Although I've been trying like mad to get my hands on Tarkovsky's Andrei Rublev, my local library was at least able to procure for me director Whit Stillman's first film, Metropolitan (1990). Nominated for a Best Original Screenplay Oscar, this coming-of-age film follows the lives of a group of college-aged preppy Upper East Siders -- or, as they call themselves, the Urban Haute Bourgeoisie--as they navigate the debutante ball season during Christmas break.The film is seen through the eyes of middle-class outsider and aspiring Fourier socialist, Tom Townsend -- a newcomer to the group and one who doesn't believe in the debutante society of Park Avenue. Yet, as the film progresses, he realizes that the need to belong outweighs his disdain for high society -- in fact, much to the delight of his new friends, he realizes that traditions such as deb balls are far more humane than raw ideology. Thinking of Fourier, a friend tells Tom near the end of the film: "I wouldn't want to live on a farm with a bunch of other people." He seems to nod his head in agreement.
A comedy of manners, I heartily recommend Metropolitan for someone who'd enjoy watching the Brat Pack in bowties.
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