Whilst you may usually associate getting ready for a night out with blasting house music, the smell of hair straighteners or ice sloshing in a glass, putting on the right film can put you in the perfect mood for your night ahead.
Hustlers (2019, Lorene Scafaria)
A crime drama set in New York and based on the true story of a group of strippers who want to get their own back on the rich men and stock traders who attend their clubs. Jennifer Lopez, Constance Wu and Keke Palmer are just some names in the star-studded cast. They’re paired with purple mood lighting, sexy scenes, and a soundtrack full of tracks that make you want to dance.
The serious themes of unjust pay and sexist abuse strippers face in the line of work are key messages the film brings in combination with powerful female friendships. The film is a refreshing take made by women moving away from the archetypal style of stripper films. The fast pace of the schemes from the girls makes it a smooth, slick watch.
Almost Famous (2000, Cameron Crowe)
Teenage music journalist, William (Patrick Fugit), gets his first break working on an article for Rolling Stone on fictional 70s rock band Stillwater. Travelling on tour, the film is a hub for the glitz and glamour of being a rockstar but also the fascinating relationships formed during downtime with the likes of Penny Lane (Kate Hudson), one of the ‘band-aids’. Having the films’ roots in music, 70s fashion and celebrity makes this a feel-good classic, one to liven up your bedroom whilst you rife through your wardrobe attempting to find an outfit.
The Bling Ring (2013, Sofia Coppola)
Another true crime, story acting as the inverse of Hustlers, with a group of privileged L.A. teens committing heists on celebrities’ homes. This includes Paris Hilton, Megan Fox and Orlando Bloom. The film follows the friendship group made up of actors like Emma Watson, Katie Chang and Israel Broussard and their obsession with fame during the 2000s. Expect everything from selfies, MIA and Rhianna on the soundtrack to numerous dimly-lit party montages. The strong sense of young adults wanting to be all grown up shines through, which makes for a youth-fuelled, energetic viewing.
St Trinians (2007, Barnaby Thompson & Oliver Park)
The epitome of the 2000s British school aesthetic, complete with rebels, posh totties and emos ruling the corridors. This classic is driven by its home-grown cast from Talulah Riley to Gemma Arterton and Tamsin Egerton. Originally inspired by the series first made in 1957, it follows an anarchic private school for wild girls run by their eccentric headmistress, who tries their best to avoid being closed down. The soundtrack is also worth a specific mention featuring a full roster of British pop princesses such as Girls Aloud, Lily Allen, Sugababes and Sophie Ellis-Bextor bound to inject you with nostalgia before you and your girls enjoy your evening on the town.
Burlesque (2010, Stev Antin)
This shiny musical is a flamboyant film which follows Ali (Christina Aguilera), who leaves her small town to pursue a career in the arts as an aspiring singer. She enters the world of Burlesque in a rundown club run by Tess (Cher) and Sean (Stanley Tucci), where she attempts to master the craft of cabaret dancing. The sparkly talent in leotards and tassels makes you feel a level of seduction paired with a score of musical melodies full of jazzy flair. A film to help the makeover process feel like you’re sort of showgirl is something that can do nothing but add.
Although it may not be in your routine ahead of a party, these films encapsulate night-out culture in some way. Whether it is hedonistic or just a bit of fun, these choices invoke feelings of thrill, pepping you up to grace the dancefloor at the club.
