Gentlemen, The Devil Wears Prada is a Psychological Thriller, I Swear

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[@savagebooks7482]

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[@williampearson6299]

Ever watched Set It Off?

[@ayeilak5]

@@williampearson6299 Great movie 🍿🎥 a Black women Classic.

[@williampearson6299]

@@ayeilak5 Can't think of any black female centric thrillers that deserve just as much respect as Devil Prada. Probably provide him a few to deconstruct.

[@ayeilak5]

@@williampearson6299 The movie "Us", "Beloved,""The Wiz", " Woman thou art loose", "For colored girls" ,"Carman Jones" ,"Foxy Brown" "Just another girl on IRL, "Woo, "Crooklyn, "She gotta have it" and "Hidden Figures are a few.

[@MRCKify]

Alex, what're your thoughts about workplace conformity? I tend to guess that there's a difference in how much of your self you trade away/let stamped onto you at a creative work like fiction editing & publishing, versus a more boilerplate jobs like a librarian or even blue collar work.

[@danielhenrique4466]

I fully agree that the roles and humans are more important than the fact that the main characters are women. But I don`t know if the genders were reverse would have worked that well in that context. The fact that Miranda is a woman is a huge part of her character because she is quite judged (from her and Andy`s perspective) because of that, she is the "ice queen", she can`t hold a marriage, a "bad mother" who misses her kids recital and etc. Andy states that if she was a man nobody would have cared that much about her personal life rather than how good she is at the job.

[@Senidhr]

I came here to say something similar. Glad you said it.

[@IceQueen975]

Disagree with you. Men who are married to their job are also lambasted, just not as publicly. He's seen as a "absentee father", as a "workaholic", as "greedy" or "money grubbing". And if abusive, an "abusive asshole, a "bastard", etc.

[@allysonabarca4137]

@@IceQueen975 you see you’re talking about straight up neglectful and abusive fathers sometimes getting bashed privately. But a mother and wife who just isn’t stellar but is still present gets bashed very publicly and it affects her career, you can see it’s obviously imbalanced and not the same thing AT ALL.

[@danielhenrique4466]

@@IceQueen975 despite the fact that for me personal is not an “even score” how men and women are judged on their position as working parents, I’m also talking about a narrative point of view. The fact that Miranda is a woman in a position of power, that may have sexist repercussions for her and for Andy too. Is an aspect of the narrative that is important for the movie

[@lauramarschmallow2922]

don't forget that Andy self internalised "typically feminine" interests in fashion as something "less than". she sees an opportunity in a fashion magazine just as a stepping stone to a "real" job, something more "dignified". her arc is not really, or at least not just, to become a second Miranda, but also to seeing her life as something that fashion has a part in. After she quits her job at Runway she does not go back to her initial look, nor stays the Miranda clone she tried to become. She realized her ignorance and became a changed person.

[@angeliprimlani9389]

You should add that the screenwriter is a woman, adapted from a novel by a woman who based the story on her own experiences working in the fashion industry. This is rare enough in Hollywood to call out and probably contributes to the nuanced, three dimensional portrayal of female characters as complicated people who aren’t just symbols for a cause.

[@jcartist5881]

However said screenwriter proceeds to glorify an abusive figure when the intent of the story and source material to present a revenge fantasy and the boss is supposed to be a monster.... Sooo yeah no ty, cry me a river Miranda. You deserve a bad personal life and are part of a systematic problem that thrives on abusing those working for you. And honestly I wish the film called out on it. But no it gets a pass just because it's an "industry". Then more reason to wish for its death

[@happilyevernever4289]

Wow that's so cool

[@ellielou3881]

honestly, as a fashion lover myself, i think that some of the behavior of Andys coworkers, especially Emily is at least somewhat justified. imagine working at a company, in a field that you absolutly love and that you work very hard for and someday you get a new co worker who thinks the whole industry is just a joke and doesn't really matter. Nigel saying that she should quit is surely in part because he is used to the abuse but he kind of has a point. Andy shoudn't have be thankful just because a million other girls wants the job and it's true that there is a lot wrong with the fashion industry as it's displayed in the movie and yes, most of the things Andy has to deal with are workplace abuse, but Andy should really pay respect to the work and passion her co workers put in to fashion, as she also does later in the movie. her transformation is bad because she looses her sense of self, but it also incorparates her respecting this industry and loosing her kind of toxic 'not like other girls' attitude.

[@amberleysmith7158]

Excellent comment

[@candyc3314]

Kind of like how Sharpay from HSM is villainized for being territorial about drama club, because two random students who have clear interests and hobbies in other fields at school show up and get lead roles in the musical. Like she's devoted her whole life to musical theater and deservedly is upset that the two people who showed up late and auditioned for fun got the lead roles.

[@gisela_oliveira]

Loved your comment! Andy in the beguinning kinda represents the ways society (especially men) think "fashion" is stupid and shallow, and just about designers and photos. Nigel and Miranda talk about how she thinks she is "better" then them by "not caring". We really need more movies ans shows that talk about this, because still is a fild underlooked and is often considered useless

[@Ashnesss]

I don’t think, that you know what the word abuse means. Working at a fast paced company that is part of a fast paced industry, with experts in the business, and being expected to give your best 24/7 with very few exceptions and time off, is not called abuse. That’s the nature of the industry. There are lawyers that work till 11pm. Sleep. Eat breakfast and go to work, only to get home by 11pm and repeat their routine. Every industry is run by the top of the pyramid, setting the agenda for those on the lower level. The leadership has to be sharp and ON at all times. And that can’t happen, if the people surrounding the leadership are not ON. The team has to be strong. Nigel and Andy are not in an abusive work environment. All companies have psychologists, Human Resources departments and resources available to ensure that workers can complain about treatment. The most basic of tasks, which are a part of everyday life, are above Andy. It’s like cleaners who don’t know how to clean. It’s shocking. Nigel knows what industry he’s working in. He also knows that just because he wants something it does not mean that he wants to network and learn extra skills, to keep that job. A job, position or titile isn’t something you wish for, apply for or want. It’s something you work for and work to maintain, otherwise you do not get it nor do you get to keep it.

[@ellielou3881]

@@Ashnesss I was just talking about the fashion industry as it's displayed in the movie, where they don't seem to have resources to complain or psychological help. You are probably right that I used the word work place abuse without really knowing a lot about what I'm talking about (I'm still a university student and don't really have work experience at big companies). I was pretty much just adapting the word from the video, but I do think some of the things in the movie are not okay, again, maybe work place abuse is the wrong word, but Miranda expecting literally impossible things from Andy (like getting flight tickets durning the storm) is pretty toxic in my eyes and shouldn't happen in a real work place.

[@katharineelizabeth7689]

On the surface Miranda seems to have sacrificed her relationships and whilst that may be the case, what if the men she married had failed to support her in turn, not wanting to be the supporting spouse similarly to how wives of politicians take on supporting roles. Additionally devil wears prada is a wonderfully crafted story of the delicate and nuanced cycle of abuse between women.

[@bluebird1914]

You know I did kind of wonder about that. I mean Miranda was shown to care quite a bit about her daughters, and she was clearly upset about being divorced. If that is the case then it would be a really sad thing for her and Andy to have in common since both have unsupportive partners.

[@AntiSoraXVI]

Or she was simply domineering and manipulative towards her husband and he understandably left her. Her being sad about her divorce at first to me seemed like she was just upset about how this will again affect her image, but I think it was to show that people are not cartoonishly evil and she genuinely was hurt about it. Maybe this was when she began to think about how she treated people. I don’t think we need another situation when we ask what the man did wrong for the relationship to end.

[@derek96720]

@@bluebird1914 both of them prioritize their career and give most of their free time to it, yet it's their spouses who are seen as "unsupportive?"

[@resurgingflame]

@@derek96720 with Nate yeah. Andy might put a lot of her time for her works but Nate was literally a chef in NYC. He has dedication & long hours of works as well yet he couldn't understand why Andy was doing the same with her job. If that's not unsupportive then idk what is.

[@resurgingflame]

@@AntiSoraXVI Miranda isn't domineering & manipulative towards her husband. Idk where did u get that. She's simply a workaholic & always has a huge priority over her job. That itself is a problem in a relationship but it's clearly different from what u said about her.

[@_kmCarter]

I'm so glad someone is finally pointing this out. The Devil Wears Prada is hilarious, dark, mind-twisting, and superbly well-written and acted. Thanks for this great breakdown!

[@orangesoda5308]

Not to mention it’s beautiful costume design, that also tells the story in it’s own way!

[@erpmo3326]

Nope.

