I knew next to nothing of the person behind the universally-recognised name in the world of fashion so, gleaning from some reviews of this film (none of which seemed to be positively glowing with praise - at least the ones I read) it was largely an education for me.
Pierre Niney plays the bespectacled eponymous role, a spoilt kid with a short fuse from the very start. Guillaume Gallienne is his lover/assistant-cum-manager who, for me, had much more on-screen magnetism than Niney. This created a void at the film's heart which I felt - the question as to why so many, male and female alike, found YSL so fascinating and, indeed, attractive? Surely not just because of his rapidly-acquired wealth? Can only have been his artistic talent, then.
The pair of them get hitched up very near the beginning and from there on it's a chain of tiffs and fights, some of it physical, arising from their jealousies and infidelities (both sides).
It took me a bit aback to see it, but I suppose the very matter-of-fact acceptance of homosexuality in that milieu in late 1950s/60s Paris would be well documented. Apart from YSL relating how he was beaten up over being gay (which we don't see) and which contributed to his emotional fragility and volatility, there is no open hostility to him for that reason in the fashion world he inhabits. In fact there seems to be an all-pervading air of poly-sexuality!
We see some of his fashion shows, given with sumptuosity and flair. For me these were actually more interesting and watchable than the story of his life. Paris itself, and the Ile Saint-Louis in particular, looks lovely.
Btw: Though knowing hardly anything about fashion myself I do like to watch designers in action - as in the TV shows of Gok Wan, Trinny and Susannah (alas, gone from our TV screens) - and, oh, how I miss 'Queer Eye for the Straight Guy'! It's the utter confidence displayed in decisions that just floors me every time, not giving a fig as to what others think. Especially with 'Queer Eye', I was just amazed at the certitude of their opinions while they were yet so young. I wouldn't have had the guts to openly disagree! There's a touch of that particular aspect in this film too. But I digress. (A bit of daydreaming!)
I reckon that YSL delivers what it was intended to but I shouldn't imagine it will be active in my memory for very long. But I never really got bored - I was just waiting for the next fashion show............5.5
Thanks for alerting me to this one, otherwise, I would never have been aware of its existence.
ReplyDeleteSeveral years ago, I saw a very interesting documentary about YSL and his partner, Pierre. In this film, 'L'Amour Fou" , we got to see the beautiful extravagance and celebrated style in their work and life through a tour around inside their homes. Later on, we get to see packers and movers dismantle millions of dollars worth of art and treasure to go to auction. That was so sad to see. I never understood why Pierre let all of this go.
I wonder if this will be released in the US. If it is, the film will probably never play in the smaller cities. Hopefully, it will be shown on VOD where they sometimes show films that are currently playing in the theaters..
Maybe it's just me, Paul, but aside from the actual fashion extravaganzas I find it difficult to warm to the subject of YSL as a person, never mind having the enthusiasm to find out more about him. For me the frills are more interesting than the substance.
DeleteI think this film will be restricted to the 'art-house' circuit. Can't see most 'regular' younger picture-goers clamouring for a chance. However I get the feeling that you may well like it more than I did - though I didn't actually DISlike it.
All the men in it look like they have girls waists
ReplyDelete:-) Have you actually seen it or is that just your presumption? If you haven't I wouldn't go so far as to warn anyone OFF it.
DeleteI heard a radio interview recently of a critic doing a wrap up on Canne. He liked the YSL films he saw but noted there are currently two in the market. One was made with the cooperation of the estate and, so, was able to use vintage YSL fashions in the film. The second film was less flattering and, therefore the estate denied them access so the fashions in the film had to be created to like like YSL. I am not sure which film is whice. Neither have reached us yet
ReplyDeleteI suppose it must have been the second version I saw, H.K. But I can't see it making much difference to what one thinks as the heart of the film is a certain segment of the man's life and his long-term relationship. If one is keen to find out more about the man behind the name I suppose it would be of more interest but already It's sunk almost traceless in my memory banks and I have no enthusiasm in preserving it.
DeleteIt's an "OK" film, but I was a little bored. Not that much of interest appears to have happened in his life really - and certainly not enough for a film of this length.
ReplyDeleteIt's just a bit... meh.
Yes, I've just had to re-read my blog above to remind myself of the film. I was surprised to see that despite it being only a few months ago when it was shown it's faded so much in my mind that what you say adequately sums it up, and far more pithily..
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