Watch The Moderns

The Moderns is a 1988 movie directed by Alan Rudolph, starring Keith Carradine, Linda Fiorentino, and Wallace Shawn. It is set in Paris during the 1920s, a time when artists, writers, and painters from all over the world flocked to the city to pursue their dreams and create a new world. The movie tells the story of a group of expatriate Americans in Paris, who are struggling to make it as artists amidst the backdrop of a rapidly changing world.

The main character, Nick Hart (Keith Carradine), is a struggling painter who has been living in Paris for 10 years. He has become disillusioned with the art world and is struggling to find his place in the world. Nick is married to Rachel (Linda Fiorentino), a beautiful and enigmatic woman who is also an artist. Rachel is seeking recognition for her art but is constantly plagued by self-doubt and insecurity.

Nick receives an opportunity to sell some of his paintings to an art dealer named Bertram Stone (Wallace Shawn). Bertram is a wealthy, eccentric collector who loves modern art and is always on the lookout for the next big thing. He becomes enamored with Nick's work and offers him a chance to participate in a group show, which will be showcasing the work of some of the most prominent artists of the time.

As the story progresses, we see Nick struggling with his morality, as he is pulled into a web of lies and deceit. He becomes involved in an affair with Nathalie de Ville (Genevieve Bujold), a wealthy woman who is also an art collector. Nathalie is married to a powerful man, and Nick becomes wrapped up in the intrigues of their wealthy social circle. He finds himself torn between his love for Rachel and his desire to succeed in the art world.

The movie is a character study, with a focus on the internal struggles of its protagonists. It explores the themes of love, ambition, and morality in a world that is rapidly changing. The characters are complex and multilayered, and the dialogue is witty and intelligent.

One of the highlights of the movie is its setting. The film is set in the 1920s, a time when Paris was at the center of the art world. The movie captures the atmosphere of the city and its artistic community, with its bohemian lifestyle, jazz music, and art nouveau architecture.

The movie also features an excellent cast. Keith Carradine gives a nuanced performance as Nick, capturing the character's inner turmoil and conflicted emotions. Linda Fiorentino is equally impressive as Rachel, conveying her character's vulnerability and quiet strength. Wallace Shawn is delightful as Bertram Stone, bringing a sense of humor and eccentricity to the role.

Overall, The Moderns is an intelligent, thought-provoking movie that explores the human condition in a unique and engaging way. Its themes are timeless, and its characters are relatable, making it a classic that still holds up today.