MovieMantz Review: 'The September Issue'

By Scott Mantz

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- "Passion for Fashion"

"The September Issue"
Anna Wintour, Grace Coddington
Directed by R.J. Cutler

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Though she never actually admitted it, legend has it that Meryl Streep based her unforgettable performance as a demanding fashion editor in 2006's "The Devil Wears Prada" on Anna Wintour, the legendary (or is it notorious?) editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine. And she played it to the limit by exerting her power over the fashion industry -- from the top designers all the way down to her minions, whom she regularly cut off with a dismissive "That's all."

Now Wintour is the subject of her own film, and as fate would have it, she's not nearly as ominous as the character played by Streep. That's not to say that she's a pushover, but she's not exactly warm and friendly either. She's just busy, opinionated and focused, which is the key to her success -- not to mention important for someone who's responsible for what's generally regarded as the Bible of the $300-billion global fashion industry.

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In "The September Issue," director R.J. Culter goes behind the scenes with Wintour as she and her passionate editors and staff members spend 5 months assembling the landmark 2007 issue of Vogue. It remains Vogue's biggest issue ever, weighing in at more than four pounds and reaching an audience of 13 million people. The result is an excellent documentary that's fast-paced, funny and deeply engaging, whether you're a diehard fashionista, mildly curious about the glamorous world or just in the mood for an entertaining 90-minute film.

One thing's for sure about Anna Wintour: she knows what she wants. It's both fascinating and disheartening to see her staff members work their tails off at coming up with fresh new ideas, only to have them shot down by Wintour in one fell swoop. No one is spared from her discerning eye -- not even actress Sienna Miller, whose hair and teeth fall under intense scrutiny before she can grace the cover of the all-important issue.

But the most engrossing aspect of "The September Issue" is the relationship between Wintour and her Creative Director, Grace Coddington. Both started off as models before joining Vogue, where their 20-year alliance has been defined by intense conflict and mutual respect. In separate conversations, Wintour praises Coddington for being a genius, while Coddington commends Wintour for being the first to embrace the celebrity culture. It's a love-fest until they're in the same room together. That's when you can cut the tension with a knife.

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When it comes down to it, "The September Issue" is a tale of the ultimate collaboration between two women. If Anna Wintour is the subject, then Grace Coddington is the heart. If Wintour calls the shots, then Coddington pulls the strings. If Wintour keeps her distance, then Coddington is hands-on. It's a complex relationship, but it works -- and so does the film. That's all.

Verdict: SEE IT!

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