The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

Directed by: David Frankel | 109 minutes | drama, comedy | Actors: Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Stanley Tucci, Simon Baker, Emily Blunt, Adrian Grenier, Traacie Thoms, Rich Sommer, Daniel Sunjata, Jimena Hoyos, Rebecca Mader, Tibor Feldman, Stephanie Szostak, David Marshall Grant, James Naughton, Colleen Dengel , Suzanne Dengel, Eric Seltzer, David Callegati, Alexie Gilmore, Gisele Bundchen, Heidi Klum

For many fans of Lauren Weisberger’s bestseller ‘The Devil Wears Prada’, the big moment has arrived. With killer stiletto heels (and dragged along friend) they’ll be lining up to the cinemas and enjoy the movie. Although… that of course depends entirely on whether it isn’t already full of non-high-fashion viewers, or even strangers to the book and men who have come of their own free will. Because ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is a film suitable for everyone, young, old, man or woman.

Anne Hathaway (‘The Princess Bride’) has the honor of taking on the (lead) role of Andy Sachs. Hathaway is now known to the general public for her roles in fairytale films such as ‘Ella Enchanted’ and ‘Hoodwinked’, although she also recently had a key role in the Oscar-winning film ‘Brokeback Mountain’. Also in ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ she undergoes a metamorphosis – for the umpteenth time in her film career – this time from an unfashionable country girl to a high fashion babe. So she can have these kinds of roles. Maybe she’s a little young for Andy, but she’s doing okay, just not spectacularly. It would be nice to see Hathaway in a completely different kind of role.

But the real ‘leading lady’ (literally and figuratively) and ‘grand dame’ of the film is Meryl Streep. As ice queen and satanic boss Miranda Priestley, she is truly the boss-from-hell. The makers have chosen to add a dimension to her role and thus make her slightly more human. Now we also get to see the more sensitive Miranda, who by the way is completely make-up, how un-stylish! And what a difference! But Streep, approaching sixty, still looks gorgeous even then. Worthy and still one of the greatest actresses of the moment. While not likely, she at least deserves an Oscar nomination for this brilliant performance. Even if everything else were bad, she would still be worth a visit to the cinema.

Miranda’s first assistant, Emily (Emily Blunt), remains a superficially one-dimensional character, but her many sharp and fun one-liners are hilarious. Blunt is a true discovery, and clearly had a lot of fun making this film. Stanley Tucci (‘Maid in Manhattan’, ‘The Terminal’, ‘Shall We Dance’) also had fun, and the viewer can enjoy that too. As Nigel, he has quite a bit of commentary on Andy’s appearance. When he gives her a metamorphosis, the two become good friends, and every time he is in the picture, it is laughable again. Adrian Grenier (‘Drive Me Crazy’) is actually the only setback. He doesn’t seem natural like Nate, and there’s a lack of chemistry between him and Andy, especially on his part. It is necessary since they live together and are supposed to be in love… Then Simon Baker – the seductive Christian Thompson – and Anne Hathaway do better as a couple, the sparks fly, culminating in their street scene in Paris.

In addition to a fun entertaining film, ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ is also interspersed with beautiful fashion images and cityscapes. The dresses and clothes in the film – both Andy, Miranda, Emily and the models – are gorgeous, as are the scenes shot in Paris. With all this talk about fashion and romance, this movie seems like an incredible girl movie, but nothing could be further from the truth. Men also get their money’s worth and will appreciate the humor well. This is again apparent from reports from America, among others, where some men even dare to admit that they prefer ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ to ‘Superman Returns’. That says enough! That’s all…