Review of Valentino: The Last Emperor (2008) by Michael C — 18 Dec 2009

This insight into designer Valentino Garavani?s glitzy career as it comes to an end is sure to involve even those who aren?t initially engaged by the idea of a fashion documentary. The delightfully talented and often grumpily demanding (he has a right to be) Garavani, with his pampered pug dogs and rich Italian accent, is an immediately engaging character who would be able to hold an audience?s interest all his own.

But it?s in his loving relationship with Gincarlo Giammetti that the film finds its true beating heart. The two have shared both a professional and a personal relationship for 45 years ? Giammetti comments that he has only been apart from Garavani for about two months of all those years.

Their time shared on-screen is quietly moving. I bet Garani himself would be more than happy with this documentary, and given how clearly fussy the legend was, that is easily the highest compliment I can pay the film.