Metropolitan Synopsis & Review: Plot Summary

🎯 Quick Overview

😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained

Rich New York kids talk about socialism and Jane Austen at debutante balls, then realize they might be poor someday and also maybe in love.

🍿 Metropolitan: Detailed Plot Synopsis

Introduction to the Urban Haute Bourgeoisie

The film centers around a group of young, affluent Manhattanites, self-dubbed the ‘Urban Haute Bourgeoisie’ (UHB), during debutante season. They navigate the social rituals of balls and after-parties, engaging in intellectual discussions and romantic entanglements. The core group consists of Nick, Charlie, Sally, Jane, and Audrey, each with their distinct personalities and perspectives on their privileged lives.

Tom’s Entry into the Circle

Tom Townsend, a Princeton student from a less affluent background, is unexpectedly drawn into this exclusive circle. His chance encounter with Nick Smith leads to an invitation to join their gatherings. Tom’s socialist leanings and initial disdain for the debutante culture clash with the group’s ingrained social norms, creating both friction and intrigue.

Romantic Entanglements and Social Commentary

As the debutante season progresses, romantic tensions rise, particularly between Tom and Audrey Rouget, a sensitive and introspective member of the group. Tom’s lingering affections for his ex-girlfriend, Serena, complicate his growing connection with Audrey. The film weaves these romantic storylines with social commentary on class, privilege, and the perceived decline of the UHB lifestyle.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained

🎬 Cast & Characters

• Tom Townsend (Edward Clements): A middle-class Princeton student and outsider who gets drawn into the world of debutante balls and the upper class.
• Audrey Rouget (Carolyn Farina): A sweet and insecure debutante who develops feelings for Tom and shares his interest in literature.
• Nick Smith (Chris Eigeman): A cynical and verbose member of the ‘Sally Fowler Rat Pack’ who takes Tom under his wing and dislikes Rick Von Sloneker.
• Charlie Black (Taylor Nichols): An intellectual and philosophical member of the group who is obsessed with the idea of ‘Urban Haute Bourgeoisie’.
• Serena Slocum (Ellia Thompson): Tom’s ex-girlfriend, a popular debutante who complicates his relationships with Audrey and other members of the group.
• Rick Von Sloneker (Will Kempe): A wealthy, titled, and generally disliked character who becomes the romantic interest of Serena and the object of Nick’s animosity.

💬 Memorable Quotes

• Nick Smith: “The most important thing to realize about parents is that there is absolutely nothing you can do about them.” – Nick offers this cynical observation during a conversation about family dynamics and social expectations.
• Charlie Black: “Is our language so impoverished that we have to resort to acronyms of French phrases?” – Charlie says this in response to another character coining the term ‘UHB’ (Urban Haute Bourgeoisie)
• Tom Townsend: “I don’t read novels. I prefer good literary criticism – that way you get both the novelists’ ideas and the critics’ thinking.” – Tom makes this pretentious statement while trying to defend his opinion of Jane Austen’s ‘Mansfield Park’ despite admitting he hasn’t read it.
• Nick Smith: “Rick Von Sloneker is tall, rich, good-looking, stupid, dishonest, conceited, a bully, liar, drunk, a thief, an egomaniac and probably psychotic. In short; highly attractive to women.” – Nick expresses his disdain for Rick Von Sloneker

💰Box Office

• Budget: $230,000
• Domestic Gross: $2,960,492
• Worldwide Gross: $2,960,492

💥 Metropolitan Reviews

Personal Review

I absolutely loved ‘Metropolitan’! It felt like stepping into a Jane Austen novel set in modern-day New York. The characters are so witty and the dialogue is incredibly sharp. I found myself completely drawn in by their conversations and the subtle romantic tensions. The scene where they discuss Fourier’s socialism was hilarious, and Audrey’s quiet charm really resonated with me. It’s a movie that stays with you long after the credits roll, making you think about class, love, and the complexities of human connection.

