In recent times, The Big Chill has been relegated to 'Boomer' movie status. Probably due to the time it was made, the soundtrack, and the rampant narcissism. But to call this a boomer movie is to completely miss the point.
As a millennial, I can say the narcissism and selfishness on display in this movie fits right in with the current social media generation. The characters in this movie even record themselves with a 1980s video camera. I can only imagine all the selfies and social media posts this movie would contain if made today, so this movie is not unique to a single generation.
Also, this movie isn't just about the death of the 60's, it's about the death of idealism. It's really easy to be idealistic in college when you have no other real responsibilities. However, once you're out in the real world, you have to make many compromises if you want to survive. Maybe Alex couldn't live with compromises he chose to make?
The Big Chill doesn't end with any phony epiphanies or big revelations. The viewer is not offered any reassurance that the characters have learned anything or are any better off than they were at the beginning. Such is life.
As a millennial, I can say the narcissism and selfishness on display in this movie fits right in with the current social media generation. The characters in this movie even record themselves with a 1980s video camera. I can only imagine all the selfies and social media posts this movie would contain if made today, so this movie is not unique to a single generation.
Also, this movie isn't just about the death of the 60's, it's about the death of idealism. It's really easy to be idealistic in college when you have no other real responsibilities. However, once you're out in the real world, you have to make many compromises if you want to survive. Maybe Alex couldn't live with compromises he chose to make?
The Big Chill doesn't end with any phony epiphanies or big revelations. The viewer is not offered any reassurance that the characters have learned anything or are any better off than they were at the beginning. Such is life.