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List Price: $29.95 | | Label: Polygram Video
Salesrank: 69222
Released: March 30, 1999 |
| Our Price: $58.00 |
| Used Price: $34.97 |
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MPAA Rating: R (Restricted)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
Completing the loosely connected trilogy that also includes Metropolitan and Barcelona, writer-director Whit Stillman brings his signature style to this casually structured but acerbically witty ode to... well, to the last days of disco. Set in New York during 1980-81, the film follows its half-dozen central characters onto the strobe-lit dance floor of The Club--the anonymous name Stillman gave to the central setting, knowing at the time that his film would be released in close proximity to 54, the bigger-budget movie about the legendary and infamous nightclub Studio 54. In fact, Stillman's film captures the same period with greater accuracy, and draws us into the waning disco craze with more incisive wit and deft handling of a first-rate cast.
The film's casual plot revolves around six recent college graduates, and Stillman charts their clashes and intimacies with a keen sense of human foibles and frailties, pausing throughout for such characteristic touches as a hilarious conversation about the sexual politics of Disney's Lady and the Tramp or the homoerotic subtext in an episode of Wild Kingdom. Sharp dialogue is in rich abundance here, and through it all Stillman captures the fading glory of disco as his characters make the transition toward adult responsibilities. It's here that we see how this film is subtly intertwined with Stillman's earlier work, and where we gain a fuller and more satisfying appreciation of a filmmaker who has carved a singular niche for himself in the world of independent movies. --Jeff Shannon
The Last Days of Disco Reviews:
Final Chapter of the Perfect Trilogy 
2009-12-12 - Whit Stillman has made three incredible films, and this easily has the best use of music of the three. The "Lady and the Tramp" conversation contains some of the most fascinating dialog ever caught on film. Unfortunately, "54" came out a little before this one (and made much more money). So happy to see LDOD is finally in print again!
great plot, great music. 
2009-12-09 - This review is for the Criterion Collection DVD edition of the film.
The Last Days of Disco is a film directed by Whit Stilman. It is his third and latest film and the second released through the Criterion Collection.
The film which takes place in "the very early 80's" follows several yuppies in New York City, some of whom know each other. It shows thim at work and their nightlife at a disco. Disco is dying but they still like it. The club they go to has seedy owners but they like it anyway and know a worker there who sneaks them in the back door when the bouncer won't let them in. Later on, when disco's popularity drops like a brick, they hope that one day it will become popular again.
The film has a great soundtrack, starting with Carol Douglas' "Doctor's Orders" in the opening credits to the end credits sequence with The O'Jays "Love Train" with a scene (unrelated to the plot) that will remind you of the end credits scene in Slumdog Millionaire. The crew even snuck in an Italo Disco song, "Dolce Vita" by Ryan Paris, which was actually released in 1983 at least a year after the film takes place.
This is a really nice film, although I would have liked it better if it were PG-13 and not R, as Stillman's other films were. I liked the film so much, I bought a second copy and donated it to the library I work at.
I'm hoping Criterion will eventually release Stillman's second film, "Barcelona", but just in I bought the Warner Brothers edition.
The Criterion DVD includes a commentary of the film by Whit Stillman and cast members, Chloë Sevigny and Chris Eigeman, deleted scene with optional commentary by Stillman, an audio recording of Stillman reading a chapter from his book, "The Last Days of Disco, with Cocktails at Petrossian Afterwards" which is based on the film, a stills gallery of production, and a documentary on the film's production.
This is a great film and I recommend it highly.
Last But Not Least
2009-10-03 - Whit Stilman is one of my favorite directors, who I think has been woefully underrated, he recently had this previously out of print film The Last Days of Disco undergo the Criterion treatment. This ensemble cast was one of the first things I saw the stunning Kate Beckinsale in. She was great as the acidic Charlotte-so unlikable. It also stars Stilman regular Chris Eigeman and Chloe Sevigny in the impressive ensemble cast about the mating/dating rituals of yuppies in the early 80s. It is my third favorite Stillman film after Metropolitan (which also got the Criterion treatment) and Barcelona (which deserves the Criterion treatment). That being said it was better than I remember previously with the witty Stillman-esque dialogue including a hilarious take down of Lady and the Tramp. This DVD is a new restored high-definition transfer supervised and approved by Whit Stilman with audio commentary from Stillman, Sevigny and Eigman. Four deleted scenes with commentary. There's also an audio recording of Stillman reading a chapter from his book The Last Days of Disco, with Cocktails at Petrossian Afterwards. There are also a behind the scenes featurette, original theatrical trailer, and an insightful essay by novelist David Schicker.
A Masterpiece
2009-09-16 - If you are looking for a skin-flick, shallow acting, famous faces, predictable plotlines, and simplistic humor, look elsewhere. Or if you want another Studio 54 or Saturday Night Fever to get your fix, just watch Staying Alive. But if you enjoy adroit social commentary, subtle and ironic humor, capable acting by actual talents, and a screenplay you will find yourself quoting years later: look no further. This is such an outstanding and rare work of filmmaking I don't where to start. Suffice it to say, after a 10th viewing, you are still finding nuggets and layers to delight in. How many times have I found myself saying, "but what if, 'thine own self' is not so good? Wouldn't it be better to say, to thine own self, not be true?" Once you find yourself addicted, watch Barcelona and Metropolitan. Soon you will be convinced, the writer, director, and producer of these films, Whit Stillman, is a genius. But if you don't get it, you never will. And that's okay, because Stillman makes film *celebrating* elitism. It's part of their charm.
the days of being numb
2009-08-27 - Through these rose colored glasses is this some paradise I see? If history is made at night who will remember come this dawn? In the waning eve of the throbbing disco era our innocents stateside adopt brusque verve in their late night club hopping challenges. Some even come armed with charm. Whit Stillman is still sharp in his use of wit and dialogue for his early 1980's upwardly mobile Manhattan yuppies whom stumble move than dazzle with awkward anticipation of just what the night beholds.
In his third outing of this certain specific demographics (regardless of time and space) we would recognize these players anywhere. They are not contenders although some might luckily land in lofty places eventually. In this game of social chess they are all pawns for amusement purposes as comedy rains over any real life decisions or dramatics. There are some great laughs and most of them are subtle in a vein Stillman has made his own. The Last Days Of Disco should appeal more to those who hope intellectuals take a mighty fall. Good but not great, there's a lot more going on than late night adventure. Redeeming with heart and intent a decade after the initial release Criterion brings certain justice full circle. If Metropolitan offers the best sofa serenading in mid-town then his Last Days Of Disco has a similar bunch cutting some handwoven oriental rug knowing not what they dance, just that they do. These best laughs are those at ourselves many years later when we can see the folly of our youth.
