Angelina Jolie’s Role in Couture
Angelina Jolie, serving as both producer and lead actress, brings a sincere and courageous portrayal to a narrative that closely parallels her own experience with breast cancer prevention. Despite her compelling presence, the film itself often feels superficial and unconvincing, presenting the fashion industry with a bland and oddly humorless seriousness.
Plot and Characters
Jolie plays Maxine, an American independent filmmaker newly arrived in Paris, chosen to direct the opening short film for a highly prestigious fashion show. Maxine stands out as the primary figure within an ensemble cast. Anyier Anei portrays Ada, a young model from South Sudan set to be the show’s star. Ella Rumpf appears as Angèle, a makeup artist and aspiring writer attempting to transform her experiences into an edgy fictional memoir. Louis Garrel delivers a brooding performance as Anton, the first assistant director on Maxine’s project. Vincent Lindon plays Dr. Hansen, a disheveled yet compassionate physician who must inform Maxine that her biopsy results—transmitted by his American colleague—confirm she has breast cancer. The film poignantly captures a moment where Dr. Hansen watches Maxine walk away down the street after their consultation, smoking a contemplative cigarette from his high window.
Emotional Impact and Script
Maxine is understandably shocked by the diagnosis and the potential impact it may have on her career, including the possibility that her next film project following the Paris event might be delayed or abandoned. Jolie delivers a heartfelt performance in this intimate and painful scenario. However, the screenplay by writer-director Alice Winocour often feels superficially glib. For example, Ada is depicted as having injured her ankle the night before the major show while playfully practicing runway walks with fellow models in heels. The film raises the question of whether she will be able to conceal this injury, paralleling Maxine’s initial denial of her diagnosis. Yet this subplot remains unresolved and ultimately inconsequential.
Fashion and Film
Fashion’s portrayal on screen frequently risks appearing overly precious, and unfortunately, this film is no exception. Nevertheless, Jolie’s star quality consistently shines through the narrative.
