The Last Days of Disco *** (1998, Chloë Sevigny, Kate Beckinsale, Chris Eigeman, Mackenzie Astin, Matt Keeslar, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Beals) – Classic Film Review 920

Modish cult writer-producer-director Whit Stillman’s 1998 musical romantic comedy drama stars Chloë Sevigny and Kate Beckinsale, who are among a group of friends hanging out at a trendy New York disco in the late 80s in this talky, but intelligent and amusing movie.

Sevigny and Beckinsale play Alice and Charlotte, Manhattan book editors fresh out of college, both finding love and themselves. But then everyone in the movie is also searching for something to make their lives more fulfilling.

A good ensemble cast of trendy young players puts over the funny dialogue with some style and appeal, though the movie isn’t always totally compelling or convincing. Beckinsale’s very good as the catty heroine, competing for love with her sweeter pal Sevigny (‘I’m cuter than you, but you’re nicer than I am’) – and her American accent’s spot on.

Chris Eigeman, Mackenzie Astin, Matt Keeslar, Robert Sean Leonard, Jennifer Beals, Matt Ross, Tara Subkoff, Burr Steers, David Thornton, Jaid Barrymore and Edoardo Ballerini also star.

It’s a shame that the disco itself looks a bit under-populated. No wonder it closed down!

© Derek Winnert 2014 Classic Movie Review 920

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