“The Devil Wears Prada” (20th Century Fox)
The Dragon Lady Gets De-fanged
In THE DEVIL WEARS PRADA, Lauren Weisberger’s biting novel about life in the world of high fashion, the boss from hell was truly a hell of a boss. In the movie version of her book the dragon lady gets de-fanged. She still rants and roars but she also is a little bit sympathetic, and that is what makes the movie just average rather than something special.
The story of the film is seen through the wide eyes of Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway). She comes to New York to become a big time journalist but ends up working at “Runway” magazine as an assistant to the ferocious and fearsome Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep). This editor/diva demands all of Andy’s time and attention, even when she is off the clock. This puts a strain on her relationships with her friends and boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier).
Andy also is criticized for her lack of style so she gets Art Director Nigel (Stanley Tucci) to give her some helpful hints. Soon Andy is breezing through the office in borrowed haute couture and making even the first assistant, Emily (Emily Blunt) jealous. Nate likes the new look but he does wonder if the inner Andy is also changing.
The movie would be a lot better if the hellish boss Miranda had no redeeming qualities but the moviemakers appear to think she has to have something soft about her. They present a scene in which her vulnerability shines through as she learns of her impending divorce. This scene wasn’t needed or wanted. It only makes the film play to the masses rather than being unique.
Streep is a cold clotheshorse as Miranda. She is imperious and demanding. That is why showing her vulnerable and sensitive side is such a letdown. Plus Andy is such a wimp that you don’t feel she deserves to get a break. She is supposed to be madly in love with Nate but certainly does act appreciative of the attention she receives from Christian Thompson (Simon Baker), a mover and shaker in the world of fashion.
Streep is enjoyable in her role but it is a simple one-dimensional one. Opposite her Hathaway is unimpressive. There is something about her role of Andy that annoys as well as entertains. Maybe the role would have been more of a joy had it been played by a young Audrey Hepburn or even a young Angelina Jolie. It needed someone to give this girl some class and some sparks.
The film is rated PG-13 for profanity and sexual situations.
Women will eat this film up because of the clothes on view. Men will likely be studying their watches and wondering if anything exciting is going to happen before the movie ends. The answer is no. Hollywood decided to play this one safe, and for that I am sorry.
I scored “The Devil Wears Prada” an angelic 5 out of 10.
