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List Price: $14.99 | | Label: Phase 4 Films
Salesrank: 916
Released: September 8, 2009 |
| Our Price: $11.95 |
| Used Price: $5.74 |
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MPAA Rating: PG (Parental Guidance Suggested)
Media: DVD |
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Editorial Review:
A critically acclaimed look into the life and times of legendary fashion designer Valentino. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of the fashion icons celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.
Description of Valentino: The Last Emperor:
Every iconic fashion designer deserves his or her own documentary, as it's a chance for the public to consider careers dedicated to making and breaking trends. Lagerfeld Confidential released in 2007, the same year Valentino Garavani saw his museum retrospective at Rome's Ara Pacis. Where was Valentino's film? Not to fear, as director Matt Tyrnauer was there with the camera, whether Valentino liked it or not, documenting his retrospective events and the chaos leading up to them. Valentino: The Last Emperor details this 77-year old icon's history, though it focuses, rather too heavily, on the bonanza surrounding the retrospective and the label's takeover that Valentino and partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, built over a fifty-year stretch. That said, Valentino is a fascinating interview subject whether he is talking about sequined gowns, dressing Jackie Kennedy, corporate takeover, or his five pugs, who star alongside him in the film. Watching this film, one gets pugs in diamond earrings, pugs riding jets, pugs passed out in an alpine mountain house. Valentino leads Lagerfeld around like old pals, to examine his renowned body of work. Women crouch around models sewing and cutting, and hair and makeup teams fly through rooms, apparition-like before the camera lens. The film isn't lacking for glamour, and if one is in the mood for a little Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous, then Valentino will satisfy tenfold.
Interview footage of the man himself and Mr. Giammetti in action--at editorial meetings, directing seamstresses, backstage before runway shows--gives a good glimpse into what these two men have spent the past 50 years doing. As Valentino says when repeatedly badgered about his retirement date, he's only taken three- to four-day holidays, and rarely, since his business exploded in 1968. He and Giammetti stroll down Via Veneto, where they reminisce about meeting and about La Dolce Vita. And one does learn about Valentino's early inspirations, such as Ziegfield Girl. There are a few short vintage footage clips of Valentino and his ladies, but the film would be so much stronger if there were more. In fact, one barely gets to view Valentino's haute couture, in scenes during retrospective events. The documentary's drama relies solely on Valentino, the charismatic tornado, rather than dwelling on his styles, probably as it should be. --Trinie Dalton
Valentino: The Last Emperor Reviews:
Valentino the last emperor 
2009-12-03 - Excellent movie as it portrays the life and hard work of a remarkable person and fashion icon
Entertaining Film!
2009-12-03 - This documentary was not only an enjoyable story of Valentino's life and work in fashion, but it was funny too. It must be the honesty and comfort Valentino and his long time business partner/friend, Giancarlo Giammetti find within their relationship. It was great to see that within all the drama of the behind the scenes fashion world lies passion, drive, commitment and friendship at heart. This documentary is worth watching. You'll never look at fashion the same way again.
Truly the "Last Emperor"
2009-11-19 - This movie shows why Valentino was a genuine artist at dress making/designing. It's sad to see how he was practically pushed out of his own empire due to his lack of accessories. His legacy will live on forever in the fashion world. Long live the red dress!!!
Gotta have it!!
2009-11-13 - I got this dvd because I have seen the doco at a cinema and loved every bit of it. It comes with gorgeous and very funny scenes and it definitely takes you inside the world of Valentino and what he is really all about - an extravagant man with a very top taste in life and a massive passion for his art 'fashion'. Love the pugs and the polenta mountains! lol. You have got to have it!
Wonderful look at an icon
2009-11-04 - This is a wonderful look at a true couturier... one of the last great ones. He is a bit of a diva at moments, but I understand as millions of dollars are at stake with his name on it. The movie has surprisingly touching moments (although they are brief). There are glimpses of some of his clothing, but the movie leaves you wanting more... which is not a bad thing.
It would be impossible to cram a 50 year history into one film, and that is not what this is meant to be. You have to fill in a lot of gaps. This is a glimpse at a legendary couture house. A great film about a great icon!
