54: Pale Imitation Of Real Thing

Rating: 5/10 (21 February 2004)

A host of young stars make up the patrons and employees of studio 54 in this film that supposedly details the allure of the celebrated New York night club, which I believe operated from 1977 to 1986. Mike Myers portrays owner Steve Rubell, as a sad imitation of a man, who was full of his own excess. The film begins with a narrative focus on Ryan Phillippe as a naive young man looking to be a part of the excitement. The initial juxtaposition between him and how his friends dress is painfully accurate as I remember it. Salma Hayek and Breckin Meyer play a troubled young couple trying to find success, even though they don't fit in. Sela Ward and Neve Campbell are on the screen all too briefly as an older woman seductress and a young ladder climber. Several other well known stars turn up in bit roles like Lauren Hutton, Michael York, and even porn star Ron Jeremy. However, as one reviewer pointed out, it was difficult to tell whether some actors were playing themselves or not. I guess it's reflective of the whole disco era, with people going into these clubs pretending to be someone else. Reportedly the director's cut was butchered by the studio due to negative reaction at advanced screenings, and it shows. What we have instead of a den of drugs and sex is a bland account of an insider's rise and fall as a bartender. Myers really carries the film when he's on screen. The soundtrack is typical of the era, but focuses more on lesser known songs; the film bypasses several mega-hits from the time. There have been a lot of complaints about the undeveloped characters and shallowness of it all, but the film does accurately illustrate just how shallow people are when it comes to promoting their own interests. Almost every major character in the film has a way of pushing people aside when they get in the way of perceived routes to success or well-being. And, that's what the 70's was: the "ME" decade. ** of 4 stars.