If you've seen one or both of Whit Stillman's previous films, you know what to expect: precise, hilariously mannered conversation and hesitant romantic overtures. His latest, however, set (as the title suggests) in 1980, at the tail end of the Studio 54 era, also features wonderful, non-verbal interludes during which our self-conscious, analytical heroes proceed to boogie-oogie-oogie 'til they just can't boogie no more. Indeed, it's the juxtaposition of uptight neurotics with an atmosphere of get-down decadence that makes this so much fun to watch--it's as if characters from an Austen novel had somehow been plonked into Lambada: The Movie. And while the male characters are disappointingly indistinguishable (apart from Stillman regular Chris Eigeman, as the manager of the club frequented by the rest of the group), Alice and Charlotte, who function as the film's protagonists if anybody does (Alice in particular), make a terrific yin/yang duo, with English actress Kate Beckinsale spitting out insults in a flawless American accent and Chloe Sevigny confirming, yet again (cf. Trees Lounge), that she's the most remarkable young actress since the early heyday of Jennifer Jason Leigh. Recommended. (M. D'Angelo)[DVD Review—Sept. 1, 2009—Criterion, 113 min., R, $39.98—Making its second appearance on DVD, 1998's The Last Days of Disco sports a great transfer and Dolby Digital 5.1 sound. DVD extras include audio commentary (by writer-director Whit Stillman, and costars Chloë Sevigny and Chris Eigeman), deleted scenes (8 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (6 min.), an audio recording of Stillman reading a chapter from his book The Last Days of Disco, with Cocktails at Petrossian Afterwards, a stills gallery, an essay by novelist David Schickler, and the theatrical trailer. Bottom line: a fine extras package for a solid film.][Blu-ray Review—July 17, 2012—Criterion, 113 min., R, $39.95—Making its first appearance on Blu-ray, 1998's The Last Days of Disco boasts an excellent transfer and features a DTS-HD 5.1 soundtrack. Extras are identical to the DVD release, including audio commentary (by director Whit Stillman, and costars Chloë Sevigny and Chris Eigeman), deleted scenes (8 min.), a behind-the-scenes featurette (6 min.), an audio recording of Stillman reading a chapter from his book The Last Days of Disco, with Cocktails at Petrossian Afterwards, a stills gallery, an essay by novelist David Schickler, and a trailer. Bottom line: Stillman's sophomore effort sparkles on Blu-ray.]
The Last Days of Disco
(PolyGram, 114 min., R) Vol. 13, Issue 6
The Last Days of Disco
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