Iris

IRIS –The story of clothing collector Iris Apfel. Be yourself. Do your own thing. With her trademark HUGE black, round glasses, Iris works her way through stores, shows, and her own closet. The only child of a Jewish couple from NYC, she studied art history, ran her own textile company, and even did several white-house make-overs. She sure does like big, giant bangles, necklaces! it's amazing she can stand up with all those heavy necklaces that she wears through most of the film. It's kind of fun watching her toddle along, bartering hardcore with shop-keepers. Iris is TOTALLY photogenic, and loves to talk, so it must have been a pretty easy project to do. She's a collector (Hoarder ?) and has had her own exhibits of her collections of clothes and jewelry. Directed by Albert Maysles, who did TONS of documentaries. He passed away March of 2015, and I see they are still editing his latest two works to release at some point. I see there is no "written by" credit on this one, so Iris must have done most of the gabbing herself. Quite a fun film to watch. Very upbeat. Catch it on netflix. It's one big long run-on sentence, but it's still fun to watch. Kind of makes one wonder what one has accomplished in one's own life. Inspiring.

This is a fascinating documentary about a fascinating woman. She has a sense of humour and an energy that comes across. It shows some of her large collections of clothes, jewellery and art pieces. You see examples of her in action, including dressing others or selecting large bangles and necklaces for herself. There is a hint of her health issues. It also demonstrates her relationship to her husband, Carl. She shares how she couldn't have it all. She wanted to do fashion and travel. She couldn't include children in that. Throughout it is vibrant. It brings across her love of fashion. It brings across her style. All in all a good documentary worth seeing even if you are not heavily into fashion.

Zen...The Power of Now...Engaged....Enlightened Thank you SUNZNC for the narrative, that does in fact, provide what I sense is exactly the point of the movie. No, I haven't seen it yet, still in my queue. I say that because it's obvious to me that your succinct summation of what the film communicates about Iris.

However, context or maybe bettered described as your perspective based on your personal lens.

Maybe because it's the subject matter. IMHO the Fashion Industry is certainly a contrived & brutally narcissistic jungle unto itself. That defines success as the outcome of an aggressive natural selection, survival of the fittest (i.e. competitive) mindset. Summarized in this movie/title "The Devil in Prada" whose captures it perfectly. So yes,it would hard to view Iris through that lens, which defines success in the most superficial of ways.

The point, which we all have heard but few of us embrace, is the concept of doing what you love. Not for fame, ego or money. Just being engaged in life on those very spiritual terms is truly significant. Being actively engaged, motivated by your passion and fully present is what makes those daily pursuits so rewarding.

Not about what she did but who she is.... Luke warm if your concept of excellent means scalding hot.

Iris amazes me with her wonderful taste in fashion. I also love her fashionably dressed and encouraging husband. Their relationship together is one that most probably can only wish for. I loved this film because I've never seen such a fashionable couple in their 90's. Plus I love ethnic clothes and brightly colored fabrics intertwined to create masterpieces of art. This film inspired me to pursue even more creative endeavors, to go out and explore the world, and to live life with more fun in it. So happy to see a film where older people are enjoying life and are lively.I Love how Iris and Carl's home is like a museum with so many unique artifacts.More films should definitely explore older people's lives because their stories are so interesting and have many lessons in them. Iris and her husband's style in clothing to me looks better than most people younger than me or even the same age. Their life is full of pizazz and it shows in their home, clothing, and personality. This film should be shown to all ages because it is a demonstration of how youth and elders can actually get along. It is a bridge between many generations.

Iris is a great documentary, particularly if you have a passion for fashion. Iris Apfel is a 94-year-old woman who embraces her unique eye for fashion and style. She takes the simplest things from shops and stores all over town and dresses them up in a variety of ways. She accessorizes her clothing by accenting them with very large and unique pieces of jewelry. Large pearl necklaces with big, bright colorful bracelets are only a few items that Iris uses. She believes each outfit needs to have color and sometimes lots of it. A lot of designers and fashion icons love her style and creativity.

The message of this documentary, produced by veteran documentarian Albert Maysles, is "success is a sacrifice." Iris talks about how she always wanted to have kids, travel and have a successful career. She realized that she could not have it all and be successful. She did not want her kids to be raised by someone else. So, she chose to purse her career and travel the world with her husband, Carl Apfel. Although Iris did not have kids as she once hoped, she still feels successful and that her life has made a positive impact in the fashion industry.

Iris is very witty, funny and inspirational. Even in her 90s, she continues to educate young aspiring fashion designers. She believes it will be a lost art if people do not learn the history of fashion and its origin.

The film Iris is a wonderful documentary. It is perfect for girls and boys ages 13 to 18-years-old who aspire to learn more about the fashion industry. Even if you are not in the industry and want to watch a good film about a wise woman who continues to inspire others, this film is a perfect selection. Iris will be released in select theaters April 29, 2015. I give this movie 4 out of 5 shining stars.

Reviewed by Kendyl P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, go to kidsfirst dot org.