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| Movie Review: Valentino: The Last Emperor Alternate Title: This Emperor Did Have Clothes
Story: I know nothing about
fashion but I know lots about art and this fine film was most definitely
artful. Director and writer Matt Tyrnauer (an editor
and writer for Vanity Fair) lovingly brings the 45
year career of fashion icon Valentino Garavani to the
big screen. It is 2007 and the film opens with what might be the farewell
collection for a 75 year old Valentino. The will he or won't he
retire question is dangled for the balance of the film.
Using wonderful file footage we see a youthful
Valentino age gracefully through his various ground breaking collections,
including the presentation of Valentino RED. The history of 20th century
haute couture is front and center. Fashionistas will adore this
film.
My fascination with the film had more to do with what has happened
to the fashion industry over the span of Valentino's career. What used
to be a one person owned design house has now become a global conglomerate
with licensing of the designer's name, usually without the designer's
brilliance. Everything from hats, belts, underwear, and perfume is branded.
The uniqueness of the product has faded.
It is also fascinating to see the perks that have come with Valentino's
fame. The film follows Valentino as he mad dashes through the glamorous
European capitals, with villas and yachts everywhere. Valentino's longtime
companion and partner Giancarlo Giammetti is prominently
and deservedly featured throughout the film.
Finally, the two best things about this film are the five pugs and
the passages where the clothing is designed and sewn. Bravo!
Watch the trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8TcjeDq2e_M Watch the scene stealing pugs: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0bCQCnztggQ Acting: It seemed as if anybody who was anybody if
the world of fashion slinked onto the screen with either air kisses
or hugs wearing gorgeous outfits. Giorgio Armani, Jeannie
Becker, Alessandra Facchinetti, Tom Ford , Giancarlo Giammetti, Karl
Lagerfeld , Matteo Marzotto, Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, André
Leon Talley, Valentino, Donatella Versace, Diane von Fürstenberg,
Alek Wek, Anna Wintour Trivia: For some juicy trivia on the life and loves
of Valentino check out this website: http://www.netglimse.com/celebs/pages/valentino_garavani/index.shtml
Predilection: None
Critters: Valentino’s adorable, scene stealing
five pugs, Milton, Molly, Margot, Maude and Monty
Food: Models do not eat and it seems no one else
does either. There are many dinners, but no one ever eats.
Sex Spectrum: No sex. An almost nude model is featured
as the clothing is sewn around her.
Soundtrack: Any film that opens with Betty Davis
Eyes and closes with The Party's Over has going to be good.
Visual Art: Some marvelous over the top set designs.
Theater Audience: About 25 New Yorkers, most of us
clad in black.
Drift Factor: I enjoyed every minute of it.
Predictability Level: High
Tissue Usage: No
Oscar Worthy: No
Big Screen or Rental: Rental would be fine.
Length: 90 Minutes
LOBO HOWLS: 8
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