Iris (2014)

Iris (2014)

PG-13

A fascinating portrait of an elderly New York style icon and her creative process

7.1

Movie

United States of America
English
Documentary, Drama
2014
ALBERT MAYSLES
Bill Cunningham, Bruce Weber, Tavi Gevinson
83 min

What it's about

IRIS pairs legendary 87-year-old documentarian Albert Maysles with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even in Iris’ dotage, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment.

The take

Albert Maysles’ penultimate film celebrates fashion icon Iris Apfel, who charms everyone with her quick wit, no-nonsense attitude, and love for the craft. There’s something brilliant in the way the movie starts not by rehashing facts about her, but with Apfel herself going through the process of choosing what to wear. She's doesn't just pick clothes; there’s a kind of careful consideration made with each item she chooses, that she remembers every detail about (from where she got them, to the culture and history behind them), and that she intentionally picks in the name of joy. While the documentary doesn’t dive too deep into Apfel’s life, the woman is just undeniably cool. Simply going through her processes and listening to her talk is already an inspiration.

Comments

Add a comment

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

UP NEXT 

An Autumn’s Tale (1987)

Two Hong Kong immigrants find a new life, and a new love, in this New York-shot romantic drama

7.6

The Trial of the Chicago 7 (2020)

A star-studded and riveting legal drama with a blockbuster feel.

8.1

The Breaking Ice (2023)

Three lost souls find a warm connection in this wintry, delicate drama

7.0

The Guilty (2018)

A minimalist, razor-sharp thriller that will have you gasping for air.

9.0

Hilary and Jackie (1998)

Two sisters, bound by music, is torn by genius and fame in this tragic, heartwrenching biopic

7.6

Forgotten Love (2023)

The stunning third take of the classic Polish pre-war melodrama

7.7

Angle (2023)

Wrestling legend Kurt Angle is the embodiment of "never give up" in this candid sports documentary

8.5

System Crasher (2019)

A tale of trauma and one of the most talked about movies on Netflix in 2020.

9.0

Idiots and Angels (2008)

Miserable scoundrel transforms into unwilling good-doer in this strange and cynical animated comedy

7.0

Breaking the Waves (1996)

Lars von Trier breaks his rules in the tearjerking first film of the Golden Heart trilogy

8.1

Curated by humans, not algorithms.

agmtw logo

© 2024 agoodmovietowatch, all rights reserved.