Dans les griffes de la mode

Sad to watch things fall apart. Lots of fashion world cameos for those who are into it, but the writing and story made it difficult for me to watch. With American Psycho, one of the worst this year for me (out of about 40 films so far).

I hope there are people who will enjoy this film, and it seemed like people had fun making it. The best parts for me were the choreographed bits at the start.

In the knowing dialogue, the bitchy jokes and the campy fairy-tale story arcs, this seems like an insider film that will only appeal to status-conscious gay fashionistas.

Some supporting characters were fun in their venality. But no one was really FUNNY.

I wanted to tap the lead actors on the shoulder and tell them to run and don't look back. It was like watching someone fall down the stairs for an hour and a half.

Sorry, but it's not a winner.

All the ingredients for a fabulous movie are here: some interesting actors, some snappy dialogue, some stunning "fashion cameos," and some jokes at which only an insider could wince. Unfortunately, this movie is a fallen souffle. Is it a romantic comedy? Is it a series of over-the-top satiric vignettes? Is it a whodunit? Is it sincere? Is it blatantly corny? Yes, yes, yes. It never takes a consistent tone.

I bought this movie because I am smitten by Paulina Porizkova who plays the shoe editor for "Skirt" magazine. She was the Estee Lauder model for about 7 years. Gwyneth Paltrow has a cameo role as well. I am also smitten by her. I have been reading fashion magazines for years and, for a while was a photographer, and know about models. In fact, I knew a model like Resin.

The movie has this very enjoyable musical production number just after the start. It is reminiscent of the old MGM musicals. Then we are introduced to the staff of "Skirt" by Jocelyn, the intern. She is played very well by Dominique Swain. All the staff of "Skirt" are played 'over the top' like some members of the rag trade. The movie is enhanced by the gays.

Peggy Lipton who plays the editor in chief was a pleasant surprise to me. I last saw her as Julie, the gorgeous blond dolly cop in "The Mod Squad" TV series. Now she has black hair and is a very attractive sophisticated lady. Joan Rivers is, as usual excellent in her role.There are the cameos of the fashion famous especially Andre Leon Talley (actually Editor at Large of Vogue). The thing that really adds to this movie is the story about the spy. I did not suspect who the spy turned out to be. The movie is well scripted - a plus these days when there are movies being made with excellent special effects but bad scripts. The editing is tight which makes the film move fast with no dead spots.

A credit to Michael Lange for his first feature movie. He has being doing a lot of TV including the "X-Files" and should get a lot more feature work.

For anyone who has been in the fashion, modeling, beauty magazine or cosmetic industry. You have to watch it after a bad day in the office. You will love this movie. It might be sterotypical but you'll see how true it is.

For all you interns out there, my heart bleeds for you, but there is a silver lining to it all in the long run.

A poorly made film made worse by the fact that so many of its jokes are so inside they will go over people's heads. Yes, I get the fashion jokes. It's not that I don't understand the setting. Instead, much of the humor feels like when someone just has to tell you about the funny thing that happened to them at work, the funny thing that is terribly unfunny once removed from the workplace.

I think Dominique Swain is generally better than the movies she gets stuck with, but even she is subpar in this film.

If you're fascinated by the fashion industry, it's worth checking out. Otherwise, stay away.

Oh, and it has Joan Rivers in it, too. Consider yourself warned.