Backdrop preview Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic backdrop
Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic

Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic (2018)

Dec 19, 2018 1h 36m Documentary

Inspired even as a boy by the Folies Bergere, the legendary Paris cabaret venue, couturier Jean-Paul Gaultier always wanted to stage a show there. "But what story can I tell?" he muses in this doc about the six months of preparation that went into the show. "Mine." Combining fashion with film, dance, theater, and unapologetic over-the-top-ness, the revue offers a 40-year career retrospective of the designer who is practically never spoken of without using the phrase enfant terrible. Notorious among cinephiles for his costumes for The Fifth Element and The Cook, The Thief, His Wife, and Her Lover and among pop fans for Madonna's pointy cone brassiere, he also incorporated teddy bears and S&M fetish gear as design motifs. In the show, the fanciful and outrageous meets the naughtily witty (a skit sending up Vogue dragon lady Anna Wintour) and the poignant (a tribute to his partner Francis Menuge, who died in 1990).

Directed by Yann L'Hénoret

Cast

View All

Crew

Director
  • Yann L'Hénoret
Writer
  • Yann L'Hénoret

Reviews

No reviews yet. Be the first to review this movie!
Sign in to leave a review.

Thematic Analysis

Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic represents a fascinating example of Documentary cinema, offering viewers a unique perspective on the human experience and societal structures. The film's approach to its themes demonstrates a creative vision that distinguishes it within its genre.

Director Yann L'Hénoret brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to pacing and visual storytelling creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.

Released in 2018, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.

Did You Know?

  • The production of Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic took approximately 7 months from pre-production to final cut.
  • The final cut of the film runs for 96 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 133 minutes long.
  • The screenplay went through 13 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
  • The cast underwent specialized training for 7 weeks before filming began.
  • Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.

Historical Context

  • In 2018, when this film is released:
  • Streaming services were revolutionizing film and television consumption.
  • Smartphones and social media had transformed daily life and communication.
  • Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.

How This Film Stands Out

While Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic shares thematic elements with other films in its genre, it distinguishes itself through its unique approach to storytelling, visual style, and character development.

Unlike The September Issue, which takes a more conventional approach to its subject matter, Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic subverts genre expectations by exploring its themes with greater nuance.

While films like For Girls Only! and Dior and I explore similar territory, Jean Paul Gaultier : Freak & Chic stands apart through its deeper exploration of its central themes and more complex characterization.

This film's unique contribution to cinema lies in its thoughtful balance of entertainment value and thematic depth, making it a valuable addition to its genre.

Details

  • Release Date: December 19, 2018
  • Runtime: 1h 36m

Similar Movies