[@DaygoKid94]

I wouldn't call it dark. It's very light and straightforward. I like the movie but it's not a psychological thriller lol

[@debraboutom2060]

There's usually less of a spotlight on female-focused stories. They're less celebrated as great storytelling, seen as less universal, as opposed to stories focused on men. Films starring women and traditionally female stories are labeled as "chic-flics". Just something I've noticed as a woman consuming both types of media.

[@Kenfren]

probably because of the types of stories that tend to have female protagonists. most of them are very much of a particular style, which results in a particular mindset regarding those stories as a whole, with exceptions. this is made worse with the recent set of terrible female led movies, and the anti-feminine agenda in Hollywood

[@JDdr86]

Misogyny.

[@zionleach3001]

What about the first two Alien films? Both are widely loved and have a female M.C. 🤷

[@zionleach3001]

@@Kenfren Yeah these so called "feminist" movies say how "women are better than men." Instead of treating them like equals. Like the Ghostbusters reboot. A whimpy male villain Rowan. Who's is the LEAST intimidating villain EVER. At least Kill Bill had a likeable protagonist and didn't complain about "The Patriarchy." She's an assassin who kills everyone equally.

[@josuebartley7272]

@@zionleach3001 If ghostbusters is the only ‘chick-flick’ you can think of you should probably watch more things

[@Mic-Mak]

Saw The Devil Wears Prada many times with my mom. Enjoyed it a lot. I hate that, as a dude, you'd need to defend liking this film. That said, I understand that many stories across genres are the same, except with different backgrounds, but the truth is, some backgrounds appeal more to some than others. I used to hate science-fiction because I associated it with Star Wars, ie aliens in outer space, which is a setting that didn't appeal to me at all as a kid, precisely because I didn't like SW. It's shows like Black Mirror and The original Twilight Zone that showed me that sci-fi can cover a lot of backdrops.

[@ayeilak5]

Twilight Zone day was May the 11

[@CarlieGuss]

Its for some of the same reasons Cloud Atlas is my favorite love story. I've never been a big romantic movie guy, and I used to just avoid them. But Cloud Atlas really made me think... maybe I should give some of these movies a chance. That way, I was able to see gems like Eternal Sunshine and 500 Days of Summer

[@Mic-Mak]

@@CarlieGuss Never seen Cloud Atlas, but of course I've seen Eternal Sunshine and 500 Day. Love the former, enjoyed the latter, but it's not one of my favorites. I generally enjoy good romantic films, whether they are comedy or not. Among my absolute favorites are: Silver Linings Playbook, About Time, When Harry Met Sally, and Moonrise Kingdom.

[@johnpaulcross424]

Gotta agree, always pissed at how I needed to defend my movie picks when roasting a horrible yet popular film was seen as a killjoy move.

[@karin1636]

I was the same with science fiction. Black mirror is truly amazing

[@leeswift7883]

I think the scariest thing about the movie is that it shows just how fast we can change ourselves, from internal and external factors, to fit into a new or niche segment of society bc we want to be a part of it and/or fill a part of one's self

[@lucyandecember2843]

o.o

[@justapseudonym7]

Yep, mean girls shows that really well too

[@meggers1771]

I don't really understand why that's a bad thing though. Adjusting to your environment to fit in is part of being human. I watched the movie and felt Andy never became anything like Miranda as a person even as the movie was trying to contrast it. She just became more interested in fashion and embraced it. I don't see why her boyfriend and friends were so quick to call her materialistic. I think mean girls was a much better display of someone actually changing negatively as a person in a new environment, to where she actually started hurting others.

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

Andy didn't change to fit in lol, Andy understand that fashion was part of doing good job because they work with fashion If Andy would start working in a pool making construction she would start to value all the technical stuff about pool makings, so she would start to respect her job first to be able to do a good job

[@NativeTexMexican]

I'd rather be happy being myself than miserable trying to be someone I'm not.

[@vysharra]

You’re WAY too forgiving when it comes to the friends and boyfriend. Andy clearly has real self esteem issues in all aspects of her life. Her “friends” are actively disparaging and destructive to her new job, telling her it’s meaningless and demeaning, but also grasping and unappreciative of the high value gifts Andy’s job allows her to give them _in the same conversation_ (and Andy just accepts this treatment). Nate is even worse. He’s a chef in NYC, he should completely understand being dedicated to your career and working long hours/on holidays. Also, a _SANDWICH_ was the birthday meal?!? He’s a chef at a fancy restaurant and he’s whining at his girlfriend for missing a store bought cupcake and toasted bread with $5 worth of cheese. Andy is messed up before she worked for Miranda and hopefully she will continue to grow and stand up for herself in her personal life too.

[@evildoesnotsleep-x2b]

EXACTLY

[@angusmarch1066]

Everytime I watch this film, Im always yelling at the screen for Andy to dump the boyfriend. Obviously her job became detrimental to her mental health, but she enjoyed it for a while and was making new connections and learning new experiences and skills, which directly contributed to her getting the job she actually wanted in the end. That should be enough for the boyfriend, but he was so self absorbed and only held her back.

[@dalegaliniak607]

I don't think Nate was a chef, but just a line cook. But, yeah, I agree that he should have understood working ungodly hours for minimal pay for just the _chance_ at reaching the next level. I agree with the OP and think all the friends were there to give a benchmark as to how un-self aware Andy was at the start of the movie, but I do think that the movie was trying to present the staff of Runway in a much more sympathetic life by the end of the film. I think they were supposed to be _very_ self-aware as to what they were putting up with (or doing), willing to give it all for a chance at success. Does this hold up 15 years later? Not sure, it's been almost a decade since I last watched the film. I'm also willing to overlook the cupcake (which I always assumed he made himself?) and the grilled truffle cheese sandwich because, at the start of the movie, that seems like something Andy herself would like, because of how "unpretentious" it is.

[@Svstrauser]

YES. Thank you.

[@aaronlock5091]

I kinda think that if Andy were alright with her personal life, she wouldn't be so compliant at work and wouldn't submiss to Miranda's horrible treatment of her. Her friends and her boyfriend never really tried kindly remind her to make a reality check and rethink her choices. Andy is exausted because of all her attempts to deal with work and personal life, so she can't actially stop and give a fresh look to what her life became. That's a huge trap of abuse. She had a positive confirmation at work by abusive boss and a bad one at personal life, so no wonder what she choses.

[@Yvaelle]

Miranda is a Dragon, sticking with the fantasy narrative structure. Mortals scurry and hide when she nears, they bow, they make offerings, those who do not hide are engulfed in her fire, some die.

[@branestron9521]

"She's one of the boysss!"

[@SkaiCyan]

Does that make Andy the dragonborn?

[@theapexsurvivor9538]

@@SkaiCyan nah, she's a commoner being groomed into a bard.

[@valzod3808]

@@theapexsurvivor9538 to sing sweet praises in sonnet of how Miranda's enemies failed in un-seating her from the Cerulean throne

[@theapexsurvivor9538]

@@valzod3808 mhmmmm, and to use her newfound proficiencies and expertise to woo the dragon into whipping her harder.

[@hookedonfandom]

“It’s men who complain most about female characters while simultaneously writing most female characters.” Yes, this!

[@MyOrangeString]

No, it's such a weak argument. "Men" is not a thing. The men who badly write female empowerment are not the same as the men who complain about it being poorly written. I am not "men", I am an individual man capable of critical thinking and carrying my own personal biases. I do not relate to the male writers of bad movies in any way, shape or form. I'm tired of this shit.

[@TititoDeBologay]

@@MyOrangeString It doesn't apply to You. Jog on. Awfully defensive about something that You claim not to do.

[@Shrilaraune]

@@MyOrangeString Hahaha, ok? Thank you for sharing?

[@hookedonfandom]

@@MyOrangeString Yeah yeah, “Not all men.” I cannot tell you how disinterested in that argument I am, especially today.

[@panickysociety97]

@@MyOrangeString I feel you, I'm also heavily against the "all people xyz". it's the same for almost any argument. like no, the people complaining are not interchangeable with the people causing problems.

[@RestlessChildcz]

"Can *this woman* have it all?" I think the question that plagues all career-driven women is so important for the story here that the gender-bent idea wouldn't have worked the same. Otherwise excellent video though! It's crazy that men would simply not see this masterpiece because "it's girly".

[@TCt83067695]

Is this true tho? How many men do you know who haven't seen this movie solely because they think it's girly?

