Watch Spike Lee's 3-minute short film tribute to New York, New Yorkers, and healthcare workers

It's up to you, New York.
 By 
Amanda Yeo
 on 

Acclaimed director Spike Lee has released a video tribute to the New York City on Instagram, capturing how strange the usually bustling city feels amidst the coronavirus pandemic.

Set to the dissonant melody of Frank Sinatra's "New York, New York," the three-minute montage released Thursday shows off New York's empty streets and locked up playgrounds, the result of necessary social distancing and lockdowns. There are also shots of a navy hospital ship and a Central Park field hospital, indicating this isn't just a strangely quiet day.

"My Short Film-NEW YORK NEW YORK Is A Love Letter To It's People," wrote Lee on Instagram. "Plain And Simple."


You May Also Like

The video ends, of course, lingering on the city's masked healthcare workers and the now-customary 7 p.m. applause for them, while Sinatra belts out that "it's up to you, New York, New York."

A bit on the nose? Maybe. Doesn't mean it isn't effective.

Amanda Yeo
Amanda Yeo
Assistant Editor

Amanda Yeo is an Assistant Editor at Mashable, covering entertainment, culture, tech, science, and social good. Based in Australia, she writes about everything from video games and K-pop to movies and gadgets.

Mashable Potato

Recommended For You

Dropout's 'Dimension 20: City Council of Darkness' trailer has Brennan Lee Mulligan going vampire
"DIMENSION 20: CITY COUNCIL OF DARKNESS"

'Lee Cronin's The Mummy' trailer combines creepy kids and Egyptian mythology
Natalie Grace in "Lee Cronin's The Mummy."

'The Testament of Ann Lee' review: Amanda Seyfried astounds in stirring, religious biopic
Amanda Seyfried stars in "The Testament of Ann Lee."

'No Other Choice' skewers the job market. Here's why Park Chan-wook made it.
Director Park Chan-wook and star Lee Byung-hun during the junket for 'No Other Choice'

More in Life

Trending on Mashable
NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 3, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

Wordle today: Answer, hints for April 3, 2026
Wordle game on a smartphone


NYT Connections hints today: Clues, answers for April 2, 2026
Connections game on a smartphone

NYT Strands hints, answers for April 3, 2026
A game being played on a smartphone.
The biggest stories of the day delivered to your inbox.
These newsletters may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. By clicking Subscribe, you confirm you are 16+ and agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Thanks for signing up. See you at your inbox!