“Metropolitan” follows a group of elite Upper East Siders through their New York City Christmas break – which also happens to be debutante season. Tom, a nice guy of ordinary means who lives on the West side of Manhattan tries–uneasily–to join their circle. The entire movie is like a much smarter, more eloquent version of “Gossip Girl” and is not nearly so raunchy. I can’t say holiday spirit plays a big part in the story line, but it certainly gives atmosphere to the already lush Manhattan backdrop that gives you an inside look at the privileged few.
However, the best reason to watch this film is for the delicate and timeless way the story portrays the restless longings and searching of a generation. While this movie is perhaps in some ways a mild satire of the yuppified late 80s, many of the moral dilemmas these characters face are true today. No judgments are made, no big revelations occur, and yet somehow by the end of the story, I always feel like there is a societal indictment of postmodern secular ideals just the same.
Okay, that might not sound like lighthearted holiday viewing, but these characters are touching in their own ways and create an interesting prism to look at our own harried Christmas schedules filled with too many thing that may not be so important after all.
posted December 19, 2008 at 10:46 pm
no deep insight here just saw the movie it was a good movie. however, the movie maid in manhattan was funnier, but both great performances. It portrayed the debutante life as a bit shallow. it’s hard to imagine after going to a debutante party and then rushing home to watch on tv a debutante show??? not exciting. however, quite enjoyable.
posted March 1, 2009 at 7:28 pm
This is one of my favorite alltime movies. The dialogue is fast-moving, hysterically quick-witted and dry. The cinematography is very good and the backdrop is lush and elegant. The movie has surprisingly good acting, and several of the characters are really likable and others, while you may not like them are still sympathetic (Nick, e.g.). The movie makes you long to be in the City, especially during the holidays. After watching it, you may find yourself trying to sound more sophisticated than you are!