The Devil Wears Prada
I know that I am expected to view Meryl Streep and all of her performances as nothing short of brilliant, but I just didn't see it in The Devil Wears Prada. This film version of the tell-all "fictional" novel by former Vogue drone, Lauren Weisberger, features Streep as Miranda Priestly, a role obviously fashioned after Anna "Nuclear" Wintour, the longtime editor of the magazine. Throughout the film I had to question just how hard it is to portray someone who seems to be such a caricature herself: Wintour scarily predominates over fashion scenes with her severe hairstyle, oversized eyewear and frosty disposition. Streep's character Priestly, thus, carries on in the same over-exaggerated way, much like an impersonation in a bad Saturday Night Live skit. With perpetually pursed lips, emphasized eyebrow banter and precisely hushed speech, Streep's performance comes off as overly orchestrated.
By most accounts Streep was the high-point of this film and, sadly, I have to agree. As un-amazing as I found Streep, I found the rest of the cast even less remarkable. Anne Hathaway plays the lead, Andy, a journalism newbie whose quest for serious work falls flat and, so, she ends up merely working at the world's premiere fashion rag. (Poor thing!) Because she is a serious sort, Andy pooh-poohs through her position scoffing all the way at the ostensible ostentation put off by the Vogue players. Director David Frankel of "Sex and the City" attempts to convince us that it is the silly fashionistas who should be mocked, but it is Andy who comes off as the most annoying of all. Sure, the seriousness with which the Voguers distinguish between a row of seemingly similar belts is a bit pretentious, but Andy's snarky comments implying the silliness of their work makes her appear downright uppity.
The film follows Andy through her trials and tribulations as she attempts to demonstrate that she can get the job done--- despite the fact that she could care less about the job itself. Along the way she attempts to maintain a relationship with her boyfriend, her friends and her personal integrity.
Long story short, she seems to fall short on all accounts… demonstrating as much failure as the film itself.
Grades
Overall: C-
Story: C-
Acting: C
Visuals: C
Originality/Innovation: C-
Enjoyability: C
DVD Extras: C
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