Three out of
Five stars
Running time:
88 mins
Engaging, frequently amusing and occasionally moving documentary about one of fashion's most fascinating figures.
What's it all about?
Directed by French filmmaker Rodolphe Marconi, Lagerfeld Confidential is a fly on the wall documentary that follows iconic fashion designer and photographer Karl Lagerfeld around as he goes about his day to day life. Rodolphe filmed Lagerfeld for two years, so we see him relaxing at home in Paris, designing in private, presenting a catwalk collection, jet-setting to New York and even conducting a photo-shoot with Nicole Kidman.
In addition, Lagerfeld gives a series of interviews, some more candid than others, in which he talks about his childhood, his obsessions, his sexuality and his career, while offering his opinions on a wide variety of subjects, from porn to politics. He also hints at his relationships, though his playful refusal to remove his sunglasses on camera suggests that he may not always be telling the truth.
The Good
Lagerfeld cuts an impressive figure, with his unique dress sense (ever-present sunglasses, stiff collars, lots of rings) and his Lee Marvin-esque looks and the glimpses we catch of his home life are fascinating. For example, an early pan around his living room reveals stacks and stacks of iPods, meaning either that he's always being given them as gifts or that he buys a new one every time he leaves the house.
Rodolphe also captures some amusing candid moments, such as Lagerfeld searching through bowls of rings, trying to decide which ones he needs for his New York trip – sadly, we don't get to see him going through airport security with them.
The Great
The film is also illustrated with a wealth of archive material that spans his entire career, as well as several photographs from Lagerfeld's early life. These accompany his reminiscences about his private life, and, even if we suspect that he's not telling the whole truth, that somehow makes it even more moving.
Worth seeing?
Lagerfeld Confidential is an engaging documentary about a genuinely fascinating figure, even if you're not remotely interested in fashion. Worth seeing.