Metropolitan

Whit Stillman, USA 1990, 98 minutes

Whit Stillman's 1989 film about a middle class boy drawn into a world of socialites, debutantes and tuxedos is perhaps one of the most strangely appropriate films for EUFS's calendar. It is also one of the best.

Tom (Edward Clements) is a nice straight forward middle class student but he finds himself surprisingly adopted by a group of people jointly calling themselves the SFTP (Sally Fowler Rat Pack) and UHBs (that's urban haute bourgeoisie). His prejudices towards these rich, socially obsessed debutantes are soon eroded by exposure to their witty and often insightful company but he holds reservations. In the Rat Pack he finds himself growing increasingly attracted to Audrey (Carolyn Farina) but he still finds himself drawn to his old flame Serena (Elisabeth Thompson) despite her apparent disregard for his feelings. Who will Tom go for? Will he survive the Rat Pack, will the Rat Pack survive him?

Stillman's debut feature shows a surprising maturity and confidence relying almost wholly on its dialogue for its appeal. It was nominated for the 1990 Best Original Screenplay Oscar. The almost unknown cast play each of their roles to perfection revelling in the spotlight which Stillman passes around with ease and regularity. Perhaps the unsung star though is whoever thought of the locations etc. Using sparse minimalist sets and setting the action around a white Manhattan winter Stillman highlights the impressionable teenagers and their will to perform, to impress, to make their mark on the world. Metropolitan is essentially a drawing room comedy akin to something by Jane Austen but its ambitions go way beyond that. Stillman seeks to overcome prejudices, decide futures, thwart fates and stimulate minds all in the space of ninety minutes. Unmissable is too paltry an adjective for this film, stunning doesn't go far enough. Please don't miss it.

Review by Andrew Hesketh
Taken from EUFS Programme 1997-98