Westerly. Director Whit Stillman; Producer Whit Stillman; Screenplay Whit Stillman; Camera John Thomas; Editor Chris Tellefsen; Music Mark Suozzo, Tom Judson; Art Director [uncredited]
Carolyn Farina
Edward Clements
Christopher Eigeman
Taylor Nichols
Alison Parisi
Filmmaker Whit Stillman makes a strikingly original debut with Metropolitan, a glib, ironic portrait of the vulnerable young heirs to Manhattan's disappearing debutante scene. Story centers on a set of East Side friends who dub themselves the SFRP (or 'Sally Fowler Rat Pack', after the girl whose Park Avenue apartment they gather in) and, more amusingly, UHBs, for Urban Haute Bourgeoisie.
They drag into their number a newcomer, Tom (Edward Clements), who openly disapproves of them but nonetheless shows up every night for private gatherings after black-tie parties and dances. A self-serious but insensitive young man, Tom inspires the first-time love of Audrey (Carolyn Farina). Tom repeatedly humiliates her as he continues to pursue an old flame, Serena (Elizabeth Thompson).
Among the fine cast, Christopher Eigeman stands out as Nick, the funny, arrogant group leader who's as jovially self-aware and self-mocking as his new friend, Tom, is stilted and blind to himself.
Pic is a true independent production, financed by Stillman (who sold his Manhattan apartment) and several friends.
1990: Nomination: Best Original Screenplay
(Color) Available on VHS, DVD. Extract of a review from 1990. Running time: 98 MIN.
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