LiveWorld Transcripts

Boxtop presents

Film Director Whit Stillman
"Last Days of Disco"

July 16, 1998

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Off-ice: What does it take to be a writer/director/producer? Are each a separate function or do they spill into each other in the implementation and motivation?

Whit Stillman: Fortunately, they all occur in sequence and not concurrently which is why it takes me so long in films. I think it's very helpful being involved in all three areas. You're essentially protecting your work in each other area.

Journeyman: Is the movie about a "real" period of time that was meaningful to you? Like a good book is a reflection of its author.

Whit Stillman: Yes, very much so. Actually about two times, one about an experience I had in the mid 70's in publishing and coming to Manhattan without many resources. And in the film about the height of the Disco Club Era, which was just before it ended.

Tablet: Give us an idea of what The Last Days of Disco is about - the plot line We all know disco, haha!

Whit Stillman: Well, this disco I think is a little different. It's about the beginning of the red velvet rope club era in NYC. It's different from Studio 54. It's about Allison who has just graduated from college, she's studious and smart, and she wants to rebuild her romantic side. She meets two guys - one, Jimmy who works in advertising and Tom, played by Robert Shawn Leonard who is a lawyer involved in environmental causes. On her first night in the club, she falls hard for Tom, and goes home with him. The next week, we see her and her friendly rival Charlotte at their jobs in the publishing house. Because of the tight housing market, they decide to room together, in a tiny apartment with a third roommate. For the rest of the story you have to see the film!

Astandard: Doesn't the "disco" title limit the type of audience that would be interested in a film like this? Are you worried about the box office reviews?

Whit Stillman: I like the title, but is a problem in a sense that many groups who don't like disco. And another problem was that it was given an R rating, but in Canada it's just rated PG. There's something strange that if a film is rated PG in Canada for all audiences but 17 and up in the US. The film is actually very well-liked by teens and preteens and seniors, but scared off by the rating. In Newsweek, David Anson funnily subtitled his review, The Last Days of Peter Duchin, the New York Bandleader.

Traveler: What hobbies do you have that help you relax after the riggers of your fast-paced lifestyle?

Whit Stillman: Drinking.

Ahem: What has been your favorite place in your worldwide travels?

Whit Stillman: I love the Spanish City, San Sebastian, it's on the Northern coast of Spain, not far from Biarritz in France.

Bbll: How was the movie you last wrote

Whit Stillman: The last movie I wrote was The Last Days of Disco. I think it's absolutely great! Put perhaps being subjective.

Stardust: Mr. Stillman, what types of projects would you like to work on in the future?

Whit Stillman: I'm trying to get hired to direct films of intense dramatic interest and if possible in an outdoor setting. Principally historical and period films.

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