Limelight 2011

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.