Product Description
A critically acclaimed look into the life and times of legendary fashion designer Valentino. The film documents the colorful and dramatic closing act of the fashion icons celebrated career, tells the story of his extraordinary life and work, and also explores the larger themes affecting the fashion business today. But at the heart of the film is the unique relationship between Valentino and his business partner and companion of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti.

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Every iconic fashion designer deserves his or her own documentary, as it's a chance for the public to consider careers dedicated to making and breaking trends. Lagerfeld Confidential released in 2007, the same year Valentino Garavani saw his museum retrospective at Rome's Ara Pacis. Where was Valentino's film? Not to fear, as director Matt Tyrnauer was there with the camera, whether Valentino liked it or not, documenting his retrospective events and the chaos leading up to them. Valentino: The Last Emperor details this 77-year old icon's history, though it focuses, rather too heavily, on the bonanza surrounding the retrospective and the label's takeover that Valentino and partner, Giancarlo Giammetti, built over a fifty-year stretch. That said, Valentino is a fascinating interview subject whether he is talking about sequined gowns, dressing Jackie Kennedy, corporate takeover, or his five pugs, who star alongside him in the film. Watching this film, one gets pugs in diamond earrings, pugs riding jets, pugs passed out in an alpine mountain house. Valentino leads Lagerfeld around like old pals, to examine his renowned body of work. Women crouch around models sewing and cutting, and hair and makeup teams fly through rooms, apparition-like before the camera lens. The film isn't lacking for glamour, and if one is in the mood for a little Lifestyles of the Rich and Famous , then Valentino will satisfy tenfold.

Interview footage of the man himself and Mr. Giammetti in action--at editorial meetings, directing seamstresses, backstage before runway shows--gives a good glimpse into what these two men have spent the past 50 years doing. As Valentino says when repeatedly badgered about his retirement date, he's only taken three- to four-day holidays, and rarely, since his business exploded in 1968. He and Giammetti stroll down Via Veneto, where they reminisce about meeting and about La Dolce Vita . And one does learn about Valentino's early inspirations, such as Ziegfield Girl . There are a few short vintage footage clips of Valentino and his ladies, but the film would be so much stronger if there were more. In fact, one barely gets to view Valentino's haute couture, in scenes during retrospective events. The documentary's drama relies solely on Valentino, the charismatic tornado, rather than dwelling on his styles, probably as it should be. -- Trinie Dalton

Date: 08/30/2010
Summary: great movie
Rating: 5
well done documentary. tells a rich story about 2 men very close to each other. valentino is remarkable and the film shows him up close and personal in a compekking way. the viewer ends up liking them both!

Date: 08/04/2010
Summary: Val oh Valentino
Rating: 4
not sure how to capture the craziness of this movie or this person who seems to pride himself on aggravating everyone including his longtime lover so it's hard to know where to start except that he, like this film, is endlessly entertaining, totally watchable, in fact, hard not to watch, even when Joan Collins is around, so this is not to be missed. Saw the premiere in New York and caught a cab after one of those TV fashionistas had refused to tip him on grounds he didn't get there fast enough. Sounds like something Valentino would do, so I can't blame her too much. i think there's an effort to see the man and the artist and thankfully, we do.

Date: 07/20/2010
Summary: Valentino: The Last Emperor
Rating: 5
The story of this man's design beginning and ending in the fashion industry is very interesting. To be able to see behind the scenes and watch these beautiful garments being made for such famous people was inspiring. He truly is a Diva at his craft!

Date: 07/10/2010
Summary: Valentino and his spouse can't help sniping at each other in front of the cameras
Rating: 4
This is pretty entertaining because the designer is such a character but the design side of it wasn't as good as the YSL documentaries.

Date: 04/06/2010
Summary: I heart Valentino
Rating: 5
I loved the behind the scenes & the candid moments of Valentino's & Giametti's life & work. Must-see!