Susan Granger’s review of “The September Issue” (Roadside Attractions)
If you were intrigued by Meryl Streep’s conjuring Vogue magazine’s editor-in-chief Anna Wintour in “The Devil Wears Prada” (2006), here’s your chance to see the icy, meticulous woman who inspired the impersonation.
Documentarian R.J. Cutler (“The War Room”) goes back two years to reveal a behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creation of the massive, pre-recession September, 2007, issue. Described in a voice-over as “the single most important figure in the $300 billion fashion world,” the real Ms. Wintour hides behind huge, ever-present sunglasses, only occasionally revealing her imperious hauteur and whimsical judgments. In one encounter, she challenges ingenious creative director Grace Coddington, who started at Vogue on the same day in July, 1988, and emerges as the real heroine of the narrative, confessing her lack of enthusiasm about featuring British actress Sienna Miller on the cover.
“I think I know when to stop pushing her,” Coddington candidly notes. “She doesn’t know when to stop pushing me.”
Over an eight-month period, Cutler accompanied Wintour to meetings, couture shows and glamorous events, riding in her chauffeured car, visiting her home and chatting with her stylish daughter, who shows little interest in the clothing trade.
Problem is: this is an “authorized” (a.k.a. flattering) examination of Vogue and its editor. While this gave R.J. Cutler unprecedented, intimate access to fashion footage and interviews, it also gave Conde Nast publications and Ms. Wintour implied censorship ability. For that reason, we never truly know what makes the Vogue editor tick.
If you’re fascinated by the fashion world, also watch TV’s “Ugly Betty,” the recent DVD about Italy’s “Valentino” and the delightful “Funny Face” (1957), starring Audrey Hepburn, Fred Astaire and Kay Thompson.
On the Granger Movie Gauge of 1 to 10, “The September Issue” is glossy, eye-candy 7. In an appearance on the “Late Show With David Letterman,” Wintour explained, “When we originally agreed to the documentary, we didn’t foresee this timing…Supporting the industry is my prime objective, and anything I’m doing is to help the retailers through what for all of us is a very difficult time.”
