ViewGuide

Created Apr 23, 2009 08:08PM PST • Edited May 22, 2015 09:50AM PST

1. Quality

2. Summary

   OK 2.5

   A behind-the-scenes peek at high fashion, huge egos and what’s left of La Dolce Vita, this documentary of superstar designer Valentino works as a modest entertainment, but mostly serves as a character study of a monstrously successful artistic genius and his promotional alter ego. For those interested in fashion, it’s a must see. For those along for the ride, it’s reasonably interesting and easy on the eyes.

4. Acting

   Good 3.0

   Valentino (does he need a last name?) and Giancarlo Giammetti – his longtime partner in business, love and life – are mildly flamboyant characters who have built a fashion empire. It’s a treat to see them create their evanescent magic.

   Spotting the cameos is also a bucket of fun: Georgio Armani, Tom Ford, Karl Lagerfeld, Gwyneth Paltrow, Claudia Schiffer, Donatella Versace, Diane von Fürstenberg and Anna Wintour all pass in front of the camera. If these are familiar names, then see this movie. If not, you’ll be bored stiff.

5. Male Stars Very Good 3.5

6. Female Stars Good 3.0

7. Female Costars Good 3.0

8. Male Costars Good 3.0

10. Film

    OK 2.5

    It’s a fairly straightforward documentary that seems to repeat itself from time to time. That said, director Matt Tyrnauer and Tom Hurwitz, his intrepid director of photography, capture more than a few stolen moments in Valentino’s creative and celebrity life.

11. Direction Good 3.0

12. Play Barely OK 2.0

13. Music Barely OK 2.0

14. Visuals Great 4.0

    The dresses are – of course – fabulous. So are the settings: villas, palaces, yachts, a spectacular soiree at the Colosseum. Marvelous, simply marvelous.

15. Content

16. Edge

    Tame 1.2

    Bare breasted models may as well be mannequins while Valentino and his seamstresses drape them with diaphanous fabric. The man loves to make women look beautiful. Lust after them? He’s not that kind of guy.

17. Sex Innocent 1.5

18. Violence Gentle 1.0

19. Rudeness Polite 1.2

21. Reality

    Natural 1.0

    Documentary, yes. So it gets a reality factor of one point oh. Still, the movie provides little insight into Valentino’s personal life. Giancarlo mentions in passing that he and Valentino are lovers. Really? We see no signs of affection between them, nor any sense of their home life. Though both are workaholics, with the company their joint creation, the lack of insight into their personal lives makes the film feel like a classic Valentino frock: perfectly designed to highlight – and hide – just what the designer wants.

22. Circumstantial Natural 1.0

23. Biological Natural 1.0

24. Physical Natural 1.0