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Life & Arts

'Devil' going strong

'Prada' has quietly earned $85 million despite mixed reviews

by CHRISTIAN PALMER
THE DAILY COUGAR

Aspiring journalists of the world unite! We have found a new heroine in Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), the naive twenty-something desperately trying to find her place in the world of New York ­ preferably on a byline.

The Devil Wears Prada, based (apparently somewhat loosely) on the novel of the same name by Lauren Weinberger, was unleashed the better part of three weeks ago and is still claiming an impressive number of ticket sales ­ more than $85 million and counting. Despite the indisputable success, however, reviews seem to be mixed. 

Praise runs high for the reigning queen of cinema, Meryl Streep, who plays said "Devil" Miranda Priestly, the editor in chief of Runway magazine. The publication is a thinly veiled shout out to the real-world Vogue, and Streep’s character is allegedly based on its editor, Anna Wintour, high-fashion’s iconic VIP.

Arguably the real star of the film, Streep plays quite the ferocious antagonist. In true diva fashion, she puts her "new Emily," Andy, through the most fabulous hell ever by making unreasonable demands, contributing the occasional script-glitter put-down and inspiring fear and respect from everyone around her. By the end of the movie, our protagonist Andy follows suit, stepping into the role of "Devil’s" advocate and confidante wearing Chanel boots and a fierce Dolcé & Gabbana suit.

So deliciously evil is Streep in her role that Oscar aficionados have been immersed in a hot debate as to whether she could get the gold and which gold she’s sure to get: Leading or Supporting Actress. On one hand, Devil is said to be too insubstantial as far as Oscar-worthy content goes. 

People who say so may be surprised at the Academy’s standards if they were to take a closer look at Oscar’s history. Cher has an Oscar, you know. Not to mention, since when is rising to a challenge, riding the waves of a rocky relationship and a dash of social commentary not Oscar material? Should the entire production be denied artistic merit because it does its thing with a little (and completely appropriate) modern flair and a hot soundtrack? 

The bad marks for the film seem to come in regard to Anne Hathaway (straight from Brokeback Mountain and the ill-received Havoc), playing the cheesy underdog for which she is famous. For her third journey into the world of "real" cinema, the unlikely princess plays Miranda’s second personal assistant Andy, a dream job coveted by flocks of young aspiring fusionists.

Some critics say she brings nothing special to the table and that the story could function without her, but regardless, she at least is able to not completely disappear in Streep’s glorious shadow. Give her a little credit; she’s come a long way since Get Real and The Princess Diaries.

Some people out there will surely be disappointed that the film doesn’t stay exactly point on point with the novel from which it was adapted. They’re always out there. But do yourself a favor this ­ if not every ­ time and try judging the film on its own artistic merit. After all, it is a completely different medium and it does have the right to be a different story, even though it’s but minor details that lead to the same places. You don’t judge a book by its cover, so don’t judge a movie by its book.

Naturally, the movie may not be all that immediately appealing to everyone, but if you are unwittingly dragged into this high-fashion taco party, find solace in this one word: Gisele.
 

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