Last Night's Movie: The Devil Wears Prada (2006)

We thoroughly enjoyed this comedy-drama about a recent college grad who spends a few months working for "the boss from hell" at a fashion magazine. Anyone who's ever had a domineering boss can probably relate to the movie, even if they can't relate to the setting; the film called to mind my first post-college job working for some high-powered workaholic attorneys who may have been brilliant and successful, but certainly weren't happy.

Meryl Streep, as advertised, is brilliant and commandeers her every scene. Her complete immersion in her characters is amazing; in her films she's never "Meryl Streep," but the character. Streep's portrayal of Miranda Priestly is compelling and ultimately rather sad. The movie also has solid turns from Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci.

It's not a great film, but a good one, interesting for its flaws -- Anne Hathaway's character is not entirely sympathetic herself -- as well as its strengths. The depiction of the world of high fashion is fascinating, not only because it provides interesting visuals, but because so many people are so deeply invested in something relatively shallow. But then, I suppose the characters involved might find some of my own interests shallow (grin).

More reviews can be found at The New York Daily News and The Vancouver Sun.