New York losing its appeal for Matt

Speaking at the Manhattan premiere of his film Factotum, native New Yorker Matt Dillon says he believes the celebrity buzz in his home city is becoming "maybe a little too much".

An influx of big celebrity names - from Heath Ledger to Julia Roberts - has moved to New York in recent years, making it second only to LA as a star-spotting mecca for tourists and a tabloid heaven for eagle-eyed paparazzi.

"I'd say it's getting worse in a way," adds Dillon, talking about the increased attention being bestowed upon the city's famous residents, such as fellow long-term locals Robert De Niro, Uma Thurman and Sarah Jessica Parker.

"There's always been a lot of film and entertainment people living in New York," says the 42-year-old actor. "For the film business and the music business, New York's always been an important place."

However, despite finding it increasingly difficult to go about his daily business in peace, Matt believes that female celebrities get the worst scrutiny.

"I think that in some cases, it's too bad - especially for the women. It seems like they're counting every pound she puts on after her pregnancy," bemoans Matt.

But having a thriving acting community in the city does have its upside.

Starring as the fictional alter-ego of writer Charles Bukowski in Factotum, Matt was reunited with Fisher Stevens and Marisa Tomei, who he first worked with on 1984 movie, The Flamingo Kid.

Matt says the New York-based actors have all remained close over the past 22 years.

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