MovieChat Forums > The New Age (1994) Discussion > Relevant again today

Relevant again today

posted 15 years ago by BillK
3 replies | jump to latest

At the cold black heart of this movie is the reality of economic downturn hitting those who normally float far above everyday concerns.

It's set in one of the two Reagan-era recessions, but reflects what has been happening around us for the past year or so in affluent urban areas of the US. Those living paycheck-to-paycheck on mid-six-figure incomes suddenly see their house of cards fall, and turn to the thin support of shamanism, materialism and narcissism. They fall through to the bottom. A parable for today.

[–] ValerinAmberz 14 years ago

Aggree. I was thinking the same thing. I think this is an underrated movie.

well since you're naked you might as well f___ a friend of mine. Paul come in here!

[–] WarpedRecord 14 years ago

This film is very relevant for these troubled times, and I wish it were easier to find it today. You can only charge so much before the bills come due, and this film shows the perils of building your identity on consumer frivolities and judging people based on how much they own (or charge).

[–] dearalec 14 years ago

Just saw this again and was thinking the same thing, it's very timely.

I enjoyed it when it came out and hadn't seen it since, and was shocked to find it has never been released on DVD. I broke down and bought a VHS copy on Amazon, but so glad I did - the film hasn't dated a bit (other than the giant cordless phones and that Mac with the flying toasters screen saver), and Judy Davis and Paul Weller are both excellent.

A good film for those of us who like low-key sarcasm and a simmering kind of tone throughout.