Metropolitan

Along with Steven Soderbergh's sex, lies, and videotape, writer-director Whit Stillman's 1990 Metropolitan was one of the most acclaimed breakthrough hits in the burgeoning American independent film scene of the late '80s and early '90s. Stillman's original screenplay earned an Oscar nomination, and deservedly so, since his one-of-a-kind study of young, upper-class Manhattan socialites is simultaneously funny, ruthless, and keenly observant about class distinctions that are rarely acknowledged in popular entertainment. Metropolitan serves up a portrait of jaded, over-privileged denizens of New York City's upper-crust society, viewed from the outsider's perspective of Tom (Edward Clements), a middle-class loner who is unexpectedly welcomed into the inner sanctum of preppies, trust-fund brats, and eager-to-marry debutantes during a Christmas break full of gatherings in posh hotels, restaurants, and ballrooms. The film's strength lies in its combination of scathing wit, literate sophistication, and refreshing lack of judgment against its characters, many of whom could charitably be described as insufferable snobs. Part of the Criterion Collection, this release features a decent transfer and DVD extras that include Stillman's audio commentary (along with editor Christopher Tellefsen and co-stars Chris Eigeman and Taylor Nichols), which serves as a valuable primer on low-budget filmmaking; outtakes with commentary by Stillman; and an essay by New York historian Luc Sante (placing the film in its proper social context). Highly recommended. (J. Shannon)[Blu-ray Review—July 17, 2012—Criterion, 99 min., PG-13, $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1990's Metropolitan sports a great transfer and features a mono soundtrack. Extras are identical to the DVD release, including audio commentary by director Whit Stillman, editor Christopher Tellefsen, and costars Christopher Eigeman and Taylor Nichols, outtakes (10 min.), alternate casting clips (4 min.), a brief memorial to line producer Brian Greenbaum, trailers, and an essay by critic Luc Sante. Bottom line: Stillman's hit indie makes a welcome debut on Blu-ray.]