Iris (2014)

Why so much hype?

Slow pace in the most part of the movie.

Simply Perfect

Worth seeing just to witness how winsome it is.

And more power to her! But this documentary really tells you nothing much about her personal life, how she broke into the 'fashion world' or where she got the money to live the lavish world traveling, collector of things, New York City society lifestyle. I'm thinking it must be her husbands money because it is made clear she came from a 'working class' background.She developed an eye for color & shape & texture and how to put complementing objects together to create her own fashion style. Unfortunately (for me) I was left with the impression she just created a clownish appearance with great style. You must admit she make a bizarre looking old broad when she's all dolled up in her brick-a-brac collection of fabrics and oversize jewelery.This documentary is high in color but low on information about this 90 plus years old woman's life.

This exceptional documentary, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Albert Maysles (who passed away this year at the age of 88), is filled with wit and humor. It focuses on the life and career of Iris Apfel, fashion icon and interior designer, who has been involved in restorations in the White House, the Senate building, and Stephen Foster's My Old Kentucky Home, among many others. She's also had her clothes and accessories exhibited in many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Norton Gallery.Apfel, who was 90-years-old at the time of the filming, by her own admission would rather find a $4 accessory item at a flea market or small shop rather than go to an expensive high couture establishment, as she loves the chase for interesting items and always uses her gut instincts for her selections.What struck me as much as her amazing collection of unique items over the years was her striking personality and charisma. Although she admits to some aging at the age of 90, she often displays a wonderful sense of humor, expresses her most interesting philosophies of life, and always seems to be at ease no matter what the situation. Unfortunately, her husband of some 66+ years Carl, who played a key role in the movie, passed away early this month just a few days shy of his 101st birthday.All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this film highlighted by Apfel's humor and charismatic personality, and this documentary is one of the best I've seen in a while.

I was very much looking forward to the Iris documentary. I have much enjoyed films such as The September Issue, Lagerfeld Confidential, Mademoiselle C and the rest of them. Somehow fashion films often turn into very soulful portraits of the very creative. Iris is probably comparable to the Diana Vreeland docu: The Eye Has to Travel but where Diana has a profound presence sadly Iris Apfel does not. It is very peculiar watching a documentary about a 90-year-old who conveys no depth. Yes, Iris and her husband seem like "very nice people", but for people of a certain to come across merely as flat characters and not fully developed is actually quite a feat. Even the most one-dimensional develop some sort of depth and persona with age - not here. It's ALL about the surface of things. Nothing more. And this is where "Iris" falls flat on its face, it lacks everything so abundant in Iris Apfel's dress sense: layers, the rich tapestry of the human condition and interest. There is nothing to cling onto in "Iris" - no substance behind the quirky glasses, just an empty human shell.

Forget "The Devil Wears Prada" and "September Issue", this is the story of a woman that lives fully and artfully. She is in tune and educated on trends in fashion, art and the history that stimulates and influences them. Her manner of presenting herself to the world is a celebration of being alive and living in the world for all it's worth. See it, get some tips, ideas and encouragement on emancipating yourself and living to your fullest!One of the best lines, "I don't like pretty" "Pretty is boring" She goes on to explain that when you're not "Pretty", you must learn something to be able to take care of yourself in life. Also, Iris thinks cosmetic surgery to look younger is ridiculous and can't be bothered, she dignifies aging in women and doesn't apologize for herself. She isn't critical in the Donald Trump "Apprentice" sense, she shares her knowledge and encourages young people to really study and go for what they're interested in. She is Brilliant!