A venerated romantic comedy that revolves around Jewish culture is set to broaden its reputation as part of the esteemed Criterion Collection. A memorable cornerstone that precedes Sex and the City while following hot on the heels of Dirty Dancing, it tells the story of a stylish, love-seeking Jewish woman navigating New York’s complex love landscape. Izzy Grossman from Crossing Delancey is the protagonist, bringing humor, charm, and relatable self-destruction to the screen.
Amy Irving, an accomplished actress known for roles in renowned films such as Carrie and the Oscar-nominated Yentl, and notably the wife of the celebrated Steven Spielberg at the time of its launch in 1988, breathes life into the character of Izzy. Izzy’s narrative weaves through the backdrop of 1980s Manhattan, an era and setting that are as much a character in the story as the lively female lead.
Izzy’s character is strikingly independently-minded, a welcome departure from some typical narratives of the period. Her relationship status is not centered around the hunt for a spouse. Instead, her love life is complicated and full of entanglements, running the gamut from liaisons with a married acquaintance to making advances towards a smug novelist colleague.
Her life is rich and satisfying beyond her romantic pursuits. Izzy’s narrative focuses equally on friendships, career aspirations, and personal growth. The texture of these plot points affords depth to the character, thanks largely to the dynamic script and confident directorial style contributing to the film’s engaging fabric.
Susan Sandler, a talented playwright, spun this tale into cinematic life, adapting it from her play of similar title. This work of art was produced with $4 million and managed to rack up an impressive $16 million in gross earnings. The film didn’t exactly resonate with the predominantly male critic base, but it found a warm reception among the limited number of female reviewers writing during that era.
Over the years, Crossing Delancey has been recognized and celebrated as a true-to-life New York romantic comedy gem. This identity will be solidified with its induction into the Criterion Collection on February 18.
In light of this momentous occasion, and in anticipation of her forthcoming Willie Nelson covers album, dubbed Always Will Be, Amy Irving takes a moment to reminisce about the Crossing Delancey filming experience.
Among the cherished memories that Irving, currently seventy-one and masterfully poised, shares are: the quintessential Lower East Side charm, the distinct clothing styles, the warmth she felt towards the cast, especially the actor playing the role of her screen grandmother, and the supportive environment fostered on the set.
As Irving divulges, there were some tales surrounding the project regarding Spielberg’s financial involvement in the film and her subsequent relocation from Los Angeles to New York following their divorce. She fondly recalls Killing Delancey as a pivotal point in her career and personal journey.
With a sparkle in her eyes, Irving paints a vivid picture of the circumstances during that phase of her life and career when Crossing Delancey fell into her lap. She remembers the script to be beautifully written, laden with compelling characters, and centered in her beloved New York City – a setting that was new to her cinematic repertoire.
She confesses a deep, immediate connection with Izzy’s character upon first read. The experience of that bond, Irving claims, set the groundwork for her commanding performance.
Describing the shooting environment, Irving fondly recalls the film set as a comfortable bubble, populated by a supportive female presence that facilitated smooth communication. This nurturing environment, she adds, contributed immensely to the authenticity of the film.
The collaborative experience with her co-actors and actresses was a mixed blessing, according to Irving. Their dynamic interactions, with moments of pleasure balanced by bouts of conflict, added depth to the filmmaking process.
Touching on her own evolution, Irving considers her Crossing Delancey role as a critical turning point. It sparked a shift in her career and life path, bringing more balance to her commitments. Irving confesses that she thrived playing the lead, finding joy in the constant engagement as opposed to waiting around on set.
As the conversation winds down, it is evident that Irving’s journey on Crossing Delancey was not just a footnote in her professional history, but a chapter imbued with memories, learning, and significant transformations.