Release Date: Aug. 28
Director: R.J. Cutler
Cinematographer: Robert Richman
Studio/Run Time: A&E IndieFilms, 90 mins.
The real life Devil Wears Prada
Filmmaker R.J. Cutler demonstrates once again that—as well as
anybody—he can capture the interpersonal dynamics that drive a team of
headstrong individuals. Or at least he can shape his raw footage so it
seems so. He produced The War Room about Bill Clinton’s 1992 presidential campaign, and he pioneered reality TV with an innovative series called American High. His latest, The September Issue,
documents the internal machinery of Vogue magazine as run by its
editor-in-chief, Anna Wintour—tastemaker of the fashion world and the
inspiration for The Devil Wears Prada’s title character. She’s
a peach. As she assembles the magazine’s big September issue, she
squares off against factions within the industry and within her own
editorial staff. When designers and photographers parade their latest
creations before her harsh gaze, the film feels like a real-life
version of Project Runway or The Apprentice. I’m not
sure the film will offer viewers a better idea of what makes Wintour
and Vogue tick, but Cutler knows how to entertain, usually by
selectively humanizing his characters. Even for those who don’t follow
the industry, it’s great fun rooting for creative director Grace
Coddington, who steadfastly defends her turf. Cutler makes her the
film’s quiet hero.