All movies are chosen for you, from a pile of "Stuff".
The Devil Wears Prada follows Andy (Anne Hathaway), a young woman who aspires to become a journalist but due to her failing career position, begrudgingly takes a job as the 2nd assistant to Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep), the editor-in-chief of "Runway" fashion magazine and the most influential name in fashion. Andy soon learns that the world of fashion, which previously alluded her, is more powerful than she ever thought possible. Through hellish trials set by Miranda, as well as her 1st assistant Emily (Emily Blunt), Andy transforms into an expert of the fashion world but in doing so, jeopardises her friends, her love and ultimately, her integrity.
For some reason, I put off watching this film for a long time but now that I've seen it, I more than regret avoiding it. It's overwhelming lessons of self-image, passion and hard work deeply resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the workload of achieving their career goals. Both Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs stand as points of reference as to what you can achieve given determination, sacrifice and unwavering confidence in your abilities.
For some reason, I put off watching this film for a long time but now that I've seen it, I more than regret avoiding it. It's overwhelming lessons of self-image, passion and hard work deeply resonate with anyone who has ever struggled with the workload of achieving their career goals. Both Miranda Priestly and Andy Sachs stand as points of reference as to what you can achieve given determination, sacrifice and unwavering confidence in your abilities.
The unsung hero of this film however is Stanley Tucci and his incredible performance as Nigel, a key member of Miranda Priestley's staff. Throughout the film, Nigel is seen as "the wiseman", "the shaman" that directs Andy on a path to discovery and improvement by simply reminding her of the truth; she's not good enough . . . yet. His transformation from condescending fashion expert to passionate mentor and then to caring friend, it's the films second story that would more than a suit being the primary tale of the film.
The transformation of characters in The Devil Wears Prada doesn't limit itself to simply changing their opinions on the protagonist, throughout we see Miranda Priestly as a cold-hearted, ruthless boss who demands the near impossible of Andy, only to be continuously upstaged by Andy's determination to impress and deny Miranda the superiority she constantly craves. This easily means the audience puts her in the firm position of the despised antagonist, which works for the story but we then proceed beyond that, we see moments of weakness with Miranda in her home life, exposing the fact that she's not just abusing her power like the audience assumes, she's actually working harder than most to uphold the magazine and maintain her title that means so much to so many people.
The transformation of characters in The Devil Wears Prada doesn't limit itself to simply changing their opinions on the protagonist, throughout we see Miranda Priestly as a cold-hearted, ruthless boss who demands the near impossible of Andy, only to be continuously upstaged by Andy's determination to impress and deny Miranda the superiority she constantly craves. This easily means the audience puts her in the firm position of the despised antagonist, which works for the story but we then proceed beyond that, we see moments of weakness with Miranda in her home life, exposing the fact that she's not just abusing her power like the audience assumes, she's actually working harder than most to uphold the magazine and maintain her title that means so much to so many people.
The Devil Wears Prada also demonstrates a fantastic use of language; tailoring words and phrases around the situations to completely warp meaning and intention. A perfect example of this is the pain felt by the audience when Andy's boyfriend says she "looks really pretty". Normally, this would be a genuine compliment but now, because of the transformation that Andy has undertaken, it symbolises the social and romantic life she is sacrificing for a seemingly superficial endeavour, proven by the improvement in her appearance.
The Devil Wears Prada delves deep into what it means to succeed and it's a lesson that a lot of people need reminding of. Determination is, above all, the most powerful weapon you can wield, or in this case, wear.
4.5/5 - You'll never go wrong with this on your shelf.
The Devil Wears Prada delves deep into what it means to succeed and it's a lesson that a lot of people need reminding of. Determination is, above all, the most powerful weapon you can wield, or in this case, wear.
4.5/5 - You'll never go wrong with this on your shelf.
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