By Chlotrudis Independent Film Society
Rating: 3.75 cats
Director: Ian Bonhôte | Peter Ettedgui
Starring: documentary
Country: united_states
Year: 2018
Running time: 111
IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt6510332/reference
Beth CA says: “This film is interesting, and it’s worth watching because of the subject – and the video and photographic footage was excellent. However, when a film aims to document an artist’s life and work, the film ought to have some creative, artistic elements itself. This film was pretty standard, lacks any creative vision, and relies on the usual formulaic methods of documentary filmmaking. One sign that this film failed is that although I learned a lot about McQueen, I didn’t feel like I got to know the man any more intimately after watching the film. 2.5 cats”
Julie says: “I loved this film and felt that you really had to read between the lines a bit, paying attention to what his friends and acquaintances had to say. Alexander seemed to be a workaholic and seemed a bit guarded about sharing too much when the camera was on. But I felt I did get to know him, (knew nothing about him before other than some bracelets I bought on e-bay long ago were ‘McQueen-like’ but notMcQueen).
“It was pretty incredible that he (or his friends?) had the foresight to document him in small intimate settings at various times of his life, so that, along with other documentation of his shows etc, as Beth mentioned below, the video and photographic footage was excellent.
“Yes it was a formulaic doc, that is true but I liked it nonetheless. I am not so particular on that aspect I suppose.
“I liked the various short appearances of other people I have seen in other fashion movies as well as a quick blink of an eye appearance of Grace Jones at one of his shows.”
Thom says: “This is a warts-and-all stunning portrait of the renowned English fashion designer who committed suicide in 2010. For my money he was the greatest fashion designer of his generation. But he wasn’t really a prince of a fellow so unless your admiration of his work approaches mine I could see one finding this a trial. I’m a huge fan of ‘high’ fashion. 5 cats“