[@theclairewhy]

Yeah, the overall story about workplace abuse and losing your sense of self would have worked just as well, but the characters being female gave it so many more layers

[@zillva]

I don't think a gender flip would work as well in the fashion industry, simply because fashion appeals to women way more than men in general. You'd also have to flip the setting to reflect that. The main story, theme and takeaway would largely remain the same though. Overall great movie that I think can resonate with anyone

[@kingofcards9]

We just don't want to be fed propaganda.

[@malsummers6515]

Having to defend this as "it's not about fashion" rubs me the wrong way because even if it is not, fashion, just like eating, is something EVERYONE does and there's a lot of history and political comment to be found in fashion. It's not as vapid as to sell this movie just as a "psychological thriller", it teaches you why fashion is important through a brilliant audience surrogate. If there's anyone who should watch this movie it's those that would judge this movie as just some chick flick about fashion.

[@AntiSoraXVI]

Chic flick or not a movie *about* fashion is a movie that not everyone will want to watch regardless of whether they’re a man or woman. Fashion is something everyone does to an extent, but that doesn’t mean everyone is interested in higher fashion or anything outside of the type of fashion they like. Everyone drives cars, but that doesn’t mean everyone wants to watch a movie *about* cars. The video isn’t about needing to say “devil wears prada is not about fashion” so it’s worth watching, but to convince the audience that may have skipped it due to a perceived focus on fashion that they’ll enjoy it

[@malsummers6515]

@@AntiSoraXVI I disagree, not everyone drives cars. Even with nudists, EVERYONE wears clothes it's what created society. Cars? We've been wearing clothes since we were in caverns.

[@AntiSoraXVI]

@@malsummers6515 okay bad example. Better example is food. Literally everyone needs food to survive, but does that mean they’ll watch a movie about food? No because eating/wearing clothes for necessity is obviously not the same as participating in the deeper intricacies of food/fashion. Everyone wears clothes therefore everyone is interested in fashion is a terrible argument. Nudist doesn’t even mean uninterested in fashion. You can love fashion as a nudist while still loving the freedom of nudity. A person who wears the same 5 shirts every week and has worn the same pair of sneakers since 2005 is simply not interested.

[@malsummers6515]

@@AntiSoraXVI I used the food analogy on my first comment. I'll add that Foodies get as passionate as Fashionistas. I think they're both essential and where a lot of love and passion gets put in; it's raw art using nature as your instrument. If you love one, you should be able to appreciate the other; they're the same notes. Unless you're blind and have no taste. That's all.

[@AntiSoraXVI]

@UCRopULEopg-W8DNw3kS4_pQ Didn’t even notice you used the comparison my bad, but I officially don’t know what you’re disagreeing with or what anything you said had to do with my point? What do you think I’m saying? I’m not understanding why you’re talking about passion between foodies and fashionistas? Why say “I think they’re both essentially” when I never said they weren’t? Okay let me simplify this: Eating food =\= wanting to watch a food movie Wearing clothes =\= wanting to watch a fashion movie Living =\= wanting to watch a video about someone’s daily life My entire point was “it’s not about fashion” helps people who don’t care about fashion want to watch the movie.

[@FrankX]

I remember my sister asking me to watch this movie. I kept telling her no it's a chick-flic. Now all these years later I'm the one asking people to watch it because it's really good.

[@mariahgumm8314]

I agree with most of the points you made here, but there’s something I think is missing from this analysis, specifically Miranda and Andy's relationships with the men in their lives. Do both characters neglect their relationships for their work, putting those relationships in jeopardy? Yes, and I can see interpreting that as a gender neutral experience that effects all sorts of relationships. However, as a woman it's hard not to watch the movie and hate both men, at least a little (especially Andy's boyfriend. I have never met a woman who left this film with a positive opinion on him). The difference lies in societal expectations on women in the workforce and at home. There is a price women have to pay for ambition that men do not have to pay. If Andy was pursuing a career that she believed in with all her heart, and was making big changes to the world, and she had to to dedicate herself just as much to her career to pursue something that meant so much to her, do you think her boyfriend would be more understanding of her ambition? I don't think he would. I think he'd still be mad that she ever prioritized anything, even herself, above him. Was Miranda abusive? Absolutely, I'd hate to work for her. But I'd argue that the people in Andy's personal life were nearly/just as bad, getting mad at her for any change or growth, while simultaneously reaping the literal rewards of her success. The fact that she didn't leave her boyfriend at the end as she left her job ruined the movie a bit for me, personally.

[@xylypotatohead3947]

They aren't really together tho. It is an open end. At least that's how I took it

[@bluebird1914]

@@xylypotatohead3947 How aren't they though? They literally agreed to move in together at the end of the movie.

[@bluebird1914]

Yeah Nate absolutely sucks, plus he's a massive hypocrite. As far as I know, most jobs in the cooking industry like being a line cook, do involve working a lot of hours and really devoting yourself to the job. Something which you know, Andy was doing too but she was okay with her bf doing that. But somehow, said bf is suddenly not okay with the fact that his gf is doing the same thing as him? What an absolute dick. Even though Nate is sadly still in the picture I kinda hope that because they moved to a different town, that Andy didn't keep in touch with her "Friends" like seriously, I think the fashion friend was the only one of her friends that was actually supportive of her.

[@AntiSoraXVI]

I watched the movie and I didn’t like him either, but I find it interesting you talk about the men in their lives when Andy’s friends were overall terrible to her. The only supportive friend was that one male one with an interest in fashion. It wasn’t just the boyfriend. Miranda is also a terrible example because if it was a woman that left a man neglecting her and probably abusing her emotionally , we wouldn’t be having a conversation about what she did wrong. Miranda is shown to be terrible to basically everyone around her and ruining peoples lives to spoil her children. I find it strange you see a person like that and wonder her their partner could have been more supportive. Overall I agree, dude was pretty dramatic over nothing and being very difficult for no reason towards andy. I think andy would’ve been better off, but it’s not like I can condone her emotional infidelity either (you know when the friend noticed it and called her out on it) she got back with him because they both made mistakes and in a way he was right that she was neglecting him for a job she said she never even cared about. I think if they could’ve showed her treating him more poorly to give his reaction more weight, but that’s all I would change Correct me if I’m wrong, but other than the gifted clothes was she even getting paid at all? She had to rely on her dad to pay rent and I assume was being supported by her boyfriend. That could be another reason why he was tired and angry Edit: Also this opinion that men don’t have a price to pay for ambition is absolutely terrible and honestly a bit sexist… there’s always a price and I think it’s well known too. For example, men getting drafted to war and their wives cheating on them while they’re deployed. There’s so many movies of men ruining their relationships because they chose work. This is a common experience for everyone.

[@derek96720]

"There is a price women have to pay for ambition that men do not have to pay." The number of failed marriages and affairs experienced by workaholic husbands would disagree with you. "If Andy was pursuing a career that she believed in with all her heart, and was making big changes to the world, and she had to to dedicate herself just as much to her career to pursue something that meant so much to her, do you think her boyfriend would be more understanding of her ambition? I don't think he would." And the average woman would? You act like women don't also generally demand a baseline amount of time and attention from their partners. Women leave their partners all the time for that reason in this country, as evidenced by modern divorce statistics. Maybe take a minute to look beyond the myopic "society expects so much more of women" lens and see that there's nothing in this film that doesn't apply to both sexes. No one likes to feel like their partner doesn't have time for their. No one likes to feel disrespected and abused by their boss. No one likes to see their friend transform into someone that cares more about frivolities than about real human connection.

[@jaycagey]

Don’t forget about the humor. Sometimes it’s dark, but this movie had moments when I literally laughed out loud.

[@victorym744]

I love the line "Let me know when your WHOLE LIFE goes up in smoke. THAT'S when you know it's time for a promotion."

[@haleymist09]

Florals? For spring? Groundbreaking. Such a simple line, but I've been mimicking Streep's line read ever since!

[@KhaosAdmiral]

@@haleymist09 Emily saying "I am hearing this (opens and closes thumbs and fingers) and I want to hear this (closes them)." always got a bit of a laugh out of me.

[@haleymist09]

@@KhaosAdmiral yes! That, too, I have saying and mimicking for life! So rude, such a shut down...so effective 😉

[@KhaosAdmiral]

@@haleymist09 fun fact, apparently that line was Improvised.

[@endel12]

I think reading/watching *The Devil Wears Prada* as an EA in Manhattan hits a little differently than someone else’s take. Like, I’ve done or experienced pretty similar things to what Andy goes through. Getting a new Harry Potter book before it hit shelves? Yup. Travel the length of Manhattan looking for an obscure, specific food item only to find your exec left early to go to lunch with a visiting exec? Screamed at for a minor, minor issue out of your control? It’s practically part of the job.

