Yves Saint Laurent biopic is a rags to riches story that sells fashionistas short
YVES Saint Laurent: The rags to riches story of a haute couture high-flyer sells fashionistas short.
Leigh Paatsch
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THEY say clothes maketh the man. But what of the man who maketh the clothes?
That’s one question that won’t be answered by Yves Saint Laurent, a disappointingly superfluous biopic of the late French design icon.
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Fashionistas will feel particularly aggrieved by the unattractive outcome achieved here.
Particularly as there’s only a handful of scenes depicting the haute couture high-flyer in the near vicinity of dresses to die for.
He sits down to make a few sketches. Whips up a few on-the-spot adjustments to existing outfits. Frets up a sweat as some models are about to hit the catwalk. And that’s it.
As for how Saint Laurent acquired his rare talent, well, the film doesn’t bother letting you in on that little secret, either.
An unsatisfactory narrative opts for a selective timespan that cannot capture the true creative essence of its subject.
As the film begins, Yves (played by Pierre Niney) has already risen through the ranks of the famous house of Dior, and looks set for greatness until he’s drafted for military service.
Saint Laurent suffers an immediate nervous breakdown, and is swiftly sacked by Dior.
After some protracted legal proceedings, Saint Laurent wins a settlement from Dior and starts his own label.
And so, a fashion empire is born. However, by the time viewers reach this point, all worthwhile interest in this rags-to-rag-trade-riches affair has long since expired.
Yves Saint Laurent (M)
Director: Jalil Lespert (24 Mesures)
Starring: Pierre Niney, Guillaume Gallienne, Charlotte le Bon, Laura Smet
Verdict: Two stars. All dressed up with no tale to tell
Originally published as Yves Saint Laurent biopic is a rags to riches story that sells fashionistas short
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