed.
The process of making this film was long and complicated. As much as the film is “about” me, it’s really about the film and what makes it interesting and a look-see. If anyone is to be thanked or praised, it has to be our director Matthew Miele and his assistant cameraman Mac Edgerton (Not to mention, JH). I would also be remiss if I didn’t thank Luis Koberg, Darren Manelski (Associate Producer), Eleno Ramos (Associate Producer) and Claire Silberman.
We creatures, no matter who, if followed around by a camera, are fascinating to just watch because in some ways, sometimes many ways, we’re looking at ourselves. As remarkable as the process of filmmaking is, the Self as the subject is merely serving the camera which subsequently serves our curiosity.
I am one of those who has endless curiosity. My divinely-sent Aunt Natnie had that single “complaint” about little David, stated especially if she were preoccupied with something more important and pressing: “Darling David, you ask so many questions ….”
Well, this film is the Questions, not little David. I hope if you see it you will enjoy it. For me: when you observe yourself, your life as seen by a camera, it is like watching a semi-stranger. You can even get a laugh out of it. Otherwise it’s just a Twentieth Century American Boy Grown Up (in the Twenty-First).
To rent the film (and show us a little support!), please visit below for the following streaming services:
• iTunes/Apple TV
• Amazon
• Google Play