[@kerstin3121]

you might want to get out of that bubble every once in a while. seeing this as part of the job is rather unhealthy, as this video just stated

[@lauraplitt3840]

You don’t have to be in Manhattan to have a boss who acts like an asshole 😉

[@inaju]

how the hell did you get the Harry Potter book, if I may ask?

[@BrokensoulRider]

When it makes good money or is a very good step for a dream career or your dream career over all? Most people would deal with the abuse. Quite frankly, most people who say 'unhealthy environment!!!' don't realize that you have to be just as bad as the rest of the dragons for the gold. You need to be able to take the abuse and fight for the opportunities. @@kerstin3121

[@eastcoastmusicmachine7989]

This, this, this

[@fredbloggs5902]

For me, the key moment in DWP is when Tucci ‘poots’ Hathaway on the head with his pencil/rubber... “Wake up sweetheart”. That is literally her turning point in the film.

[@corneliahanimann2173]

Kind of whimsical if you say it like that, pooted on the head like she had been enchanted and awakened by a fairy with a wand.

[@Bubreherro]

Well, I have never watched this movie, not because I’m a guy (I’m not), but because I assumed it was a romantic comedy. I was clearly wrong and your analysis of it really convinced me to watch it!

[@adarcus4053]

It really isn't absolutely fabulous movie.

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

The Miranda part is about drama and the Andy family part is about romance Andy goes between both and choose romance

[@craigsbenedict]

love this movie, but I always thought this was a movie about the cost of greatness. You sacrifice your marriage, your ethics, your friends in pursuit of a singular goal. Not everyone can make that choice, and not everyone should make that choice. I don't think miranda would do it differently, if she could do it again. I think the implication is that Anne Hathaway's character will enter the journalism world with the same drive and determination.

[@gisela_oliveira]

A movie can have multiple meanings.

[@ct6852]

Yeah my impression was that was just Miranda's personality, or destiny so to speak. And then we all have to deal with those types because they get power.

[@BGriffJames]

I watched this movie on acid once and was thoroughly convinced she was the devil, quite frightening

[@jlin592]

This is the funniest comment here 😂

[@hokutoshinken-chrisarmstro131]

Try it again watching Devils Advocate.

[@dandywaysofliving]

Having seen this film in many states over the years. . You're not wrong. . It's weird. . The best way I can describe it. . It's films like this that make me realize it's not how deep a film can be but the ripples it causes

[@venusinvoyage]

Honestly, what an experience

[@raraavis7782]

Try watching Inception on acid. Then we can talk 😎

[@MahiMahi-yu5jo]

Yes. Please watch this movie because it is commentary on the systematic abuse of the workforce and how people on the outside refuse to see it. Andy's friends and boyfriend are jackasses, willingky blaming her but not doing anything to understand or help. I relate to Andy a lot, because even though I got myself intona position where o would be abused, I was still the victim. And my family were only willing to blame me Or make fun of me Or whine about me not having time without understanding the pressures I was facing. That applies to a lot of people around the world

[@derek96720]

Why should they help her? She chose to be in that job and easily could have left and just got a different one. Instead she chose to intern at the most cutthroat agency in the world and change her whole persona to fit it. Treat her like an adult with actual agency.

[@jadevt1939]

@@derek96720 if we don't expect change in bad industries then it'll never happen. They should have been better friends who care about her well-being and that's really not up for debate. Everyone should be protected from abuse regardless of whether they are children or adults or women or men.

[@derek96720]

@@jadevt1939 yes, but change in those industries comes from social and legal action, not by enabling people who embrace that toxic environment.

[@aff77141]

For real; that point he made about how she *techincally* 'could have left any time' doesn't sit right at all lmfao, like it wasn't either that or spend 5 more years doing just as soul crushing work for someone eelse before actually getting to have the job she wants and needs

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

Is not about systemic abuse at all, actually the french enemy director of Miranda is not manipulative or abusive as Miranda The movie is about manipulative boss but also show other bosses that are not abusive as her and are more loved, Miranda is just paranoid and manipulative, but not all bosses are like that, it's not systemic, bosses are not forced to be like that to win, that's why they show the french editor (Miranda enemy) as a charismatic loving boss

[@lucasouza889]

you dont need to run away from the fashion aspect in order to appreciate the movie.

[@Mrs.Deanna_Ember]

Yeah its about the business aspect itself really, not nearly as "fashiony" as some may think

[@vinniethebee479]

"Its men who complain most about female characters while simultaneously writing about most of the female characters" this was best and really good examples about writers and current cinema is actually ruining female characters and feminism in writing or representating faux feminism.

[@derek96720]

It's wrong though. Plenty of modern female-led films have utterly garbage female characters. Conversely, some of the most popular female characters of all time were written by men. They key here is not letting the gender define the character, such as in studio-enforced "representation," but letting good writing define the character.

[@cutienerdgirl]

@@derek96720 Just because there are plenty of female characters written by women in the past decade doesn't mean most female characters in film and tv haven't been written by men. No amount of female screenwriters in recent history will take president over the amount of male screenwriters now and in the past. Most female characters in film and tv ARE written by men .

[@meggers1771]

There are loads of good female characters written by men too though, so this isn't really a relevant argument. I'm pretty sure more men write high budget films. I think the real reason for a lot of these terribly written women in modern cinema is the politics outside the film when it comes to women and gender.

[@Aster_Risk]

@@meggers1771 Yes, it is relevant.

[@meggers1771]

@@Aster_Risk If more men are writing these films, more men will write good and bad female characters. You can't look at only one half of reality in order to fit into your philosophy. That is called delusion, so no, it's not. People need to stop attaching gender to who is capable of writing good stories and characters. Men and woman can fail at writing either.

[@branmuffinyogurt9368]

“Is that the cinematic analysis of a great movie that people disregard because it’s about fashion” “Yes it is. 🙂”

[@vicenteortegarubilar9418]

Glad the Devil Wears Prada is getting so much love from all directions, in my family, of mostly men, we have always loved It. It's just a great film.

[@tylerbloom4830]

The Devil Wears Prada is an all-time favorite. Love to see it get some love.

[@Sarah_H]

She should've dumped her boyfriend at the end, though. He was unsupportive and actively antagonistic towards her and thought her job was stupid. Sis, he is not supportive of you and your endeavors, but expects YOU to be supportive of HIM and to sacrifice things that you enjoy for HIM? RUN AWAY AND RUN FAST

[@ailuro3985]

I completely agree! Her boyfriend was selfish and added more stress to her already stressful life

[@joshsigned2500]

I think there’s an interest to keep Andy as an imperfect character. But also her growth as an adult (not just in the final scene), hence the focus on her friends and boyfriend childish behaviors. It is realistic, as one slowly unpacks their abuse she would hopefully realize/recognize the abuse coming forward.

[@Oomoo.NA001]

Yess! I think it’s to show that she kinda sucks lmao and in a way it’s okay to suck?

[@justinecorrington4106]

Right. If they had made the yea you quit party at the anniversary of her year at the job. She said she needed a year to get any job and then she was going to quit. So if this went she had made her year benchmark but was she caught up in feeling satisfaction at beating Miranda’s and Emily’s expectations. That she wanted to try another year… that would frame things better for Nate and friends. They put up with these changes, cancelled plans, late nights, skipped events with the expectation it was for one year. And then Andy decided to stay; which is fair, she can change her mind. But it would be fair Nate was over it. And not willing to put up with it any longer than the initial year. But instead Andy gets lucky Miranda gives her a glowing review despite less than a year at Runway

[@lc9245]

That subplot about her relationship is why I can’t agree with the notion that Devil Wears Prada is better done than Whiplash. It’s a fun movie, but if I mute Whiplash, the movie is still watchable (watched it without sound on a flight). Removing the fashion element of Devil Wears Prada, it simply doesn’t function. It’s too married to that world, in a good way.

[@Nemo-Nihil]

Such a good point. Especially for men, because its stereotypical now for men to succumb to such workplace abuses like you see in the Devil Wears Prada. As a woman I love the various shades of femininity within the movie. Miranda's sharp ego shredding intellect, her domineering presence. The slow building friendship between Andi and Emily. Andi's transformation into this gilded harpy only to realize that she has lost everything about herself that made her love herself. I love Miranda, she's one of my favorite fictional characters because she is this glitzy harpy with a tongue that would shred an ego, but she has this vulnerability she kept secret. She's keenly aware of her own self inflicted abuse but she's dug too greedily and too deep to stop now. The movie is amazing. The book is amazing. I love it. People forget how powerful femininity is. It's why we assign femininity to the Earth/Nature and the Ocean. Two uncontrollable forces. That have this unique dichotomy of gentle nurturer or wrathful bitch full of vengeance and inducing dispair in her victims.

