Metropolitan
1990
Manhattan, New York
Whit Stillman
Dry Romantic Comedy
What’s it all about: It’s debutante season, and Manhattan is facing a real escort shortage. Imagine if the Peanuts gang grew up to be anxious upper-middle-class preppies, all basically good people lounging around at after parties over Christmas break waiting for romance, revelation, or the odd fist fight to happen.
First Encounter: VHS
Prostitute Index: nil
Death By: suicide after dating an egotistical baron
Relics: tuxedo rentals, personal letters, having a photograph of someone you’re dating
Hoops: the debutante galas of high society
Heartthrobs: Dylan Hundley, Edward Clements
Pass/Fails the Test of Time: deep 80s formal wear
LoFi Magic: cha cha dancing in the living room, throwing up in the bathroom
Makes me want to: ask Greta Gerwig if this film is her Hammurabi Code for dialogue and delivery
Candotti Take: n/a (“Watch one tonight that you think I wouldn’t like.”)
Worth a watch/rewatch: Yes
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