The Devil Wears Prada
October 11th 2006 01:27
Based on the novel of the same name by Lauren Weisberger, The Devil Wears Prada is a sharp and sassy insight into the world of fashion magazines and the struggle of a smart yet mousy girl who works for the notorious editor of Runway magazine for almost a year. Based on Lauren’s own experiences as a PA and doormat for the editor of a high profile magazine, this film is a glimpse into the superficial and often ridiculous world of the magazine industry and the pretentious personalities we discover there.
I have worked for these people. Pretentious Prima donnas with diva attitudes who think they’re J.Lo. Arrogant editors who abuse their power, who believe that everyone should know who they are and should drop whatever they’re doing to kiss their feet as they walk by accordingly. I’ve seen my share of office tantrums too, complete with swearing, screaming and projectiles hurtling around the room. The Devil Wears Prada may seem to many like an exaggeration, but sadly, it is pretty close to the truth.
The story follows protagonist, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who lands a dream job at Runway magazine as editor Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) Personal Assistant. This is a job that would be every fashion savvy girl’s fantasy, except that Andy has no idea about and no interest in fashion or the fashion industry. She wants to be a journalist for the likes of Vanity Fair. So ensues the Cinderella story, the rags to riches story, the daggy girl suddenly gets funky story. It is the same old Princess Diaries girl comes good storyline, but with stellar performances from the likes of Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, it doesn’t feel like the same old tired story.
Anne Hathaway is hopelessly cute as the fumbling 2nd Assistant and Emily Blunt does a great job as Miranda’s 1st Personal Assistant. Gisele Bundchen even pops in for a couple of scenes as a staff member and pulls it off. Simon Baker (Journalist, Christian Thompson) was probably the only character, aside from Andy’s dull boyfriend, that I didn’t approve of. He just wasn’t as exciting as he could and should have been, and it wasn’t for want of trying. I just didn’t believe him in this role or care about him for that matter.
Overall, The Devil Wears Prada is a sharp little film with some great performances. It isn’t going to win an Oscar any time soon, but it holds its own. It’s one to go and see with your mum, and those that love fashion will get a kick out of all the gorgeous clothes alone...and the shoes…and the scarves…and the bags…
The Devil Wears Prada runs for 109 minutes.
I have worked for these people. Pretentious Prima donnas with diva attitudes who think they’re J.Lo. Arrogant editors who abuse their power, who believe that everyone should know who they are and should drop whatever they’re doing to kiss their feet as they walk by accordingly. I’ve seen my share of office tantrums too, complete with swearing, screaming and projectiles hurtling around the room. The Devil Wears Prada may seem to many like an exaggeration, but sadly, it is pretty close to the truth.
The story follows protagonist, Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), who lands a dream job at Runway magazine as editor Miranda Priestly’s (Meryl Streep) Personal Assistant. This is a job that would be every fashion savvy girl’s fantasy, except that Andy has no idea about and no interest in fashion or the fashion industry. She wants to be a journalist for the likes of Vanity Fair. So ensues the Cinderella story, the rags to riches story, the daggy girl suddenly gets funky story. It is the same old Princess Diaries girl comes good storyline, but with stellar performances from the likes of Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci, it doesn’t feel like the same old tired story.
Anne Hathaway is hopelessly cute as the fumbling 2nd Assistant and Emily Blunt does a great job as Miranda’s 1st Personal Assistant. Gisele Bundchen even pops in for a couple of scenes as a staff member and pulls it off. Simon Baker (Journalist, Christian Thompson) was probably the only character, aside from Andy’s dull boyfriend, that I didn’t approve of. He just wasn’t as exciting as he could and should have been, and it wasn’t for want of trying. I just didn’t believe him in this role or care about him for that matter.
Overall, The Devil Wears Prada is a sharp little film with some great performances. It isn’t going to win an Oscar any time soon, but it holds its own. It’s one to go and see with your mum, and those that love fashion will get a kick out of all the gorgeous clothes alone...and the shoes…and the scarves…and the bags…
The Devil Wears Prada runs for 109 minutes.
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I liked your review, it's good to hear your opinion and other people's about the film. I read the book last year as a diversion away from my uni work and thought that it would be a good form of escapism that would give me a rest from the endless theoretical stuff that was thrust upon me. But, unfortunately it didn't work. I ploughed through it in the hope that I would enjoy it, laugh or start relaxing at some stage but I didn't. I found the book to be quite awful and not particularly well-written. I sometimes enjoy the genre of light-hearted, contemporary fiction (my euphuism for fluffy books other people call chick-lit). Authors that I think are very good at doing what they do in that genre are Marian Keyes and Anna Maxted, they are very good at combining a gritty aspect of life with humour. They also create characters that I care about, whereas in Prada, I didn't, which surprised me. The two characters were so polarised I couldn't empathise with the relationship. It sounds like this effect works much better in the film version? In the book, the boss was too much of a bitch for me to understand why the girl would carry on working for her. But like you said, that world does exist...gosh, that is scary. How long were you in it for?
But....I'm still interested in the film version, as I do enjoy some escapism at the cinema....and entertainment....so I'll let you know what I think if I do end up seeing it,
Tracy
Comment by Emma
Yeah, I still have to read the book but I hear it is very different to the film. It wasn't the most fantastic film I've ever seen and I tend to prefer indie films because they tend to have more susbstance than the usual commercial flicks. But it passed the time and I found it interesting I guess because I have worked and still do work in the wonderfully pretentious world of magazines!
x
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I saw the film today and thought pretty much the same as you said in your review. I think that it would've been half the film without the strong actor choices. I had a few chuckles and quite a few grimaces at the world they worked in....it reminded me of a place that I worked at where the boss was just the same. Her assistant knew when she was coming in and had everything ready and she was permanently on call,'just in case'...she even had to feed her cat when she was away...
How do you keep yourself sane and real in that world, Emma?
Tracy
Comment by Chantal
LOVE Marian Keyes... she's my all time favourite author. Have you read "Anybody Out There"? It's beautiful but way more intense than her others. If you like her try Adele Parks and Cecilia Ahern.
xx
Comment by Emma
xo
Chantal, haven't seen or read either of those but I'll keep my eyes peeled for 'em and the other authors you mentioned! Thanks for your comment...
xo
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
No, I haven't seen anything of Ugly Betty, when is it on?
Yes, I loved that book by Marian Keyes too. I love all her books. Celia Ahern and Adele Parkes are good too, and I like Jane Green.
Byee
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
That sounds like a good way to keep yourself sane in such an environment. It must be exciting/interesting at times too?
Tracy
Comment by Emma
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes, I can imagine that there are days when it is just plain stressful and nothing else...