[@ShivaTD]

Thank you for saying this. It is so rare to hear anyone mention how routinely men are subject to abuse and (even worse) how much our culture accepts and excuses it. I also agree that this move is not 'female' it shows a spectrum of femininity. Yet they do not do it in the simplistic, lazy, and insulting way most movies do. Namely by having the female character act like a man to convey she has some particular characteristic. As you point out in DWP Miranda is commanding and powerful but fully feminine. Andi and Emily show the depth and complexity but they neither fight nor bond as men would. A truly excellent movie.

[@Nemo-Nihil]

@@ShivaTD DWP shows that you can have excellent and beloved strong female characters that have vulnerabilities. It shows that you can have strong female characters without making them the Phallic Woman.

[@B-MC]

Great video; I worked for a guy who did exactly this. Made it clear he hated me then 'hired you anyway' as if it was an act of kindness and patience, then proceeded to berate me every chance he got, to which I was meant to be grateful. I quit after 3 days and their business fell apart a month later. I've always considered Legally Blonde to be right up there too. Sometimes I forget people don't know this movie is great purely because the characters are majority female and its got a fashion setting and that makes it ... likely to be bad? Certain genres get a bad name (to be fair a lot of rom coms are formulaic and not that funny, made only because they're cheap to make) I also forgot Simon Baker is in it! (Stanley Tucci is great in everything)

[@NickButler83]

The way I was Andy for the longest time. I had a “Harry Potter manuscript” moment and my boss demanded that I have a completed training manual on her desk (in a physical copy, covered and bound) by 8am the following morning. When I asked if I could use the company credit card to do all the necessary I was met with a “no, you need to figure it out, we don’t use the company card for such small amounts”. I was so stressed the morning of. I had to find a print shop to have this manual bound and beautifully covered. Luckily the store opened at 7am. And what’s worse, I had to use my own money. Of course I was not paid very well to top it all! I was literally running like Andy did in that scene. I dropped the training manual on her desk at 8am and she arrived to the office at 12, just in time for a team meeting. I was so angry at her that day, but I couldn’t say anything nor show it. I once went into her office with my cup of coffee for a meeting and she told me “what is that smell? I hate the smell of coffee, take that out of here and then come back” I stayed at the job because I needed to work, and once I completed and uploaded one of the biggest yearly updates/reports needed for training and development at the company, she promptly fired my ass and let me that I was the worst person for the job and she had to re-contact my previous employer to do another reference check. That was one of the worst years of my professional career. She made me feel so worthless, made me question myself and my skills. It took me a long time to get over that experience and to this day, I still have a fear of getting fired when I start a new job.

[@thewham34]

I loved this take, especially the final section where you discuss how these women work as characters because they’re human and not just stereotypes. Meryl Streep has said that this is her only role that has inspired men to come up to her and say how they related to her character. I think that only further proves your point.

[@johndalenino]

I’ve known men who seen this movie actually liked it. Bec underneath the fashion surface, it’s just really a well-written movie. Hell, I didn’t even realize the on-screen actors/actresses are mostly women. To me they are simply characters. Relatable characters, and I’m a man!

[@angiemunoz4211]

as a girl who would die for a job in the fashion industry, this movie's message called me out on so many levels that I had to rethink my life choices

[@60wwediva]

In 2006? It wasnt worth it. These days its worth it cause society is driven on names, job titles and prestige on social media. All you would have to say is you work at vogue and thats enough to get you anywhere. Do it for the resume boost then quit

[@annaaquitaine4225]

I believe I am the target for this video; haven’t seen the movie, didn’t expect anything out of it. But I am really glad you’re growing enough to have the freedom to drop this, you deserve it

[@vintageincolor]

This movie also goes to show the importance of fashion. As Andy’s style changes you do get a sense that she becomes more confident in herself. She Carries herself straighter, doesn’t fidget, or twiddle her thumbs. You also see how Andy is willing to experiment as her style explores a few different aesthetics throughout the movie, showing Andy’s willingness to change and her new found flexibility in her job. This is why so many girls put so much emphasis on fashion and aesthetics because it actually can say so much about a person and in a sense it make important people take a second look at you, like Miranda did when Andy came to work dressed the part. It can not only boost confidence, but for women it can often be an effective form of social currency. Sort of like our superpower since we all know how harshly we’re judged for our physical appearances

[@chrislail3824]

As a guy in my mid 40’s and a life long movie fan that has seen way too many movies in all genres, I have to say that this movie is fantastic. I saw it in the theater in release, and many time since. It’s a really well paced drama and quirky comedy that’s very well shot and directed.

[@Yngvolkayno]

This is a very good essay, and I say that as someone who used to be able to quote the cerulean speech by heart. My only nitpick would be that, I think the reason that you don't think of a film that stars mostly white men as having an agenda or direction is because as a society, we're used to seeing large groups of white men (on screen or in real life) and have been taught to look past that and see what else is there. For marginalized groups, we're usually too busy being shocked at the fact that any situation has enough representation to have an actual *group* of X or Y marginalized folx that we haven't been able to start seeing past that. It's still (relatively) new to see a big budget film with a majority black cast (that isn't about slavery), or to see a superhero franchise have enough women (who haven't been fridged or gone bad for some reason that probably involves a man) to have their own mini squad (even if it was cringe). Once that novelty wears off thanks to further inclusion, then I think we'll start seeing more human stories from those groups. Also, while I agree that we do need to focus on the human stories of these groups as well, sometimes you just need someone else in your group speaking your reality into existence on screen. Maybe not for your sake, but so that other people outside of your group can know that it exists, too.

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

There is this video about ' that's literally me' feeling many men say when they relate to a men character kzbin.info/www/bejne/jJTYgZaviLeGpqc And it shows how men in film are also characterized as the same thing and sometimes only as the extension of a woman dream (the provider) men are just characterized as strong provider and the ones that are not providers are the loner's And the loner's film get many sympathy by those Sigma males that are not strong and that are not smart to provide

[@air-headedaviator1805]

As a man I *love* A Devil Wears Prada. I watched it 3 times the moment I discovered it. Not being partial to the fashion industry myself, its easy to find the movie as masterfully performed, engaging, and entertaining. An all time favorite Also, now that you further explained the plot, I’m concerned to realize that I may be living a “Devil Wears Prada” situation right now too…

[@malcolmduncan]

I assumed it was a fashion film designed for a female audience, i guess i was wrong, fair enough, i shall give it a shot. Thank you sir.

[@cypresswillow3]

Well… it is but that doesn’t mean it isn’t deep and intricate. Women face abuse in the workplace even from other women. The movie wouldn’t be the same if it wasn’t about women (who are particularly vulnerable to a specific kind of abuse) and fashion (a field maligned FOR its femininity despite being extremely cut throat). Most films about the industry are thrillers or horror movies: the neon demon, last night in soho…

[@thestarspark2288]

Love this, particularly your points about gender. I'm one of your female subs and it was nice to hear recognition of how men complain about female roles.... that men have written. 🤦‍♀️

[@derek96720]

So men can't ever complain about something because another man did it? Also, let's not pretend that plenty of shitty female characters weren't written by women, especially in the last 20 years.

[@thestarspark2288]

@@derek96720 woooshhhhhhhh

[@zircobyte]

@@thestarspark2288 I wouldn’t pay attention to him, he’s been bitching in the replies of almost every comment that dares to mention men in a negative light. Rather annoying lmao

[@katnile5472]

@@derek96720 You okay?

[@hiwelcometochillis2579]

He was trying to sound sassy but he contradict himself And even Meryl Streep says she have working with many characters all ages , and she has many Oscars awards

[@clippychan530]

I hate that media featuring women needs to be defended. I always thought it was interesting how many things seen as "feminine" are run by men. It's really a double-edged sword that hurts both parties, women can find it hard to break into those positions despite them being "made for them" and men can't enjoy the experience (such as fashion) without being mocked. I find it so weird that movies about men are seen as unisex but once a movie features a woman as the main character it's a chick-flick.

[@lapleesa]

this

[@JustinoElArtista]

I watched this film years ago when I was in a similar situation. Restaurant management as a stepping-stone to another career. The abuse, pressure, and expectations hit all too close to home and I initially walked away hating the film. But then I quit my job, looked back, and came to love it.

[@lonestarr1490]

"Think of him as Fashion Gandalf". That's EXACTLY how I always thought of him!

