It seems bizarrely out of time and place to be enthralled by a film about a bunch of New York upper-class teens—young people indulging in their own intellectualism, trying to form friendships and romances all the while talking about literature and philosophy. But as soon as I heard the opening credits music of Whit Stillman’s Metropolitan (1990), I had an inkling that my experience would be delightful.
The film takes place in a time that’s “not so long ago,” and at its center are friends that call themselves the Sally Fowler Rat Pack. They’re enjoying the holiday season in New York, especially the debutante ball. It’d be easy to conclude that, because these are affluent preppies (although they wouldn’t call themselves that), they are monochromatic. Perhaps this is true from a social and economic class point of view. But the group is composed of varied personalities and literary archetypes.
Read Full Article »