“THE SEPTEMBER ISSUE” (Film Review)
Written by Greg Victor on September 10, 2009
* * * (out of 4)
Rating: PG-13
Director: R.J. Cutler
Once upon a time there was a book titled “The Devil Wears Prada.” It became a film starring Meryl Streep and Anne Hathaway. The unforgettable lead character was a fictionalized portrayal of Vogue magazine’s Fashion Editor Anna Wintour. And everyone knew it. Anna Wintour was not about to let someone else control how she was perceived by the viewing public.
Anna Wintour. No doubt there are many in the world of fashion that have mistakenly thought her name was Anna Winter. And for good reason. How considerate of her to approve of the return of fur to fashion, since she herself can transform a runway show into the Arctic simply by sitting in the front row.
There are two kinds of people in the world: those that know who Anna Wintour is, and those who do not care. The film “The September Issue” will only matter to the first group. This is not a judgement of the reader in any way, but merely points out that the sometimes excessive behavior of creative “geniuses” holds little of value for a disinterested party. This fact is partly responsible for the world maintaining some sense of order and balance.
“The September Issue,” the new documentary that takes a behind-the-scenes look at the creation of the hefty, all-important September (2007) issue of the fashion bible. This issue ended up weighing almost five pounds and was the most popular single issue of any magazine in publishing history.
Most of all, “The September Issue” is an attempt for Ms. Wintour to do damage control on her monstrous reputation. For anyone hoping to see the diva at her worst, be warned: This film rises above tabloid journalism. I know – sad, isn’t it? But on the other hand – do expect to see aspects of the world of Vogue that you probably have never considered before. As an entrée into the world of fashion and periodical publishing in New York City, the access granted to the filmmakers is quite extraordinary.
Although there are many interesting facets of Ms. Wintour explored in the film (especially her relationship with her daughter, who has no desire to ever work in fashion), the film should have delved deeper into the influence she and Vogue have around the world.
But if you are just looking for a glitzy film full of fashion insight and unintentional laughs, this might just be the film for you. The director explores not just the fashion choices, but the people at the heart of the operation. Appropriate to the subject at hand, the film has also been artfully and carefully shot. Sometimes the scenes set in New York and Paris feel as if we are flipping through the pages of some glossy glamour spread in Vogue.
The real star of the film is the American Vogue Creative Director Grace Coddington. She has an old school precision of purpose about her that is refreshing in a film where so many sychophants avoid confrontation with the Queen (Anna Wintour) for fear of losing their heads (or jobs, at least). Ms. Coddington is a former model who now has the look of years of experience, and admits to feeling saddest when a photo shoot she has set up is finished. She delivers commentary throughout the film that is witty and frank.
In the end, “The September Issue” is a documentary about a specific time and place in the fashion industry. But the September 2007 issue is old news. By the time this film has finally been shown, it is a time and place already long-gone. But isn’t that partly what fashion is all about?
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