I wanted to write a review in honor of Ed Grover, one of the most loved and respected members of Epinions for many years. But what to write was the big question and on what subject…Then it hit me the other night when I watched for the upteenth time one of my all time favorite movies, Robert Altman’s Ready to Wear also called Prêt-de-Porter. A few of Ed’s wonderful reviews were books written about fashion designers and the fashionistas way of life, from Ralph Lauren to Yves St. Laurent so I thought this movie which personified some of the strange and unique facets of that industry in a comedic and farcical way would be of interest to Ed and to all who stumble upon this review.


Ready To Wear is certainly about the fashion scene but Robert Altman takes this subject to new heights and the clothing industry to task by focusing on the followers of the fashion scene rather than the fashions themselves. This movie turns out to be about the lack of clothes in more ways than one with the final scene uproarious and shocking to all who are in attendance at what was to be the grand conclusion to the year’s fashion event.


Set in Glorious Paris, Robert Altman assembles all the major and minor movers and shakers in the fashion field. Whatever it is about Altman, actors will drop whatever they are doing to appear in his movies even in minor roles…This movie is no exception... Names like Sophia Loren and Marcello Mastroianni are reunited as two long lost lovers, hoping to renew that long ago affair with embarrassing results…. Julia Roberts and Tim Robbins, in Paris to do stories about the upcoming event are trapped in the only hotel room left in Paris without their luggage and learn to “co-exist”…Danny Aiello and Teri Garr are there to shop but with a surprise twist when it turns out Aiello is a cross dresser hoping to expand his wardrobe with the designer duds Garr purchases for him. Stephen Rea, a famous photographer decides to humiliate the three fashion editors, Sally Kellerman, Tracy Ullman and Linda Hunt in a way only a photographer could … Forest Whitaker, in the role of one of the designers, also with a twist, and Anouk Aimee does the shocking deed with her fashion show which is guaranteed to leave the fashion world gasping for breath…But the one most shocked is Kim Basinger, a totally inept TV reporter, who’s presence throughout the movie really is a key in holding the story together as she tries to make sense of all she sees but really hasn’t a clue.


Basically the story seems to be a simple one…As the fashionistas arrive to attend this show of shows, there is a murder, (Sophia Loren’s husband), or so the Parisian police think, and all in attendance are suspects. At the same time one of the big names in the industry, Anouk Aimee, is having financial troubles and it looks like she may have her company pulled out from under her by a family member. Along the way, we are treated to a fashion and celebrity extravaganza as cameo appearances abound with names like Lauren Bacall, Harry Belafonte, Lyle Lovett and Cher along with famous models such as Naomi Campbell and many others whose faces I recognized but not their names, the same with the designers, such as Jean-Paul Gaultier, Thierry Mugler and many more.


This is a time in Paris when all eyes are clued to the fashion world but what they see in the end result will rock everything they ever thought about clothing or the lack thereof.


Ready to Wear or the original title, Prêt-de-Porter is a funny and humorous movie but for the most part is a biting farce about the fashion industry and the models, designers and press who converge on the scene to see and to be seen. Altman takes the fashion scene to places not explored before whether in a serious vain or one, as he does here, with satire and hilarious events as the world watches it all played out on the magnificent streets, designer stores and in the famous hotels of Paris.


A few facts

1994 Nominated for Golden Globe, best film Musical or comedy
1994 Nominated for Golden Globe, best supporting actress- Sophia Loren
1994 Winner National Board of review, Best ensemble acting



As I mentioned earlier this review is part a tribute to Ed Grover… I chose this subject due to a few of my most favorite of his reviews dealing with the fashion world, Yves St Laurent, Bill Blass and Ralph Lauren, another,Womens Wear Daily and in honor of some of his writings about books I found fascinating that took place in my favorite of all cities, Paris. Books about Alice B Toklas, and Gertrude Stein is one that comes to mind immediately…I hope all who read this will go to check out Ed’s writing and participate in this love fest for Ed.

To view all the other reviews written in honor of Ed please check out this link of eplovejoys with all the information listed http://www.epinions.com/content_4498563204












Recommended:
Yes

Viewing Format: VHS
Video Occasion: Fit for Friday Evening
Suitability For Children: Suitable for Children Age 13 and Older