The Last Days of Disco (1998)

Director:

Whit Stillman

Writer:

Whit Stillman (writer)

Release Date:

29 May 1998 (USA)

Genre:

Comedy | Drama

Tagline:

History is made at night.

Plot:

Story of two women trying to find love at the end of the disco era.

Plot Keywords:

Sex | Family | Friendship | Love | Disco

Awards:

1 win & 1 nomination

Cast

Chloë Sevigny	...	Alice Kinnon
Kate Beckinsale	...	Charlotte Pingress
Chris Eigeman	...	Des McGrath
Mackenzie Astin	...	Jimmy Steinway
Matt Keeslar	...	Josh Neff
Robert Sean Leonard	...	Tom Platt
Jennifer Beals	...	Nina Moritz
Matt Ross	...	Dan Powers (as Matthew Ross)
Tara Subkoff	...	Holly
Burr Steers	...	Van
David Thornton	...	Bernie Rafferty
Jaid Barrymore	...	Francesca / Tiger Lady
Sonsee Neu	...	Diana (as Sonsee Ahray)
Edoardo Ballerini	...	Victor
Scott Beehner	...	Adam

Also Known As:

Últimos Embalos da Disco, Os (Brazil) [pt]
Últimos días del disco, Los (Argentina) [es]
Derniers jours du disco, Les (France) [fr]
Fim da Era Discoteca, O (Brazil) (TV title) [pt]
The Last Days of Disco (Spain) [es]

MPAA:

Rated R for some elements involving sexuality and drugs.

Runtime:

113 min

Country:

USA

Language:

English

Color:

Color (Technicolor)

Aspect Ratio:

1.85 : 1

Sound Mix:

Dolby Digital | DTS | SDDS

Certification:

Australia:M | Iceland:L | Finland:K-8 | Netherlands:AL | Argentina:16 | Canada:14A | France:U | Germany:12 (w) | Sweden:7 | UK:15 | USA:R

Filming Locations:

Jersey City, New Jersey, USA

Company:

Castle Rock Entertainment

Goofs:

Boom mic visible: In one of the office scenes.

Quotes:

Des McGrath: Do you really think the neurological effects of coffee are similar to that of cocaine?

Movie Connections:

Referenced in When Disco Ruled the World (2005) (TV)

Soundtrack:

Doctors Orders

A Character Study to be Treasured

Of all the 70's disco pictures which have come out recently (The amazing "Boogie Nights" to the ridiculously bad "54") this one captures the time best without resorting to cop-out decade stereotypes. "The Last Days of Disco" focuses more on the people than the setting which dazzles around them. Stillman creates incredibly fascinating characters whose dialogue pops with realism and originality. Many wrote this movie off as dull, but I see it as completely the opposite. I was fascinated throughout the duration of this film because the people in it were so easy to watch. Chlöe Sevigny, who's ability to play her character so honestly works amazingly well with the hilarious nastiness of her roommate and friend/antogonist played by Kate Beckinsale. The supporting cast is also great at demanding the attention and curiosity of the viewer. The soundtrack is amazing as well. Watch "The Last Days of Disco", but watch it as what it is. Character studies this thorough and fascinating are rare in Hollywood these days. This masterpiece is one movie which actually does this and demands repeat viewing to take in every nuance. You'll never look at "Lady and the Tramp" the same way again.