The Last Days of Disco 1998
Directed by
Whit Stillman
Made by
Gramercy Pictures (I)
Plot Summary
Set in the vibrant backdrop of New York City during the very early 1980s, two recent graduates from New Hampshire College, Alice Kinnon and Charlotte Pingress, find themselves struggling as underpaid readers at a publishing house. One evening, they gain access to an exclusive disco nightclub, where Alice hopes to connect with Jimmy Steinway (Mackenzie Astin), an advertising professional using the club to charm clients. However, tensions arise as Jimmy, irritable from being barred from inviting clients, ends up being expelled by his friend Des McGrath, the club manager facing job risks for allowing Jimmy inside.
After Jimmy’s departure, Alice heeds Charlotte’s suggestion and decides to leave the club with her second choice, Tom Platt (Robert Sean Leonard), leading them to his apartment for an intimate night. The next day at work, a discussion with coworkers about advancing in their careers compels Charlotte and Alice to consider sharing a rent with another girl, Holly (Tara Subkoff), given their financial limitations. They ultimately settle on a railroad-style apartment, despite Alice’s hesitations.
As their lives intertwine further, Alice becomes distressed to discover Charlotte’s interest in Jimmy. Adding to her woes, Tom reveals that during their one-night encounter, he was still entangled with his long-term girlfriend, igniting feelings of betrayal in Alice. Meanwhile, Des starts to gravitate towards Alice.
Determined to earn the respect of her peers, Alice battles against the initial lack of support in her decision to champion a book about Buddhism suggested by Charlotte, who had previously dismissed the project. Despite the book’s author not being whom he claimed, Alice stands her ground, stating that it is one of the best reads of her life. As Alice faces her challenges, Charlotte, now involved with Jimmy, wrestles with jealousy at the sight of their amicable rapport.
A dramatic moment surfaces at the club when Charlotte calls out Alice’s health issue, revealing her diagnosis of gonorrhea. Although Charlotte later apologizes to Alice, her comment triggers unexpected interest from Des, resulting in the two casually dating. Tensions mount as Alice confronts Tom over her health concerns, leading to his admission of passing along herpes as well.
Amidst this tumult, Josh Neff (Matt Keeslar), a district attorney and acquaintance of Jimmy’s, invites Alice to lunch under the pretense of discussing a book idea, but it quickly becomes evident he harbors romantic interest in her. Their date reveals more about Josh, who is combating manic depression. Upon her return home, Alice is met with the shocking news of Charlotte being rushed to the hospital for a miscarriage, and Jimmy’s impending move to Barcelona for a new job opportunity.
Ultimately, both Alice and Charlotte are faced with the grim reality of layoffs following their publishing house’s merger with a larger entity. Weeks later, the group finds themselves exiting an unemployment office with pink slips. Amid this emotional upheaval, Alice celebrates her newfound promotion after reclassifying her book project from nonfiction to self-help. While reflecting on their tumultuous experiences, Des and Charlotte ponder how their spirited personalities clash with the more reserved natures of Alice, Josh, and Jimmy.
As the subway ride concludes, Alice and Josh discuss prospects for the future, leading to a joyous moment as they abandon their character roles to dance to “Love Train,” inviting the surrounding passengers to join in their celebration.
Timeline
Graduation and Job Search
Alice Kinnon and Charlotte Pingress, two recent graduates from New Hampshire College, step into the bustling workforce of New York City during the early 1980s. They land jobs as underpaid readers at a publishing house, but struggle to find satisfaction and stability in their new roles.
Night at the Disco
The duo gains access to an exclusive disco nightclub, where Alice hopes to connect with an advertising professional named Jimmy Steinway. However, the night takes a downturn when tensions flare as Jimmy is expelled by the club manager, Des McGrath, for being too disruptive.
Intimate Encounter
Following the fracas at the nightclub, Alice decides to leave with Tom Platt, her second choice, leading them to his apartment for a night of intimacy. This encounter sets in motion a chain of emotional complications for Alice, who begins to question her feelings.
Roommate Considerations
The next day at work, a conversation about career advancement prompts Charlotte and Alice to consider sharing an apartment with another girl named Holly. Their financial struggles motivate them to settle on a railroad-style apartment, despite Alice's reservations.
Alice's Jealousy
Alice experiences distressing feelings when she discovers Charlotte's attraction to Jimmy, complicating their friendship. Additionally, Tom's revelation about still being in a relationship with his long-term girlfriend leaves Alice feeling betrayed and uncertain.
