MUBI

As duas actrizes principais, as ainda muito jovens Chloe e a Kate, aqui em grandes actuações memoráveis e que fazem gravitar em seu torno tudo o que se passa em “The Last Days of Disco”.
Confusões entre elas, a vontade de se emaciparem a vários níveis, relacionamentos confusos, crises e sucessos profissionais, algumas personagens com negócios noturnos em ruína, emoções reprimidas, revelações gay, há de tudo um pouco… num filme onde o disco-sound vai desfilando como se fosse a despedida de um género musical a dar também as últimas de relevância.
Um bom filme, com uma belissima banda-sonora (disco-sound, obviamente) que merece ser descoberto.

Review completa no blog:
http://armpauloferreira.blogspot.pt/2011/10/cine-critica-last-days-of-disco-1998.html

This is actually Whit Stillman’s most accessable film. It’s like hos others talkative exploring the yuppie crowd. Even though it is an esemble piece. It focus is more onthe female characters, this time more then in his past films. This was the first film of his that i saw. it took me awhile but i went back and watched the others and was quite pleased

It is also set during a definite point in time Making this a period piece of the early 80’s. then his more ambigous time periods of his other films.

The films seems more of an attempt at entertaining mainstream audiences, While keeping his signature style. At least it was marketed to be, Though it might just be him maturing as a filmmaker also. it still has the look and feel of a stillman film only with a bigger budget and a soundtrack full of classic disco tunes. Which made going to see this film in the theater feel nostalgic.

The film is based around a faux studio 54 type club and the inhabitants who frequent it. it for the most part concerns itself with witty conversations between self involved characters and the in’s and out’s of their love and sex lives.

I tink the way the film was marketed was misleading. it threw off the audinece the film was intended for. They were expecting Studio 54. they got a Talkative indie comedy. I consider myself lucky for having seen this on the big screen. As it took awile to come to home video and after quite a few years finally came out on Criterion Dvd which it deserved.

Kate Beckinsale is surprisngly good for the first time to me (At that point) but she is blown out of the water by the charming and sweet Chloe Sevingy playing a regular character for one of the rare times inher career. i like that the film flirts with all the disasters of std’s, financial ruin, and finding yourself. Plus showig the changing tides of the times.

It is also a first for Mr. Stillman working with actors out of his core group of players. Chris Eigeman is still around, but the main stars of the film run the gamut of established up and coming actors of the time. Who seem to all easily adapt to his characters and style. He unfortunately is more of a cult director then a celebrated one that he should be. His films are very distinct and one of a kind. He truly achieves Auteur Status with this film because within minutes or seconds you can tell it’s one ofhisfilms, especially the more familiar you become with his work.He not only has a certian style and a way with dilogue but also the camera and characters that make his style unique.

It’s only a shame he doesn’t make more films because he showed how impressive he can be with studio funding. Unfortunately i think the Soundtrack was more successful then the movie, As everyone seemed to have it once it came out, but not so many to this day have really seen the film. Even my uncle who never saw the film owns the soundtrack. I seem to b the rare moviegoer who has vivid memories of this film

Castle rock the studio that produced the film wanted a name in the role of Alice. An offer was sent out to Winona Ryder. In the meantime Chole Sevingy read for the role and was perfect. Whit Stillman made uphis mind she was perfect for the role and found a way out of casting her.

This is a definite addition to the film library. Go out and see it.

GRADE: B

When will a balls out love letter to the last days of 90s come around? Where’s the hold up? Maybe Whit Stillman is working on that as his next film. That being said I thought this flick was really great though the middle parts did sag a bit. Then again saggy middle parts can be cute like love handles on a girl you like or a best friend’s protruding pot belly. So did the love handles take away from what could be one hell of a charismatic movie? Not really, not considering the rear end of it all. That last bit about how big personalities are needed in this world in contrast to ‘teeny weeny polka dot bikini personalities’ and ‘monumentally big ones’ is a totally accurate assessment and though we’ve probably heard that one before it is embellished in every way by being the cherry on the top of the snide chocolate box that is this movie. This movie has a pretty big personality, shamelessly so, and dammit all if it gets in the way of lesser ones.