"Diamonds" vividly captures the frenetic energy of a theatrical costume workshop and the women who bring it to life in 1970s Rome. Ferzan Özpetek uses the metaphor of crafting costumes to tailor a deeply feminine narrative for his ensemble cast - a story of mutual understanding, complicity, unwavering support, and fierce determination. It's a world of solidarity and tireless creativity, where male figures revolve on the periphery, relegated to mere sidekicks or caricatures for once.
From the opening scene, Özpetek makes his intentions clear: this is a film that celebrates women. The story begins with a compelling moment - the actresses reading the script for the first time - and seamlessly transitions into the narrative, where the director's own perspective emerges. He portrays himself as a child, secretly smuggled into the atelier by one of the seamstresses, capturing the awe and wonder of that hidden, vibrant world. This is Özpetek at his finest: tender, nostalgic, and resolutely focused on the brilliance of women.
