Metropolitan: A Nontraditional Christmas Film
The 1990s’s film ‘Metropolitan’ written and directed by Whit Stillman is not the film that comes to mind when I think ‘holidays’. However, when I think about a fun and classy winter in the city, ‘Metropolitan’ is the first film I think of. The film is set in 1990’s New York City. It explores the upper-class culture of Manhattan through a group of pretentious teenagers attending debutante balls and playing bridge in their little bubble of the upper east side. Like almost every movie about friend groups, there’s a twist. Tom Townsend makes an entrance at one of their many parties, he’s different, he’s from downtown Manhattan, he rents his tuxedo and he has never been to a debutante ball…the group is intrigued by him. Townsend becomes a catalyst for the group’s discussions. They discuss more meaningful issues when he is sitting in the room. Throughout the film a range of issues are discussed at their cordial dinner dates, from socialism to the works of Matisse and even upper-east side drama.

You might be wondering: how does this have anything to do with the holidays? And, to be completely honest, the film in and of itself has nothing to do with the holidays at all. And this is why ‘Metropolitan’ is such a refreshing take on the traditional blueprint of a holiday movie. The tone of ‘Metropolitan’ reminds me of the holidays. Walking downtown and seeing the lights, the music on street corners and the Kriskrindle mart. The connotation that ‘Metropolitan’ has in my mind’s holidays and spending valuable time with my friends. I’ve definitely had my fair share of Hallmark movies so far this holiday season, so if you find yourself in a similar position, check out Metropolitan to revamp your idea of what a holiday movie should be.
[]
['High School', 'Metropolitan', 'Film', 'Review', 'Holidays']