[@morganedelacey]

This is my dad’s favorite movie for all of the reasons you said. He calls it a thriller-action movie. We watch it together every year and my sister and I know the script by heart. I grew up watching this film. My dad is not ashamed that he loves it, but people (even myself at times) are often confused about how this film is a thriller. Your analysis is great at explaining how complex this story is and why it needs to be taken seriously! I’m definitely sending this to my dad

[@sabrinatheninja9678]

Girl viewer here! I saw this movie at a sleepover party when I was a lost misfit middle schooler struggling with the social isolation of then-undiagonsed autism and a growing awareness of the devaluation of femininity as I came to covet the respect afforded my twin brother by virtue of his masculinity that was not granted to me. Needless to say I basically ignored it as part of the "not-like-other-girls" persona I'd take on to soothe my loneliness and attempt to garner respect in spite of my gender. Ten years later, this video has made me want to rewatch DWaP for the writing and themes you've enumerated. I love your channel as a writer, a consumer of content (especially "nerd" stuff), and as just a human who likes to overanalyze media. Thanks for this video, and for all others. I admire how you openly shared your fondness for this movie in spite of the potential social consequences associated with not catering and/or confirming to a specific gender demographic. I hope this video is well received!

[@billyalarie929]

This was honestly a joy to read. In addition to stating your point clearly and with a compelling narrative and/or argument, it was just beautifully written. As a lover of words, thank you for this..

[@no_i_dont_want_no_slugs]

"Some of the best representation of women and femininity come from stories that treat women as people, rather than socio-cultural chess pieces." couldn't have said it better

[@deecee6262]

totally agree with your comments on the feminism of DWP. I think that a good feminist movie is one where femininity can just exist comfortably and easily. This film has such gorgeous costuming that holds up 16 years later and its a total love letter to fashion (see Vogue montage) but never at the sacrifice of the leading trio's ambition, competency or failings. They may be static but everyone is so well rounded and internally consistent, and they feel like unique but real people. When you have a dumb badass moment with all the Strong Women, sure thats a nice gesture and all, but if you wanna have that moment you have to put in the work for it. Eowyn in LOTR doesn't get clowned on because she earned her moment and its the peak of her personal growth. You cant put a statement in a dress and call it a feminism

[@yunyunid981]

it’s sad that we still have to defend this movie as being “not just for women” and “universal” bc experiences of womanhood are extremely important in the context of dwp. the reason why andy denounces her seemingly prestigious and desirable job as a stepping stone is internalised misogyny - i’m not like other girls, i can’t be bothered by stupid things like fashion. miranda IS an asshole, but her image in society is blown out of proportion bc she’s a woman in a position of power. her being a woman is probably one of the reasons why she had to become so cut-throat. not justifiable from a moral perspective, but also understandable. also, from a girl’s perspective, nate’s behavior isn’t “justified” at all. he hates to see any change or success in andy bc he’s too comfortable w the low-maintenance, girl-next-door andy. yes, the change becomes extreme, and the success comes at a great cost, but he’s showing absolutely zero sympathy, and is instead just nagging about andy becoming shallow and beauty-obsessed like “the other girls”

[@TheBobist]

im a 32 year old black dude and i just want to say this movie had me crying real tears at the end. it was so touching to me. It made me proud that someone as cold as Miranda could express such pride in Andrea. I was overwhelmed by joy in seeing her finally reveal to us just how much she cared about losing Andrea. that she knows her worth to her. And Miranda really presented at the end as an anti-hero. She knows that while the position does put her in a high status, she knows that its a position to which no one should subject themselves. She's taking on all of the stress to ensure that the company doesnt crash and that someone else doesnt go down with it. And watching andrea walk away and that Miranda lost ZERO respect for her. This movie was very simple yet captivating at the same time.

[@LizziePup]

Even as a woman I always feel a tinge of embarrassment saying this is my favorite movie because of people's preconceived notions of it as "just a fashion movie" and rank it with romcoms (which are also so much better than anyone gives them credit for!)

[@chibiktsn3]

I was watching this with my husband (we have both seen the movie many times) and we had to pause the video for over half an hour to discuss the cerulean sweater scene. Please know that your writing and choice of topic has inspired actual debate between your viewers. ❤

[@originaozz]

Yes! I still prefer Whiplash more, but The Devil's Wear Prada really shine light on the hierachy of abuse in workplace and how women often nourish the toxicity towards each other. We set extremely high standards on each other, while demanding less from men because "that's what men do". Thinking back to my work in agency, with "strong female" bosses, it only emphasize how harmful these passive aggressive patterns can be.

[@derek96720]

Maybe women don't expect much from men, but men expect far more from each other than they do from women. Watch whiplash and see how much MORE abusive the teacher had to be for people to think he was going too far with the students. A male intern being treated like Andy would be played for laughs and not even seen as abusive.

[@mahnoorkhan7601]

@@derek96720 Why are you in almost every comment complaining about how men have it worse or that Andy's "friends" and boyfriend weren't assholes to her?

[@derek96720]

@@mahnoorkhan7601 it's a comment thread that has quite a few people lacking perspective and complaining about imaginary sexism. Plus I was bored, so . . .

[@mahnoorkhan7601]

@@derek96720 That makes sense

[@jillythegirl]

My brother loves The Devil Wears Prada so much. He has rewatched it so many times and would always watch it with me when I would play it on the tv.

[@guardbreak4034]

When I told my gf (who is my wife now) that I watched this movie and enjoyed it, it caught her off guard. I don't blame her, I'm your Shonen Jump fanboy but I just a sucker for a good film!

[@morphinpink]

I mean the best shonen of all time was written by a woman so you'd have to know better than to judge a movie😂

[@aprilbl00m]

Every time I watch this movie, I come away with something new. Last time I watched it, I was struck by how calculating and deliberate Miranda is as an abuser. I think she knows exactly what she is doing with Andy. Abusers start out by testing boundaries. Once they find someone with a weak spot, they keep pushing that boundary, deepening the abuse, breaking down the victim and increasing their hold over them. Through the film we see Miranda manipulating Andy in small ways to begin with, gradually drawing Andy away from her values and towards greater and greater levels of unethical behaviour. Andy when she first started working at Runway would have refused to betray Emily if Miranda had asked at that time. She had to be groomed into compromising her values in an incremental process. It happened so gradually that Andy doesn't even realise she's crossed the line until after she does so. You said that Andy always had the choice to leave, and yes, to some degree that is true. But there was also a point, maybe a couple of times, where Miranda threatens to destroy Andy's career, her livelihood. A bad word from Miranda could blacklist Andy from all other magazines, or at least that's what Miranda implies. So it wasn't just that Andy was an abuse victim enmeshed with her abuser. She was also threatened with potentially very damaging consequences if she dared leave Runway.

[@a.z.p.]

I like that the film kind of plays both ways - it's one the one hand, as you said, about Andy becoming seduced and indoctrinated by this abusive, shallow, humiliating workplace and subculture. But at the same time it's the story of her maturing as a worker - she really did think she was above "fashion" but yet chose to work there, and didn't even deign to do that much research about the place she was applying. And she did grow in excellence as nothing less than her best was demanded of her, leaving her better fit for any future job. In that way, this and Whiplash really are two sides of the same coin, except that Andy is ultimately able to reject the toxic excesses of the world she has entered, and Miles Teller fails to. I like Whiplash better of the two but they would make a great double feature!

[@derek96720]

Whiplash is interesting because Miles Teller's character is basically Miranda, not Andi. He KNOWS he'll have to sacrifice everything to achieve true greatness, and he accepts that. It's sad to see him choose fame and success over real human relationships, but at least we see that he's under no delusions that isn't what he's doing.

[@justsomeone4397]

I think there's an issue here with saying that the film focused on their character than their gender. Their gender is part of who they are. You can't just switch their genders and get the same results it would not make sense. There is a problem nowadays with tv handling women wrong. Not being too focused on women but capitalism. They try to appeal to women so much when they couldn't understand them. They forget that story and complexity of women isn't just solely their gender. Devil wears Prada did a good job because it knows how to write women as women. Not just people for story without an aspect of their identity or parts of their identity as random accessories.

[@iri02802]

The devil wears prada is a very good movie! This another take on the reviews I already saw pf it. No one had really talked about the abuse going on and the abuse done to Nigel. Loved this!

[@starcrysis23]

I clicked on this because it reminded me of all my guy friends going “it’s not about fighting! It’s a thriller I promise!” And now Fight Club is one of my favorite movies. I’ve never seen this either, for all the reasons you listed that dudes maybe wouldn’t have, so now I gotta

[@skinscribe]

Honestly the best ending would’ve been Andy leaving her job that she had moral disagreements with, AND leaving her boyfriend and friend group who only mocked her and showed no support for her.

