The Moderns

The Moderns is a 1988 film directed by the brilliant Alan Rudolph. The film casts prominent actors of the time including Keith Carradine, Linda Fiorentino and Wallace Shawn. It is set in the 1920s, specifically in the vibrant and innovative cityscape of Paris. This is a well-trodden path in film, including the famous stories of Hemingway, Fitzgerald and others of the "Lost Generation."

The Moderns sets forth a narrative that plays across the backdrop of the famed Paris artistic scene. Keith Carradine who stars as the protagonist 'Nick Hart', is an American artist who is struggling to find footing in the fierce Parisian art scene, where traditional art sensibilities clashing against the rising wave of modernism. The film effectively illuminates how the direction of art and culture was changing at a rapid pace in this time period, with the avant-garde striving to create something new and different that would shake off the shackles of bygone eras.

The character of Nick Hart is portrayed as an outsider who navigates through the challenging dynamics of the rich and famous, the Parisian community of expatriates artist and their patrons, and the palpable tension between traditionalism and the avant-garde. He is caught in the middle of these crosswinds, seeking artistic success while simultaneously trying to rekindle a romantic relationship with his ex-wife, Rachel Stone (played by Linda Fiorentino).

Rachel Stone has, in turn, been married off to a vile and narcissistic businessman named Bertram Stone, who is portrayed by acting powerhouse John Lone. Bertram Stone's character perfectly encapsulates the detestable capitalist, looking to acquire the artwork of dead legends to decorate his house rather than support the struggling artistry of living artists.

The plot thickens when Stone discerns an opportunity to make lucrative profit by selling forged masterpieces, a proposal that would betray his own artistic credence and the trust of the art community. The ensuing dilemma – deciding between profiting from the deceptive trade and staying true to his credibility as an artist – introduces a gripping conundrum that forms the crux of the film.

Linda Fiorentino excellently portrays the poised and enigmatic Rachel Stone, a woman caught in the whirlwind drama of the Parisian high society. Her previous relationship with Nick Hart adds a beautiful, bittersweet undercurrent of romance to the overarching narrative.

The character of Oiseau, played by the ever-versatile Wallace Shawn, is the quintessential pen for hire - a gossip columnist who's perfectly in his element in the bubbling cauldron of the Parisian art scene, adding a fascinating dynamic to the film.

The Moderns is less of a traditional narrative, but rather emerges as a pastiche of intermingled stories – romance, struggle, a sharp satire about the cut-throat art world, all cloaked in an aesthetic mirroring the very essence of modern art that it celebrates. Director Alan Rudolph’s style, often said to be an acquired taste, has a delightful eccentricity that shines through this film, making it moody, humorous, satirical, and deeply human all at once.

The film effectively uses dark humor and scathing commentary to probe at the sensationalist culture of the Parisian arts scene. Moreover, the vibrant cinematography by Toyomichi Kurita paints a stunning visual canvas that captures the vibrancy of 1920s Paris. In many ways, the visually appealing and stylistically lush film contributes to making The Moderns a celebration of art itself.

The performances of the cast members are stellar, with Carradine, Fiorentino, and Shawn all providing engrossing performances that flesh out their multifaceted characters. Their portrayal of the complex, flawed, but ultimately human characters adds depth and nuance to the narrative.

Overall, The Moderns serves as an exploration of the volatile and exciting world of 1920s Paris – its culture, its people, and its art. From its historical context to its deeply human drama, the film is sure to enamor any viewer with a love for art, culture, and the complexities of the human experience.