If you don’t know much about him or high fashion, don’t fret because this intelligent and informative film by Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui will chaperone you into this world with ease. Simply titled McQueen, this documentary is a poignant portrait of the British fashion icon that goes to great lengths to do him justice. With a reputation for shock tactics and controversy, McQueen grew from humble beginnings in a British council flat with three sisters into a world-famous enfant terrible of the 1990s for his quote unquote unwearable fashion and extravagant shows. Music fans might recognise his designs from Bjork’s album Homogenic or the music video to her song Alarm Call. Despite the documentary’s scope and depth, this is the type of film that leaves you wanting more and you might find yourself browsing through Wikipedia and YouTube for another hour to stay in the vibe. Alexander McQueen died of suicide in 2010.
"Maybe now is the right moment-and McQueen, despite its shortcomings, the right film-to reheat [this] debate."
— Anthony Lane
"A generous and mostly respectful approach to a beautifully complicated and unapologetically hungry man."
— Manuela Lazic
Alexander McQueen's rags-to-riches story is a modern-day fairy tale, laced with the gothic. Mirroring the savage beauty, boldness and vivacity of his design, this documentary is an intimate revelation of McQueen's own world, both tortured and inspired, which celebrates a radical and mesmerizing genius of profound influence.
BAFTA
2 nominations
Went into this solely due to the quality of the trailer having no experience with McQueen. The documentaries so well presented and remain engaging and exciting throughout the 2 hours run time. The music is superb and fits so well to the presentation of art you are seeing. I went into this with no experience of appreciating clothing as art, but the work of McQueen to me is now truly an art. There is a genuine chance that you will look further into his job after finishing this and having a new understanding to that of clothing.
One of the highest quality productions ive seen and would confidently recommend to someone looking for something new.
just for reference Im a 20-year-old male whos interested in military history and economics with no experience with anything presented in this documentary and it did show me something new in a fantastic way.
Just watch it for the score alone.