ONFilm:
The September Issue

New York, NY- Thursday, August 20th, 2009-
 
The Paley Center for Media hosted a sold-out preview of R.J. Cutler’s The September Issue, where the audience was afforded an interactive experience.   Cutler was on hand, along with cinematographer Bob Richmond, Vogue Editor-at-Large Andre Leon Talley (who protested that his “best shots are on the cutting room floor”) & Creative Director (& scene stealer/surprise star) Grace Coddington, to discuss the film & take questions from the audience following the screening.

The film follows the Vogue staff in the creation of the September 2007 issue.  From New York to Paris to Rome, from photo shoots & couture week to a tennis lesson with Andre Leon Talley (decked out head to toe in LV brown & gold logos… he even carried his chilled water in an LV insulated bag… undoubtedly custom), the film offers an intimate look at the creation of the fashion bible’s biggest issue (ever). The September Issue shows viewers the true breadth of Wintour’s influence in the fashion industry & how her eye for detail & tough editing creates one of the most prestigious fashion magazines in the world.

The production of the film did not come without challenges & Cutler was not shy in pointing them out. He spoke of the very subtle conversations at Vogue & how often gestures or minor glances speak louder than words. “Fashion people are not verbal people. Communication at Vogue is like the mist,” said Cutler.

Cutler continued, trust between the crew & the team at Vogue was also very important. There needed to be collaboration between the two parties in order for the film to succeed & this was a challenge for some. Coddington was not afraid to say that it took a while to adjust to the presence of the crew. “I love what I do so much. I want it to be the best & I don’t want anyone in the way,” she said.

Mr. Cutler pointed out that this is really about a relationship between two women who have been working together for decades – Wintour & Coddington. Their relationship is, in a word: dynamic. Throughout the film we find them at odds with each other whether it be over the color of a jacket or the layout of a fashion story. Coddington admits to both women being quite stubborn, yet they both speak very highly of one another & their work.

Those expecting The September Issue to finally give them the real life version of The Devil Wears Prada, be warned. While there is a glamorous side to the happenings at Vogue, at the heart of this film are passionate people who are working hard to produce a product. Andre Leon Talley told the audience, “The Devil Wears Prada got it wrong. Girls walk down the halls, there is no running in their stilettos.”

One audience member asked about how the atmosphere at Vogue has changed with the recession, a question that was referencing a scene in the movie where Wintour removes an entire spread from the magazine & then re-shoots it just days before the issue is to close. Coddington says that the recession has affected everyone but adds that it is not a waste of money to edit. “You are asking the question for the wrong reason… Anna edits & makes the magazine stronger because of it. That will go on whether or not there is a recession,” said Coddington.

After 320 hours of filming & 14 months of editing, Cutler has produced a brilliant film that offers a real & captivating look down the hallowed halls at Condé Nast.

The September Issue will be in theaters in Manhattan on August 28. It will be released throughout the United States on September 11. 

– Alexandra Perron

Where else is Anna?