The New Age

The New Age is a 1994 flick that artfully combines satire, drama, and a touch of existentialism. Composed by a talented ensemble cast, the movie navigates themes of self-discovery, materialism, and the search for meaning in the frantic, often shallow, landscape of urban Los Angeles. Directed by Michael Tolkin, this artistic piece of cinema features powerful performances from Peter Weller, Judy Davis, and Patrick Bauchau.

Peter Weller, best known for his role in the sci-fi classic Robocop, effectively breaks typecast with his portrayal of the central character, Peter Witner. Peter, a suave, fast-talking yet failing ad executive, is trapped in the quagmire of his own shortcomings and existential crises. His character epitomizes the typical image of a desperate middle-aged man striving to maintain his lifestyle in an incredibly challenging world. Judy Davis co-stars as Katherine Witner, Peter's wife and arguably the more ambitious and tenacious half of the pair. Her character brims with complexities and the inner chaos of a woman striving to reconcile her aging process with her pervasive desire for affluence and societal relevance.

Together, the Witners paint the picture of an affluent couple on the precipice of financial and emotional collapse. Peter's job is in jeopardy, and Katherine's boutique clothing business is flailing. Their once glamorous and extravagantly extravagant life, filled with cocktail parties, designer clothes, and chic social circles has started to crumble. They've lived beyond their means, and the realization that their pecuniary safety net is fraying forces them to reassess their priorities and relationships. It is the story of two individuals struggling within the throes of a consumer-driven society, racing to keep up with the facade of affluence to maintain their social standing.

French actor Patrick Bauchau brings further depth to the drama in his role as Jean Levy, a charismatic and enigmatic spiritual guide. His character brings a fresh layer of existential crisis to the movie and plays a significant role in the couple’s self-discovery journey.

What sets The New Age apart is its unabashed mockery of the materialistic value system that dominates contemporary consumer culture. This film is not just a critique on the superficiality of the so-called "new age" lifestyle but paints a much deeper picture of society’s warped standards of success, value, and satisfaction. The narrative portrays the emptiness that may accompany such a lifestyle, requiring the viewer to question their definitions of happiness, success, and the human condition's very essence.

Directorial prowess aside, the screenplay also deserves credit for artfully blending elements of satire, irony, and philosophical queries into a unique draught of urban existentialism. The sharp dialogue and emotionally driven scenes effectively steer the narrative, enhancing its thematic concerns while maintaining entertainment value. Notwithstanding the seemingly grim themes, the film often takes recourse to situational comedy and pointed remarks for humor, showcasing the inherent ironies of a consumerist culture.

The New Age is a dark comedy masquerading as a social commentary, or perhaps, it’s the other way round. Devilishly funny yet poignantly tragic, Tolkin's creation serves up irony and wit in equal measures while throwing in several unexpected plot twists. The 1994 film cleverly navigates a journey from nonchalance and apathy to a potential awakening with an impressive narrative finesse. This textile of drama tinged with the existential dread is tied together by scintillating performances from a cast that embodies their characters effortlessly.

Overall, The New Age stands as a compelling commentary on human conditions, materialism, and the futile pursuit of false ideals. It is a sharp, sophisticated, find-yourself kind of movie that, despite its unflinching portrayal of the darker side of affluence, manages to instill a sense of optimism in the observer. In conjuring an often unnerving yet equally riveting portrayal of modern-day materialism, The New Age remains a much-appreciated gem in the crown of 90s cinema.