Alice Takes a Stand
In an effort to gain respect from her coworkers, Alice champions a book on Buddhism that was previously dismissed by Charlotte. Despite challenges faced due to the author's dishonesty, Alice passionately defends the book as one of the best reads of her life.
Charlotte's Outburst
During a dramatic club night, Charlotte publicly reveals Alice's diagnosis of gonorrhea, causing a rift in their friendship. Although Charlotte later apologizes, the situation inadvertently sparks a budding romance between Des and Alice.
Confrontation with Tom
Tension escalates as Alice confronts Tom about her health issues, leading to his admission of passing along herpes. This confrontation underscores the emotional turmoil Alice is experiencing while dealing with her feelings towards Tom.
Lunch with Josh
Josh Neff, a district attorney and acquaintance of Jimmy, invites Alice to lunch under the guise of discussing a book idea. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes apparent that Josh is romantically interested in Alice, adding to her emotional confusion.
Charlotte's Hospitalization
Alice returns home to the shocking news that Charlotte has been rushed to the hospital following a miscarriage. This event serves as a turning point in their relationship, highlighting the fragility of their lives and challenges.
Job Merger Layoffs
The publishing house where Alice and Charlotte work undergoes a merger with a larger entity, bringing an ominous wave of layoffs. Weeks later, they receive their pink slips, emphasizing the instability that plagues their lives.
Alice's Promotion
In a surprising turn of events, Alice celebrates her promotion after successfully reclassifying her book project from nonfiction to self-help. This milestone represents her determination and growth amidst the chaos of their lives.
Reflection and Friendship
After receiving their unemployment notices, Alice, Charlotte, Des, and Josh reflect on how their personalities clash amidst the emotional turmoil they have experienced. Their shared experiences bond them, even as the future remains uncertain.
Celebrate with Dance
As they ride the subway home, Alice and Josh bond over future possibilities. In a moment of joy, they abandon their dignified roles and start a spontaneous dance to 'Love Train,' inviting fellow passengers to join in their celebration.
Characters
Alice Kinnon (Chloë Sevigny)
Alice is a determined and ambitious recent graduate trying to carve her path in the competitive world of publishing. Her struggles with romantic interests and career choices illustrate her internal conflicts and desires for respect and validation. Throughout the film, Alice evolves as she confronts challenges around her health and friendships.
Charlotte Pingress (Kate Beckinsale)
Charlotte is Alice's best friend, navigating her own personal and romantic ups and downs. Initially confident and carefree, she faces struggles as jealousy over Alice's interactions with men emerges. Charlotte's character highlights the complexities of female friendships and the tension that can arise from romantic rivalry.
Des McGrath (Chris Eigeman)
Des is the charismatic club manager, who finds himself caught between his professional duty and personal connections. His growing feelings for Alice juxtapose with his responsibilities, showcasing the difficulties of balancing loyalty and ambition in a chaotic environment. Des's character represents the struggles of navigating relationships within a demanding social scene.
Setting
Time period
Very Early 1980s
The very early 1980s was a period marked by significant cultural shifts, with disco music and dance dominating the social scene. This era saw a rise in consumerism and changing social dynamics among young professionals. It was a time of exploration, experimentation, and personal crisis for many, especially in the fast-paced environment of New York City.
Location
New York City
New York City serves as the vibrant backdrop for 'The Last Days of Disco,' known for its iconic nightlife and cultural diversity. The early 1980s marked a time when disco clubs were at their peak, attracting young professionals looking for fun and connection. The city's dynamic atmosphere reflects the characters' ambitions and struggles as they navigate the complexities of adulthood.
Themes
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Relationships
Relationships play a crucial role in 'The Last Days of Disco,' showcasing the complexities of love, friendship, and betrayal. The characters navigate their romantic entanglements and the resulting emotional fallout, highlighting the challenges of connection in a bustling city. Themes of jealousy and heartbreak emerge as choices lead to conflicting desires and unexpected consequences.
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Career Ambitions
The pursuit of career ambitions is a central theme in the film, mirroring the characters' struggles to balance personal aspirations with financial realities. As Alice and Charlotte face job challenges in the publishing industry, their desire for success drives them to make pivotal decisions. This theme emphasizes the harsh realities of adulthood and the sacrifices made for professional growth.
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Self-Discovery
Self-discovery is an ongoing theme throughout the film as characters navigate their identities and aspirations. Alice's journey to find her voice and champion a project reflects her quest for personal and professional validation. The tumultuous events prompt each character to confront their true selves amid the chaos of their social lives.
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