New York Stories

New York Stories (1989) is an anthology film featuring three segments by acclaimed directors Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola, and Woody Allen. The first and most critically acclaimed segment, “Life Lessons,” is directed by Scorsese and stars Nick Nolte as Lionel Dobie, a tortured and obsessive abstract painter navigating the emotional chaos of his relationship with his young assistant and former lover, Paulette (played by Rosanna Arquette). Set in a gritty, pulsating New York art world, the segment delves into the volatile intersection of passion, ego, and creative inspiration.

The score and soundtrack in “Life Lessons” play a vital role in capturing the psychological turmoil of the characters. Featuring bluesy rock tracks by Procol Harum (“A Whiter Shade of Pale”) and Bob Dylan, the music mirrors Dobie’s emotional unrest and obsessive drive. Rather than a traditional orchestral score, Scorsese uses classic rock as an expressive tool—enhancing both the intensity of the painting sequences and the interior struggles of the artist.
The use of music in “Life Lessons” feels spontaneous and visceral, in tune with the segment’s theme of art born from pain and obsession. It reflects Scorsese’s signature style of using contemporary music to amplify narrative rhythm and emotional depth.