My anticipation levels before seeing The September Issue were at an all time high. I had read about the film way back when and was left shattered after being put on hold for 20 minutes during the Melbourne International Film Festival, only to be told 'ah like that just sold out'. I then had to wait an excruciating two weeks for the national release and after what felt like a lifetime a girlfriend and I finally penciled it in at the Nova last Monday Night.
After being disappointed the day before when I went to see Inglorious Basterds, I was trying to keep a cap on my excitement. We got there and the line was massive and as we crept our way to the front of the queue I thought 'Here we go, it'll be sold out'.
I think I almost held my breath as we asked for our tickets and thank god the reply was, 'Paying together?' and even better, '$8.00 each thanks'. Yep by sheer luck, Monday nights at the Nova are actually tight arse Monday! Not really the same ring to it as tight arse Tuesday but who needs a catchy name when you're only paying $8.
The cinema was packed and packed I might add with the best dressed cinema goers I have ever seen. Heels and high buns were de rigueur. My girlfriend actually turned to me and whispered, 'God I was going to wear my trackies!'
With all this build up I was getting ancy and then Anna's face filled the screen and I was hooked, transported to my very own Oz.
R J Cutler's film chronicles the nine month preparation that goes into making the fashion bible that is Vogue's September Issue. It gives unprecedented access into the upper echelons of the Conde Nast publication, namely the all powerful Oz herself Anna Wintour.
Like Oz, Wintour's reputation precedes her and with the curtains stripped back you do see a certain vulnerability in the 'ice queen'. She is unquestionably one of the most influential names in fashion and yet looks hurt when she explains her family probably feel her career is 'amusing'. Watching Wintour you can see why her persona is what it is however I did start to wonder if Anna were a man would she still be seen as a villain or an exceptionally savvy business man?
One of the most interesting relationships Cutler showcases is the 20 year to-and-fro between editor-in-chief Wintour and creative director / fashion genius Grace Coddington. They are the yin and yang in a process that needs both the direction of Wintour and the heart of Coddington. At times you can almost smell the blood, sweat and tears. You begin to wonder why the relationship hasn't ended up like Lennon and McCartney's.
Breaking the tension is the endearing Andre Leon Talley and the presence of up and coming designer Thakoon who adds light to the film and displays the power of some well placed words of Wintour's.
Unlike Dorothy I wasn't ready to go home when the lights came up in the cinema, so much so my girlfriend and I are returning to Oz next Monday night. This time however I might have to add some killer ruby slippers to my ensemble.
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