A question for you to consider, when you watch it: how much of it is supposedly set in 1969? Have a look out. The checker cab, parked cars in the street, a black and white television set- anything else?
Must confess it's been a while since I saw it (20+ years I suspect) and it always struck me as a very contemporary film, set in 1990 or at least, say, the mid-80s.
You may recall that as an aspiring young fogey c1990, I still had a b&w TV. So I'd probably have considered that perfectly normal at the time.
It also explains why the characters then turn up (looking a bit middle aged) in The Last Days of Disco, which is clearly set in 1980. Which might put Metropolitan in 1969 or so. Just a thought. But, obviously, you can read too much into these things.
It's set in 1989 or so. But Whit S's original intention was to set it in 1969- it was based on his own experiences on the NYC Deb circuit at that time. But there was no money for period detail! Still, here and there, some 'older' props creep in... which may explain the antiquated television sets.
I must have seen it because I remember the quotes... I need to find it again, to revisit the kinds of deep conversations I had at 19, especially in the basement of my college after too many drinks. Merry Christmas Luke!
I love the Whit Stillman "trilogy" and watched them en famille during "lockdown" when they were much appreciated, even by the sulky adoscents. Reminded me of pretentious Uni life in the mid eighties - I'm sure it's no coincidence that Jeremy Hackett's retro empire burgeoned on the back of this period. Must never confuse Woody's "Barcelona" with the infinitely superior Whitman film of the same name! Thank you for reminding me of "Metropolitan" as another great Chrimbo offering. If I might add another worthy to that Pantheon? - The 1933 version of a Tale of Two Cities with plenty of ye olde snowy London at Christmas, carols in Latin and a weepy ending. Pure magic. Merry Christmas.
Thank you. And Happy Christmas. Strangely, never seen the 1933 Tale of Two Cities, and I'm going to add this to my 'to watch' list. Thank you for that. Talking of Woody Allen, for some strange reason, I haven't as yet written about him- and I am a huge, huge fan. So Annie Hall, Stardust Memories and Everyone Says I Love You to come in the New Year. re Whit- the interesting thing is that Metropolitan is based on his memories of the Deb scene in the very late 60s. Which explains why various Met characters resurface in The Last Days of Disco, which is very firmly set in 1980 or so.
One that got away.. Thank you for highlighting this, on my list now. happy Christmas wishes. I realize your loss is very recent, so blessings and peace and moments of joy... 🎄🎄🎄
Terrific. Not quite sure how this one passed us by, Luke!
Wishing you and yours a happy christmas from us both 🥂
Thank you. And Happy Christmas!
An evocative recommendation to pause on and consider over Christmas. Thank you!
The eighties are another country, but unlike The Go-Between, it's a country I visited and indeed lived some formative years in.
A question for you to consider, when you watch it: how much of it is supposedly set in 1969? Have a look out. The checker cab, parked cars in the street, a black and white television set- anything else?
Interesting... OK I need to review it!
Must confess it's been a while since I saw it (20+ years I suspect) and it always struck me as a very contemporary film, set in 1990 or at least, say, the mid-80s.
You may recall that as an aspiring young fogey c1990, I still had a b&w TV. So I'd probably have considered that perfectly normal at the time.
It also explains why the characters then turn up (looking a bit middle aged) in The Last Days of Disco, which is clearly set in 1980. Which might put Metropolitan in 1969 or so. Just a thought. But, obviously, you can read too much into these things.
It's set in 1989 or so. But Whit S's original intention was to set it in 1969- it was based on his own experiences on the NYC Deb circuit at that time. But there was no money for period detail! Still, here and there, some 'older' props creep in... which may explain the antiquated television sets.
Ah OK. So I'm not entirely wrong. It's rather like Bond films being filmed out of book order - we just have to suspend disbelief and enjoy!
Thank you once again for the recommendation , it´s my NY from the late 80´s, great to see places that no longer exist. Good times!
I wondered when Metropolitan would turn up here. Great read. Happy Christmas!
And you too!
I must have seen it because I remember the quotes... I need to find it again, to revisit the kinds of deep conversations I had at 19, especially in the basement of my college after too many drinks. Merry Christmas Luke!
I have not seen this in an age! Thank you for the reminder, thoroughly enjoyed and wishing you a wonderful festive season ahead Luke!
And thank YOU for all your comments over the last year. Wishing you a very Happy Christmas!
Haven´t seen this in ages. Interesting, never entered my mind as a Christmas film. Merry Christmas!! Hope you have a wonderful Holiday!
Thank you. And Happy Christmas!
I love the Whit Stillman "trilogy" and watched them en famille during "lockdown" when they were much appreciated, even by the sulky adoscents. Reminded me of pretentious Uni life in the mid eighties - I'm sure it's no coincidence that Jeremy Hackett's retro empire burgeoned on the back of this period. Must never confuse Woody's "Barcelona" with the infinitely superior Whitman film of the same name! Thank you for reminding me of "Metropolitan" as another great Chrimbo offering. If I might add another worthy to that Pantheon? - The 1933 version of a Tale of Two Cities with plenty of ye olde snowy London at Christmas, carols in Latin and a weepy ending. Pure magic. Merry Christmas.
Thank you. And Happy Christmas. Strangely, never seen the 1933 Tale of Two Cities, and I'm going to add this to my 'to watch' list. Thank you for that. Talking of Woody Allen, for some strange reason, I haven't as yet written about him- and I am a huge, huge fan. So Annie Hall, Stardust Memories and Everyone Says I Love You to come in the New Year. re Whit- the interesting thing is that Metropolitan is based on his memories of the Deb scene in the very late 60s. Which explains why various Met characters resurface in The Last Days of Disco, which is very firmly set in 1980 or so.
One that got away.. Thank you for highlighting this, on my list now. happy Christmas wishes. I realize your loss is very recent, so blessings and peace and moments of joy... 🎄🎄🎄
That's incredibly kind. Thank you for reading and Happy Christmas. I think you're going to love Metropolitan- a Jane Austen for the late 1980s.
Ciao, Luke! Merry Christmas and thanks for all the riveting reads! I look forward to reading more in 2025.
Thank YOU for reading. And Happy Christmas. I’m rather pleased with my film list for the New Year. A great line up!
🎉🍾