In a comment “John” kindly pointed out that you can watch Siskel and Ebert’s review of Metropolitan. Thumbs up from Ebert, down from Siskel.
Second, a recent article at National Review lists Metropolitan as number three in its Best Conservative Movies, with this from Mark Henrie (editor of the book Doomed Bourgeois in Love: Essays on the Films of Whit Stillman (US, UK):
Whit Stillman’s Oscar-nominated debut takes a red-headed outsider into the luxurious drawing rooms and debutante balls of New York’s Upper East Side elite. One character, a committed socialist, falls for the discreet charm of the urban haute bourgeoisie. Another plaintively theorizes the inevitable doom of his class. A reader of Jane Austen wonders what’s wrong with a novel’s having a virtuous heroine. And a roguish defender of standards and detachable collars delivers more sophisticated conservative one-liners than a year’s worth of Yale Party of the Right debates. With mocking affection, gentle irony, and a blizzard of witty dialogue, Stillman manages the impossible: He brings us to see what is admirable and necessary in the customs and conventions of America’s upper class.
UPDATE: Thanks to those who pointed this out: Barcelona and The Last Days of Disco were mentioned as two of the 25 “also rans” at the end of the National Review article. (15 Feb 2009)
With it’s message of hope and redemption, I tend to think that Barcelona is actually a more ‘conservative’ movie, as the protagonists are rewarded for their virtues.
Anyone know where I might find an early draft of Metropolitan or Barcelona? Any draft will do that’s earlier than the versions published in book form. I teach a college course called “The Screenplay as Literature,” and I prefer having my students read early drafts that they can contrast with the final edited screen version. I’d love to add either Metropolitan or Barcelona to the reading list.
In the early ’90′s I rented Metropolitan on VHS that included a short very funny skit that followed the end of the movie, by members of the cast. Can anyone help me find this? It’s not on the DVD’s I’ve seen since then.
to all,
do you know what song is playing in Rick Von Sloneker’s bedroom – Cahp 24 of Metropolitan?
Anyone interested in reviews/criticism of Stillman’s films should get their hands on everything James Bowman has written about the ‘urban trilogy’. Check his website, jamesbowman.net, for the Last Days review; and the following is a wonderful, encompassing essay — http://www.mmisi.org/ir/35_02/bowman.pdf.
Thanks for the links. We already link to the full contents of the Intercollegiate Review that essay is taken from, although it’s not very obvious. Bowman’s Last Days review is new to me though, so I’ve added it to the appropriate page.
I’m not sure I have a comment ,except to say that -METROPOLITAN-is and always will be one of the most legendary movies in the pantheon of filmdom
I concur and “Metropolitan” will be preserved at the UCLA Film & Television Archive. Cannot think of a more deserving film.
Criterion, please do a “Barcelona” dvd!
http://www.screendaily.com/news/corporate/sundance-picks-metropolitan-poison-harold-and-maude-for-ucla-screenings/5009216.article
http://festival.sundance.org/2010/press_industry/releases/selected_for_2010_sundance_film_festival_from_the_collection_screenings/