I was pleased when this film became available on Netflix and then on DVD, because I am an unconditional fan of Gérard Depardieu even though he is no longer the healthy-looking star he used to be, and also because I was convinced from day one that DSK had fallen into a trap set by his political enemies. Only two people know exactly what happened that day in his hotel room, so this is indeed a fictional version, but when Depardieu's character tells his wife that he is not guilty as accused, I for one believe him. It's watchable, and almost philosophical when he talks to his very rich wife about the sharing of wealth. And if anyone is disappointed by Depardieu's performance in this movie, I recommend director Jean Becker's delightful film "La Tête en friche" (My Afternoons with Margueritte) in which Depardieu is brilliant. Jacqueline Bisset's performance here is remarkable too.

okay, this movie is not very "deep", its more like a real-time documentation of some real life facts/conditions.. so, for about 20-30min its really a "Welcome to New York" with all its special realities.. i was constantly wondering during the movie, what the deeper thoughts of Abel Ferrara and Depardieu & Bisset were to make this half-documentary.. Abel Ferrara made such great films like "Bad Lieutenant" (as you surely know)->what does he (and Depardieu & Bisset) wants to tell us with that ? i guess almost nothing->for me it culminates in a superb acting scene with Bisset and Depardieu at the end.. its a "homage" to two great actors: Bisset & Depardieu.. thats all,thats it..if you are a great Bisset&Depardieu+Movie-Fan, you will like it->great acting !! (PS.appendix: after watching it by chance for a second time in an "Uncut"- Version, its also mainly a "blaming the capitalism", was ,but not so, clear before in the "cutted"-version..)

"Welcome to New York" is based on a real-life "scandal" that involved the french diplomat Dominique Strauss-Kahn who was a member of french Socialist Party and also the Managing Director of IMF (Int. Monetary Fund) from 2007-2011 until he resigned due to allegation that he had sexually abused a hotel maid. Ferrara's "Welcome to N.Y." hands this affair in a masterful way, that you would find it hard to remove your eyes from the screen even for a second. This is not something Ferrara has done in the past - elaborate a certain real life event to the last detail. And for Ferrara this is just the right kind of stuff, cause he has been provocative for all of his carrier and he knows how to handle this kind of material.On the other hand, Dapardieu gives one of the best performances of his carrier. He's so convincing as Deveraux that one can say he's the real man (DSK). The script doesn't exaggerate, - written by Ferrara and Zois (who worked previously with Ferrara in "New Rose Hotel"),- it handles the story plain and proper for Ferrara to do his thing behind the camera. The best part of the movie is when he (Devereaux) boards the plane and then is asked to step out and the whole police procedure begins. Depardieu feels very comfortable during this complex scenes as does Ferrara, who doesn't hesitate even for a second to show us what the real man experienced. Ferrara goes as far as to treat yet another situation that Strauss Kahn found him self in. Ferrara's Devereaux after the N.Y. arrest tries to rape a journalist, in real life this allegation happened to Strauss-Kahn who was accused for such an act and is scheduled to appear in court for trial in 2015. Bisset plays Devereaux's wife and fulfills the other part of the story...Now i'll try and give you some reason why you should watch it or stay away from it: If you are familiar with the real life story of DSK then give it a shot, you wont be disappointed... If you are not an Abel Ferrara fan then skip it (it will be your loss)... If you want to see Depardieu on one of his best roles he has ever done then watch it, the man was the perfect choice for this role.Hope this helped.

A fascinating and uncompromising insight into the life of a man. Ferrara signs here one of its best ever movie and Depardieu reveals once again the full extent of his talent.The fall of the mighty sick of his sexual impulses (the film spares neither sex scenes priced nor the brutal attempts to put a woman in bed). The case itself and its judicial suites are underdeveloped. Abel Ferrara is particularly interested in conversations between the Devereaux couple (Depardieu and Jacqueline Bisset) in the famous New York apartment where he was under house arrest, the ones everyone has imagined but never heard.A great movie.