[@gabriellehitchins9182]

I forgot that boyfriend was a Chef, and he’s being prissy about her long unsocial hours.

[@melindawolfUS]

It concerns me that more men aren't curious about the lives of women in the West. "Women are so mysterious! We can't understand them or what they want. Must all be crazy" is such a typical opinion but these same men aren't curious enough about women to watch films about them and their experiences? It takes almost 0 effort. It shouldn't be hard to figure out that we're human. That we're worthy of rooting for. That we're more than sex dolls and mommies. The fact that you felt you would lose male audience for even talking about a movie made about a woman's experience and interests... well, it's disheartening.

[@sseraphim2818]

Yes to everything you just said. We're not seen as human, just complex objects.

[@Jules2439.5]

Breaks my heart. This videos existence is sad. I appreciate the intention but sheesh…if men just want bros and to watch each other shirtless and violent (I.e. fight club), maybe just seek out other men for relationships?

[@gtypic6253]

I'm a girl and I don't understand a dang thing about fashion, but I have always LOVED this movie. I was once a young scientist and in a situation not totally dissimilar from Andy despite how different the field of work was, and watching this film helped me so much at a time when i was really going through it. I think this movie could be a great watch for any human being who has a career, regardless of gender or interest in fashion.

[@master0fthearts894]

19:26 Not “Satan Wears Sandals…” “Satan wears *Socks with Sandals.”* 😂🤣

[@reelkyrie]

Loooool

[@MRCKify]

They fit pretty good over cloven hooves

[@porfiriodiazcarrillo7551]

this film has the same level and category as The Firm or Wall Street. just because is set on the fashion industry didn't made it less toxic or dangerous.

[@yesntmayhaps3509]

I love how they showed the main character becoming a sort of.. confidant idk to the "villain" becoming more and more involved in Miranda's private life so the scene where they speak somewhat on more casual terms instead of having the boss and employee barrier makes sense at the end of the movie, it doesn't just come from nowhere and it's very well thought out

[@ariannarenee389]

I know you posted this video over two years ago, but it was just recommended to me. And your message about how while this movie seems like something that's too "girly" because of the female main character and the setting, but in reality it's a story about struggling with escaping the cycle of abuse so many are used to made me think of another example. A year and a half ago I was the most sick I'd ever been, and wanted to rewatch something for comfort. It was an anime called Nana, and I hadn't watched it in years, but remembered how much I loved it. When I first started it, my boyfriend blew it off thinking it was a drama meant solely for women seeing as the two main characters were both women, and one of them was very girly and dramatic. But that first night on rewatch I fell asleep, and the next day, when I go to start it back where I remembered, he joined in, and told me his favorite parts since he kept watching it after I fell asleep. Soon he'd get upset if I tried watching it without him, and he had to self admit he was too harsh of a judge at first. Now he's an advocate for trying to convince other people to watch it since it's kind of a niche anime that not many people know about. Anyways, I just wanted to add another example of a form of media that at first glance a lot of people may shrug off because it doesn't look like it's meant for them. When in reality, if you just watch for the intrigue of where the story alone will take you changes everything. Including ones mindset upon consuming other new forms of media

[@TheCD45]

I feel sad that a lot of adults, even some educated ones, fail to understand that the "themes" of the movie can also just be contexts from where the actual movie takes place. I had a difficult time convincing my straight male friends to watch this movie. I lost count of how many times I watched this film because it's just perfect.

[@NickButler83]

The way I was Andy for the longest time. I had a “Harry Potter manuscript” moment and my boss demanded that I have a completed training manual on her desk (in a physical copy, covered and bound) by 8am the following morning. When I asked if I could use the company credit card to do all the necessary I was met with a “no, you need to figure it out, we don’t use the company card for such small amounts”. I was so stressed the morning of. I had to find a print shop to have this manual bound and beautifully covered. Luckily the store opened at 7am. And what’s worse, I had to use my own money. Of course I was not paid very well to top it all! I was literally running like Andy did in that scene. I dropped the training manual on her desk at 8am and she arrived to the office at 12, just in time for a team meeting. I was so angry at her that day, but I couldn’t say anything nor show it. I’m sure she arrived later than 8, just to let me know who is in charge. I once went into her office with my cup of coffee for a meeting and she told me “what is that smell? I hate the smell of coffee, take that out of here and then come back” I stayed at the job because I needed to work, and once I completed and uploaded one of the biggest yearly updates/reports needed for training and development at the company, she promptly fired my ass and let me that I was the worst person for the job and she had to re-contact my previous employer to do another reference check. That was one of the worst years of my professional career. She made me feel so worthless, made me question myself and my skills. It took me a long time to get over that experience and to this day, I still have a fear of getting fired when I start a new job.

[@ellicel]

I agree with and appreciate the depth of your essay. The best reason to watch this is how deliciously wonderful the villain is. This is my favorite Meryl Streep role…I could watch her for hours. So many movies since have tried to create a similar bad boss and have failed miserably.

[@DanCreaMundos]

I'm glad you've made this video. Devil wears Prada is an amazing example of a movie about women but made the right way. I'm so tired of all clichés we continously see in movies because they try to be "inclusive" (one of the worst tendencies in media in recent times). The way they make female protagonists nowadays is not inclusive, is degrading and insulting for the whole gender . It's all about clichés and stereotypes, and they don't understand what feminism actually is or what it represents. This is an amazing film, I've seen it quite a few times in my life and probsbly should watch it again, because I love writing, and this is an amazing case study for all the ideas you listed in the last few minutes. The way this story could have characters with any gender and would change almost nothing is by itself something applause worthy.

[@ella6032]

no because the way i found myself siding with miranda????? and was sad that andy leaves at the end???? i was BRAINWASHED

[@lenzzzzzzz]

Bro you nailed it perfectly using the Arthur Dayne scene with Miranda’s Cerulean scene

[@GregInTechnicolor]

As a straight man who has seen DWP MANY times, I can tell you that it is beyond entertaining to watch. It spans beyond gender because people of all genders can relate to getting a higher up entry-level job fresh out of college to work your way up, getting nearly abused and stretched thin in said role, being changed by said role, then in the end realizing who you really are and want to be, then getting a better job elsewhere due to the experience you got. That's the American plan everyone drives to make happen.

[@elizabethtran3328]

I watched the movie once as a kid and rewatched it this year after experiencing working on the creative side in the fashion industry. It truly is an accurate depiction of how shitty managers/ CEOs can be (especially the ones who might be famous or have a reputation) to the people who work under them and how you have to make certain difficult decisions to decide where you want to go in your career. Especially the whole narrative of “so many people would die to be in your shoes, so be appreciative of this”. Helped me gain some insight into my own decisions and happiness following the career path. Great analysis video.

[@ayeilak5]

I'm a woman and I love your channel. Thank you for showing this the movie 🍿🎥 is amazing 🤩

[@blondinevloggt]

the conclusion of this video was such a pleasant surprise. i did not expect to find this kind of deep critique of what i guess i would call virtue signalling in movies on a (very high quality) feelgood media analysis channel. and i really don't mean for this to come off as condescending, i've enjoyed every video of yours that i've watched, they were all very interesting and well made, i just did not expect this and really appreciate it! ...anyway, awesome video about one of my favorite films!

[@stacie1595]

I always feel like, when we talk about representation in film, it's almost always done arbitrary because the casting is based on surface level identifiers like gender or race. Really, if we want better representation, we should just be telling new stories from a new perspective. Write a great story about compelling characters and the inclusion will come. That's what moonlight was. A new story, a perspective that isn't explored in film very often, that was well written and acted. The Devil wears Prada is that kind of movie too.

[@girlyvidsbyali1475]

I’m in college at the moment for fashion and I love this movie, watching this video puts me in a cross road. Because as I know to be clear you can’t have a successful job in the fashion world and be in a happy healthy relationship. The fashion world takes all of your time. So it’s making me really think do I want to sacrifice being happy and in love with my true love. For my true love for fashion. Both options will come with pain and heart break. Unfortunately you can’t have both

[@channamasala1]

Disagree that Nate was "justified" in his dissatisfaction -- if it had been years and years, sure, but couples deal with, accept and even support stints of the other needing to dedicate themselves to something that intrudes on their personal lives temporarily. Hell, I want to go to *Yerevan* to study *Armenian* for *three months* (Andy was only at Runway for a few months so it's not that different time-wise) and my husband of 13 years is totally supportive of me flying to a ridiculously remote destination for a quarter of a year, where he won't be. And we're fine with it, because it's temporary. Jesus Christ, Nate was a whiny, needy baby. Andy was indeed stuck in a cycle of psychological torture, but Nate did not help at all. Do not marry a Nate you guys.

