American Intellectuals (1999)
A sharp comedy skewering the insular, sun-drenched world of seven privileged Hamptons teens who only associate with People Like Us.
American Intellectuals - Movie Information
- Original Title: American Intellectuals
- Release Year: 1999
- Directed by: Paige Taylor
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Comedy
- Runtime: 1h 40m
- Original Language: English
- Release Date (Theatrical): August 7, 1999
American Intellectuals - Plot
Seven WASP, blonde, privileged teens reside in the exclusive Hamptons, New York. Their group and entire existence consists of PLUs (People Like Us).
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American Intellectuals - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Paige Taylor
Main Cast
- Rod Biermann
- Allison Dean
- Portia De Rossi
- Shawnee Free Jones
- Peter Gibson
- Anne Kelly
- Andrew Lauren
- Alex Martin
- Jan Schwieterman
- Michael Sutton
Writers
- Paige Taylor
American Intellectuals - FAQs
Who are the main actors in American Intellectuals?
The cast includes Portia De Rossi, Rod Biermann, Allison Dean, Shawnee Free Jones, Peter Gibson, Anne Kelly, Andrew Lauren, Alex Martin, Jan Schwieterman, and Michael Sutton. Portia De Rossi, later known for Arrested Development, is among the most recognizable names in the ensemble.
What is American Intellectuals about?
American Intellectuals follows seven blonde, privileged WASP teenagers living in the exclusive Hamptons, New York. Their tight-knit social circle revolves entirely around 'PLUs' — People Like Us — a satirical look at the insular, self-congratulatory world of elite East Coast youth culture.
Who directed American Intellectuals?
American Intellectuals was directed by Paige Taylor, who also wrote the screenplay. The film marks a sharp, satirical take on upper-class teen life in the Hamptons, blending comedy with pointed social observation about privilege and exclusivity.
When was American Intellectuals released?
American Intellectuals was released on August 7, 1999. The film arrived during a golden era of teen comedies in the late 1990s, a period that saw a wave of films exploring youth culture, social hierarchies, and coming-of-age themes with a satirical edge.
Is American Intellectuals a satire of elite teen culture?
Absolutely. The film takes clear aim at the self-enclosed world of wealthy Hamptons teenagers who define their social universe through the concept of 'PLUs' — People Like Us. It's a sharp comedic lens on privilege, exclusivity, and the blissful obliviousness that can come with inherited wealth.
What genre is American Intellectuals?
American Intellectuals is a comedy. It leans into social satire, skewering the insular lifestyle of privileged East Coast teenagers in the Hamptons. The film uses humor to expose the absurdity of a world built entirely around wealth, exclusivity, and the comfort of associating only with one's own kind.
How long is American Intellectuals?
American Intellectuals runs for 100 minutes, or 1 hour and 40 minutes. It's a comfortable runtime for a comedy, giving the film enough space to develop its ensemble cast of privileged Hamptons teens and explore the satirical dynamics of their exclusive social world.
What are some movies similar to American Intellectuals?
If you enjoyed American Intellectuals, you might also like Wicked Little Letters (2024), Babes (2024), Incoming (2024), or Is This Thing On? (2025). These films share a similar comedic sensibility, blending sharp humor with character-driven storytelling and social observation.
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