• Who would enjoy:
  • “Fans of independent films”
  • “Viewers interested in social commentary and class dynamics”
  • “Those who appreciate witty dialogue and character-driven stories”
  • “Admirers of Jane Austen adaptations”
• Content warnings ⚠:
  • “Mild language”
  • “Some thematic elements relating to suicide (mentioned, not depicted)”
  • “Brief scenes involving drinking and drug use”

Professional Reviews

• Variety: “Stillman’s debut is a sharp, witty look at a dying breed of Manhattan socialites. The dialogue crackles with intelligence, and the performances are surprisingly nuanced for such a low-budget affair. A true gem of independent cinema.
• The New York Times: “A delightfully observant and subtly humorous film. Stillman captures the nuances of upper-class conversation and the anxieties of youth with remarkable precision. Though plot-light, the characters are richly drawn and endlessly fascinating.
• RogerEbert.com: “Roger Ebert gave Metropolitan 3.5 of 4 stars saying, Stillman creates a world both familiar and alien, inviting viewers to observe the rituals and anxieties of a subculture rarely seen with such intelligence and wit. Worth the watch!

Audience Reactions

The witty dialogue and insightful commentary on upper-class society.: Viewers appreciated the film’s intelligence and the realistic portrayal of its characters.

The subtle romance between Tom and Audrey.: Many found the connection between the two leads to be heartwarming and relatable, despite their different backgrounds.

Overall Consensus: A critically acclaimed independent film praised for its sharp wit, intelligent dialogue, and insightful portrayal of upper-class Manhattan society.

Awards

1. Academy Award (Best Original Screenplay)- 1991

🛠️ Behind the Scenes

• “Carolyn Farina, who played Audrey, had no prior acting experience before being cast in the film. She was discovered by Whit Stillman’s wife while working at a perfume counter in Macy’s.”
• “The film was shot on a very low budget of approximately $230,000, a testament to Whit Stillman’s resourcefulness and ability to create a compelling story with limited means.”
• “Whit Stillman originally intended to set the film in the 1960s, but budgetary constraints led him to update the setting to the contemporary late 1980s/early 1990s.”
• “The film’s dialogue-heavy style and focus on social interactions were inspired by the works of Jane Austen and Eric Rohmer.”

🖥️ How to Watch Metropolitan?

Metropolitan is available for purchase or rental on various digital platforms such as Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, and Vudu. Check your local listings for potential broadcast options or streaming availability on services like Criterion Channel which sometimes feature independent films.

🎥 Similar Movies

If you enjoyed Metropolitan, you might like these similar films:

• Barcelona (1994): Also directed by Whit Stillman, shares a similar witty, dialogue-driven style and features some of the same actors exploring social dynamics in a foreign setting.
• The Last Days of Disco (1998): Another Whit Stillman film that completes his trilogy, it explores the social scene of young urban professionals in the late 1970s disco era with similar themes of class, relationships, and personal identity.
• Mansfield Park (1999): An adaptation of Jane Austen’s novel which is frequently referenced in the movie.
• Kicking and Screaming (1995): A comedy about recent college graduates struggling to find their place in the world, capturing a similar sense of ennui and intellectual banter.
• Whit Stillman’s Love & Friendship (2016): An adaptation of Jane Austen’s novella “Lady Susan”, explores similar themes of social class, witty dialogue, and romantic entanglements in a historical setting, maintaining Stillman’s signature style.

🛒 Metropolitan Related Products

• Metropolitan (The Criterion Collection) [Blu-ray]: A pristine transfer of the film with bonus features. This Criterion Collection edition is a must-have for serious cinephiles, offering insightful commentary and a beautifully restored print.
• Jane Austen: The Complete Novels (Box Set): Jane Austen, the literary inspiration behind Metropolitan. This digital collection brings together all of Austen’s beloved novels, allowing fans to delve deeper into the world of witty social commentary and romantic intrigue.
• Top Hat: Own a piece of the movie with your very own collapsible Top Hat – The same one Tom and Nick sport in various scenes in the movie.
• Preppy Handbook: A nostalgic and humorous guide to preppy culture. While it offers a lighthearted look at the traditions and style of the preppy lifestyle, capturing the essence of the world depicted in the film.

🎧 Soundtrack

Metropolitan features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:

• “Dry Your Eyes” – performed by Brenda and the Tabulations

You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.

🤨 FAQ

🔥 Bonus Content

Metropolitan clip – Socialism

Ever wondered what socialism has to do with debutante balls? This hilarious clip from Metropolitan dives into that very question! It’s a surprisingly insightful look at the characters and their beliefs.

The greatest Christmas comedy you haven’t seen 🎄 #christmas #metropolitan #cinema #comedy #filmtok

Looking for a Christmas movie that’s smart, funny, and totally different? This video makes a compelling case for why Metropolitan deserves a spot on your holiday watchlist. Trust me, it’s a hidden gem!

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