Genre: Documentary
Director: R.J. Cutler
Starring: Anna Wintour
RunTime: 1 hr 30 mins
Released By: GV
Rating: PG
Official Website: http://www.theseptemberissue.com/

Opening Day: 24 September 2009

Synopsis:

Anna Wintour, the legendary editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine for twenty years, is the most powerful and polarizing figure in fashion. Hidden behind her trademark bob and sunglasses, she has never allowed anyone to scrutinize the inner workings of her magazine. Until now. With unprecedented access, filmmaker R.J. Cutler’s new film The September Issue does for fashion what he did for politics in The War Room, taking the viewer inside a world they only think they know.

Every August a record-breaking number of people can’t wait to get their hands on the September issue of Vogue. The 2007 issue was and remains the biggest ever, weighing over four pounds, selling thirteen million copies, and impacting the $300-billion global fashion industry more than any other single publication. An intimate, funny and surprising look at Anna Wintour and her team of larger-than-life editors as they create this must-have Bible of fashion, Cutler explores the untouchable glamour of Wintour’s Vogue to reveal the extraordinarily passionate people at its heart. He takes us behind the scenes at Fashion Week, to Europe, on shoots and reshoots, and into closed-door staff meetings, bearing witness to an arduous, entertaining, and sometimes emotionally demanding process.

At the eye of this annual fashion hurricane is the two-decade relationship between Wintour and Grace Coddington, incomparable Creative Director and fashion genius. They are perfectly matched for the age-old conflict between creator and curator. Through them, we see close-up the delicate creative chemistry it takes to remain at the top of the ever-changing fashion field.

Movie Review:

Forget "The Devil wears Prada", this is real.

RJ Cutler's documentary about Anna Wintour, the mysterious and legendary editor in chief of 'Vogue' is extra extra large on the contents. It is not just filled with insiders news, for those expecting those, be prepared to be pleasantly surprised as the film offers a whole lot more.

As the editorial team prepares for their largest issue ever, we are treated to a myriad of glamour, fashion and the modus operandi of 'Vogue'. Anna Wintour's style is ever amusing, with her snide remarks and not so subtle action when she does not agree with something on the planning board. However, the highlight of the show is definitely the hate and love relationship between Anna herself and the Creative Director of the magazine, Grace Coddington. It is one's pleasure to watch as Grace proposes, and Anna disposes -- rejecting photos Grace loves but Anna doesn't, ignoring outfits Grace would love to photograph and Anna couldn't bear to have in the magazine.

Personally, one part of the documentary really stood out. Even though Anna is portrayed as the queen in office, or even the fashion industry-which she compared to 'a religion' she, at times, displayed some form of weakness, making her much more real and endearing to the audience. When she communicates with her college-age daughter in order to get a view of the younger generation, you realize that she could never do that with her younger staff for fear of seeming out-of-touch and losing her status. As she dismisses photos, story ideas, outfits and opinions in ice cold, condescending tone, we understand how easily it could have gone the other way.

Truthfully, I am not into fashion. However, after watch September Issue, I can't help but admire the editorial team for their professionalism and passion. Go watch this,and you may find yourself wanting to grab the next issue of 'Vogue' immediately.

Movie Rating:



(Grab your September Issue now!)

Review by Sing Swee Leong