  For a clean high-T$_c$ superconductor, we analyze the Lawrence-Doniach free
energy in a tilted magnetic field within the lowest Landau level (LLL)
approximation. The free energy maps onto that of a strictly $c$-axis field, but
with a reduced interlayer coupling. We use this result to calculate the tilt
modulus $C_{44}$ of a vortex lattice and vortex liquid. The vortex contribution
to $C_{44}$ can be expressed in terms of the squared $c$-axis Josephson plasmon
frequency $\omega_{pl}^2$. The transverse component of the field has very
little effect on the position of the melting curve.
