Valentino-Last Emperor-Written Review
VALENTINO: THE LAST EMPEROR
Starring: Valentino Garavani and Giancarlo Giammetti
Directed by: Matt Tyrnauer
Unrated
By John Delia
Interestingly enough this documentary peaked my interest with some excellent footage of the great designer. Valentino: The Last Emperor follows the life of the most prolific fashion designer in Italy who built himself an empire; and because it is more like a reality show than a boring biopic, I was captivated by the content. If you enjoy documentaries that get to the heart of the subject, then this flamboyant film is for you.
The documentary was made as a feature-length movie that takes the viewer inside the singular world of one of Italy’s most famous designers, Valentino Garavani. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of Valentino’s celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life, and explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. In production from June 2005 to July 2007, the filmmakers shot over 250 hours of footage with exclusive, unprecedented access to Valentino and his entourage.
The film touches on Valentino’s personal love life with his friend and partner Giancarlo Giammetti who helped him build the empire. In a very touching moment, Valentino singles Giancarlo out as the power behind his success. Several scenes show Valentino’s closeness and conflicts, with Giancarlo being the peacemaker for most of Valentino’s unconventional behavior with the documenters and the Valentino line franchise owners.
The flamboyance of the shows, the passion for designing of the clothing, the hand sewing of each piece, the six dogs that travel with him everywhere, his amazing chateau, apartments and opulent villas throughout the world are all depicted in the hour and half film.
You don’t have to be a female or into fashion shows to enjoy this film, but it helps. The dresses are superb, the runway shows are luxurious and the back stage prep amazing.
FINAL ANALYSIS: A fairly good entertaining look at one of the kings of fashion. (2.5 of 5 Palm Trees)
Valentino-Last Emperor
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Trouble The Water
TROUBLE THE WATER
Documentary
Directed By: Tea Lessin and Carl Deal
By John Delia
Trouble the Water is stark realization of Hurricane Katrina’s mighty blow on New Orleans. From a home video camera a whole new perspective of the devastation comes to life and it was very shocking. For those who like to see reality shows, this account should keep you on the edge of your seat.
Kimberly Roberts took her new camera and decided that she was going to stay in her home and film Hurricane Katrina as it came barreling down on her city of New Orleans. Little did she know that being within blocks of the levees her life would be put in mortal danger, not from just the wind, but the rising water. With the wind blowing and the water filling her streets, she went up to her attic with her husband. Scenes of the water getting higher and higher are very scary. With the lights off and her battery dieing on her camera and cell phone, Kimberly continues her terrifying story.
But the film does not just cover the initial hit of the hurricane, but the aftermath that most television crews were not able to cover. Getting down to the grass roots, Kimberley and her husband along with a new friend explore the area in which they live. Over several days we see her chats with the military and the local police, none of which were any help during their captivity from the storm.
Seeing the tragedy that took place in New Orleans unfold is a great way to get the real facts and not the sugar coating. I liked the way the documentary editors integrated the footage taken by Roberts with film from others, including television accounts. I also was pleased with finding out what happened to Roberts after she and her husband left the area to seek living quarters in another state and then back again. It sort of tied the whole story together.
If you can find the film in your area, go see it. Trouble the Water should have you talking about it to others long after the lights come back up in the theatre.
FINAL ANALYSIS: Trouble the Water is a great documentary that should be viewed by all. (4 of 5 stars)
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