High Society, 1956 - ★★★★½

Beyond the beautiful production, amazing cast, technicolor beauty and gorgeous music - this film is a fascinating look at post-war America - at its most commanding heights.

Grace Kelly, Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby and Louis Armstrong were all American icons by 1956 and this film makes good use of their existing personas. 

Louis Armstrong breaks the 4th wall right in the opening scene - letting the audience know that we’re entering a farcical and heightened reality.

And what does this film leave us with?

That class considerations (Grace + Bing) rule out over passion and attraction (Grace + Frank) and new money never had a chance. Infidelity is a minor flaw and something that can be brushed aside for convenience and class considerations. Jazz is THE art form - but it’s most important innovator has to play on the veranda during the wedding.

Watching this film after so recently seeing Ozu and Antonioni’s critiques of modernity was striking.

“High Society” was no doubt a hit in post war Japan and Italy — and its modernity could not be more seductive and powerful. It’s literally got Sinatra and Louis Armstrong performances!

But that victorious, free, liberal modernity is now exhausted. Ozu and Antonioni’s critiques have never been more valid. 

Will we ever achieve something as candy-coated, lyrical, Jazzy and confident as that world and culture? It’s hard to see those achievements rivaled in today's America.

This film is an incredible time capsule of the best America ever had to offer - as imperfect as this country was and remains.

But Louis Armstong — restored in 4K and performing in VistaVision — that’s as close to perfection as you’ll find in this world.