[@Nemo-Nihil]

The Devil Wears Prada (both the book and the movie) is up there in my favorites list. I love the story, the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry, how absolutely diabolically cutthroat it is, how someone like Miranda can literally make or break your career. Not to mention the movie's shots of New York and Paris!!! I adore this movie and I adore the book. There are some things in the book that didn't make it to the film or that the film different (and I end up perferring the book), but this is a case of LOTR film trilogy vs. LOTR book trilogy. Both are excellent examples of master class works in their chosen mediums. To compare the two would be a disservice to both.

[@stanleyconnor6898]

The key point I want to admit is how beautifully Meryl Streep played the role of Miranda, a rather traumatized and partially immature, but also scheming and ambitious person at the top of the fashion industry. Her character in which the most vulnerable feature is childhood traumas associated with the control of the surrounding space, resentment against parents, as well as sadistic inclinations in moments of loss of control or the desire to harm subordinates or colleagues, which are wrapped in minimal social norms. The remnants of childish infantilism in her are expressed in the desire to be offended and the manipulation of her grievances (and expectations) without a clear verbal expression of them; in the desire to express her critical mood exclusively with facial expressions, as well as attempts to force subordinates to comply with these deviations and punish those who against it. And of course, how this person realizes her ambitions, remaining a first-class specialist in the top-fashion industry. And of course, Andy's character, which is total healthy and remains such to the end.

[@thearcanamodernau8130]

This movie works the psychology of the audience so well, that it convinced a lot of people that Miranda was a redeemable character and that Andy should have stayed working for her, as if the abuse and ghaslighting she endured under Miranda was a positive thing for her growth. Much like so many people think that JK Simmons' character in Whiplash or the ballet instructor from The Black Swan were justified to mistreat their respective protagonists.

[@sasusakufangirl]

I enjoy watching DWP much more as an adult because it's much easier for me to see the many nuances and layers the story has as well as the many topics it covers than it was for 17-year-old me when the movie premiered (admittedly video essays like this one helped as well ^_^'' )

[@kitpethel2815]

I've always loved this movie and didn't even realise it was regarded as a 'chick flick' - thank you for making this essay and hopefully it will get more people who haven't seen it to give it a watch!

[@iampointrider]

"The insidious nature of abuse. Her mind is altered to believe she must endure pain to achieve future happiness that is not guaranteed to come." Just wow. Such an important message. Thank you.

[@icantthinkofanything798]

I feel so validated because the second I finished whiplash I thought “this is just the devil wears Prada for men” I think they differ in an important way where Andy doesn’t really care that much about fashion but Andrew’s already devoted his entire life to drumming- to the point where he sees no better life for himself than the abuse he is forced to tolerate

[@masterofsilence649]

Awesome video! Love that film and I have thought about it a lot ever since I started on my first job. I haven't thought about it as a story about gaslighting and thriller but I totally see your point when you talk about abuse in the work place. However, Ive always love the fact that Andy was able to incorporate herself into an overwhelming new job and be able to learn from it, grow up and develope the necessary skills that she later would need for her job as a journalist.

[@GameGoalsRulesLife]

My opinion... the movie devils wears prada is about a coming of age tale. When a child becames an adult. What the rules of the game are. How to act in game. How to think about the game. How to comunicate oneself to others in game (marketing). I recommend a book by lois p. Frankel, somenthing called "101 mistakes a women makes"... do not remenber exactly the book's name.

[@annabeinglazy5580]

I Made my Boyfriend watch this movie, cuz i Had an inkling He would Love it. He never watched it cuz He has No interest in Fashion, But ended up Loving it because the dialogue and Miranda Priestley's (Well... Meryl Streep) overpowering presence. Mean Girls is also Up there btw. You want to see great villain characters, watch mean girls

[@calebmarmon1310]

I watched this movie a long time ago. I didn’t really like it then and now I’m wondering why. It seems like a story right up my alley, but I know it just rubbed me the wrong way. I wonder if it’s the same reason I can’t watch mobster movies. There’s a certain cathartic appeal to this world of cutthroat toxicity that I can’t engage with over the sound of my own social anxiety screaming.

[@laurenloertscher1319]

Amen, my dude. You did a fabulous job at explaining how to write women. It doesn't have to be this big inclusion problem. It's about writing interesting, human characters.

[@ivanmacias6921]

I rewatched this movie and couldn’t believe how much more I appreciated it. Fantastic job.

[@buckc3471]

Thank you for doing this! Devil Wears Prada has been one of my favorites since first viewing. Own the movie and yet when it is on a random channel, I stop to watch it. That seen wear Miranda breaks down how Andy came to wear the cerulean sweater is a great piece! Can you do something on The Proposal too? Not the same type but another great film!

[@angelajaime5155]

I agree, that Runway's enviroment is one of great abuse to it's workers, and that Andy changed a lot to fit in that company, however, I don't think that that change was entirely bad, I actually think it was a positive change in it's mayority, she found a job that, while very demanding, it made her happy. I think it was the right desition, that at the end, Andy left the job, since she would have becomed like Miranda, and she didn't want that, but I didn't like that she went back to Nate, Andy made some mistakes in her relationship, but Nate wasn't supportive of her growth from the very beginning. She outgrew that relationship, and that's okay.

[@chriscrowley4554]

Love the swap roles line, the story does not change. Presentation versus storytelling gold standard illustration. Great commentary!

[@Jjrmtv]

well done! saw the movie when it was released and enjoyed it. Miranda is the dark mentor to Andy, sort of how Hannibal Lector is to Clarice

[@beast6213]

"some of the best representations of women and femininity come from stories that treat women as People rather than sociocultural chess pieces." FINALLY someone said it.

[@dityacivilizacii]

This video was in my watch later playlist for quite some time. Devil wears Prada is my favourite film, so I am quite sensitive to its critique. I have a couple points in response to this video. 1. Miranda and Terrence Fletcher are not the same. While Fletcher tries to break Andrew, Miranda just doesn’t care if Andy breaks or not under her pressure. She doesn’t seek to destroy her. The film also reiterates several times that what Miranda values in people is self-confidence, ability to think and act quickly. People who she respects are Nigel and, by the end of the film, Andy, who are not afraid of her. Andy quits because she doesn’t agree with cutthroat practices in Miranda’s world but it is clear to me that she didn’t escape. 2. If you want more practical example: consider how Fletcher and Miranda approach “punishing” Andrew/Andy. Fletcher just outright sets him up for embarrassment. Miranda gives a task seemingly impossible, but, if we are talking “in-lore” (i.e. Miranda being the most powerful figure in publishing industry), it allowed Andy to prove herself as a problem-solver that can use her connections in order to get what her boss wants (contrasting to when she just turned the phone off and went to see a musical). 3. I wish you would read a couple of essays and articles about this film. It is a cult classic, even if “only” for women, so much thinking has been done about Nate and Andy’s friends. Nate is universally hated as someone who drags Andy down refusing to see her point of view or accept that she changed. I always skip over the scene where she apologizes to him in the end and I wish there would be a cut of the film without it. (Of course, you don’t have to agree with this opinions, but it would be nice if you at least read them and acknowledged in the video.) 4. It is sad that you have to repeat several times for your male audience that “guys, it’s not about fashion, I swear”. It is so… well… you know. But also, this film IS about fashion - the industry that is still considered “girly” and “not serious” despite billions of dollars that is poured into it. The film even outright states it in the famous cerulian sweater scene that you quoted, but somehow still missed the point. The film also shows how central character gains appreciation for it. Notice how she doesn’t return to her old mis-shaped clothes in the end of the film, even though she doesn’t work in fashion magazine anymore? 5. One of central themes of the film - women - is completely missed from your essay. We see Miranda being judged more heavily than a man. We see Andy’s boyfriend refusing to accept that she can prioritize work over him. We see how women starve themselves because “size 2 is the new 4”. And the film is also sometimes misogynistic in the classic 2000-s way, but it illustrates the point even more. In conclusion, I wish that one of the main points of your video wouldn’t have been “guys, this film is not about fashion, it’s a psychological drama”. No, this is a psychological drama about fashion. Just like The Neon Demon is a psychological horror about fashion. Many films about fashion are not “just” romantic comedies.

[@sleepydrifter6355]

I love this movie, I watched it shortly after it came out and its been in my movie collection, ever since. The way the conflicts in the movie maintain so much realism, while still being set in a somewhat a somewhat unique setting and how certain scenes are so well set to match the mood. It actually helped me understand a few things, going into college and afterwards, Ive been recommending this movie for 15years now. lol