In 1990, Whit Stillman released his debut film, “Metropolitan,” which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Original Screenplay. 25 years later, Rialto Pictures has announced it will re-release the movie for its landmark anniversary.
The film follows the comical trials of a young man trying to navigate his romantic life and upper class society in New York City. Praised for its literate dialogue and comedic tone, the film was well received by critics and audiences alike. Carolyn Farina, Edward Clements, Chris Eigeman, Taylor Nichols and Allison Parisi star.
In a 2008 interview with Indiewire, Stillman recalled how difficult it was to market the movie, saying, “As a completed film, ‘Metropolitan’ was rejected everywhere, even by Sundance. Thanks to [Sundance programmer] Tony Safford, the film finally got into the festival after which, despite a great reception, it still remained bereft of distribution. If it hadn’t been for Ira Deutchman as our producer’s rep, Lindsay Law (who bought the film for American Playhouse, allowing us to pay our lab bill), Sara Risher and Bob Shaye of New Line, and supporters in the press such as Roger Ebert and Vincent Canby — all of them — the film never would have come out.”
Rialto Pictures will re-release the movie in New York on August 7 at the Film Society of Lincoln Center and in Los Angeles on August 14 at Laemmle’s Royal. It will also be released nationwide throughout late summer and the fall.
READ MORE: The Films Of Whit Stillman: A Retrospective
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