For anyone who is still skeptical about the power of fashion to define, refine or even re-invent a character in a movie, television, theatre production or real life for that matter, I urge you to rush out to see Priceless, a new-ish (in the U.S. and the U.K.) French romantic comedy by Pierre Salvadori starring Audrey Tautou and French comedian turned actor Gad Elmaleh. The story unfolds on the Cote d'Azur with its glamourous five-star hotels as a backdrop. The movie's protagonist, Irene (played by Tautou) is a poule de luxe or goldigger who uses her feminine charms to woo rich, older men to support her high end fashion, champagne and gourmet dining habit. She inadvertently falls for Jean, a hotel waiter/barman whom she mistakes for a wealthy hotel patron. What ensues is a classic tug-of-war between her heart and her lifestyle (don't judge her too harshly until you see the jaw dropping fashions she wears throughout the movie*).
I actually saw the movie on DVD in its original French version (Hors de prix, 2006) so I can't vouch for the dubbed English version but it's worth seeing if for no other reason than to understand how thoroughly transformed Tautou is in this movie thanks in part to her wardrobe. I admit I was initially skeptical when I read French reviews. Like most people, I first became aware of Tautou as the mischievous gamine in Le fabuleux destin d'Amelie Poulain for which she was perfectly cast. The idea that this cute pixie of a girl could credibly play a ruthless vamp willing to bed lonely old men hungry for the company and affections of a beautiful woman to support her luxury habit seemed far fetched to me. Sultry actress Anna Mouglalis or cheeky Ludevine Saignier perhaps but sweet Audrey Tautou? Yet, the proof is on the screen. While her lithe frame may not scream "sexy vamp", the minute she slips into her slinky Azzaro gown, gold-toned slingbacks and descends upon the elegant hotel bar, the viewer is left with little doubt as to her predatory instinct. Moreover, the costume designer for the movie had the good sense to select very classic, almost generic fashions for both lead characters as opposed to highly identifiable designer pieces that have been overly photographed. This suggests that the movie should avoid becoming dated too quickly and is likely to look as good in ten years from now as it does today - a smart move given that the movie's plot line involves a classic tale about the oldest profession in the world.
Priceless opens in London on June 13. It is already playing in movie theaters across the United States. The DVD in its original French version is available via Amazon's French site. Enjoy!
Sincerely,
The Luxe Chronicles
* You're on a website called The Luxe Chronicles, what did you expect?
Hi Vicki - I'm not sure how to get that info but the costume director for the movie is Virginie Montel. Perhaps you could track her down.
Helene
Posted by: Helene | Monday, January 12, 2009 at 17:23
Is there any way to get a list of each dress/outfit and the respective designer?
Posted by: Vicki Rand | Monday, January 12, 2009 at 16:38