Limelight

Year: 2011

Runtime: 101 min

Language: English

Director: Billy Corben

Documentary

During the 1980s in Manhattan, Peter Gatien became a dominant figure in the city’s nightlife, operating influential clubs like the Limelight, Tunnel, Palladium, and Club USA. As a Canadian entrepreneur, his venues drew massive crowds and became emblematic of the era's extravagance and a spirit of defiance. However, his reign faced a strong challenge during Rudolph Giuliani’s crackdown on clubs, leading to a legal conflict and ultimately forcing his exile. Despite his departure, his impact and the legacy of his clubs continue to resonate within the city's vibrant underground scene.

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As the owner of iconic nightlife venues such as The Limelight, Tunnel, Palladium, and Club USA, Peter Gatien earned the title of the undisputed king of the 1980s New York City club scene. The Ontario native, easily recognizable by his trademark eye patch, created and managed a series of nightclubs that drew in thousands of patrons each night at their pinnacle. However, following a prolonged period of legal struggles and mounting pressure from law enforcement, particularly under Mayor Rudolph Giuliani’s campaign to crack down on the city’s nightlife in the mid-1990s, Gatien faced deportation back to Canada. This marked the end of his influential reign over New York’s vibrant nightlife.

The documentary dives deep into this dynamic world, featuring insightful interviews with various individuals connected to the club scene, including prominent figures involved in Gatien’s high-profile trial. Produced by Gatien’s daughter, Jen, and Alfred Spellman, and directed by Billy Corben, who is known for his previous work on Cocaine Cowboys, this film captures both the ascendancy and demise of Gatien and his nightclub empire, revealing the compelling story behind a cultural phenomenon.

Last Updated: October 25, 2024 at 10:49

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