Follow Your Dreams, But Don't Sell Your Soul

Rating: 7/10 (1 June 2008)

That is the basic morality message of the film, 'The Devil Wears Prada'. The plot revolves around aspiring journalist Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway) who takes a job as second assistant to the icy tyrant Miranda Priestley (Meryl Streep), who is editor in chief of 'Runway' magazine. The job is both demeaning and demanding, but Andy takes it to ensure her future success as a journalist. But, Andy soon learns that she is sacrificing the relationships around her (particularly with her close friends and boyfriend) and her own values to further her career.
The film's perspective on the fashion world is both negative and positive. On one hand, it seems to say that the fashion business is a shallow and cutthroat industry. Women who wear a size 6 are considered fat, those who wear anything but couture are laughed at, you never question the boss, and be willing to sacrifice your interpersonal relationships to get ahead. That seems to be the opinion of those on the outside looking in. Those that work in the fashion industry see their job as important, fulfilling, and meaningful and are willing to climb the ladder of success (or stay at the top) in any way possible. Even if it means being a mindless slave or stabbing someone in the back. Where the line is drawn and what is the "true" perspective is never seems to be concrete, and it is up to the audience, like our heroine Andy, to decide what's wrong and what's right.
As for the performances, Meryl Streep is fantastic as Miranda Priestley. She's not necessarily the lead, but she is the most memorable character. Miranda is demanding and ruthless, impatient and imposing. She never raises her voice, yet everyone is scared of her. Streep is purposely and perfectly understated; both outrageously cold and subtly funny. As a viewer, you loathe and love her all at once. Emily Blunt and Stanley Tucci are both humorous and believable as Emily and Nigel ; the former Miranda's neurotic, snot-nosed first assistant and the latter the wise and lovable fashion editor of 'Runway'. Andy seems to pale in comparison to these colorful characters, but Anne Hathway does her best to make her work. She's likable, but a little too naive and pushed around by others (although thats probably the point). But her character did go through the most development, and you see Andy finally gaining strength near the end and the ability to make her own decisions.
In conclusion, the most compelling thing about 'The Devil Wears Prada' is Meryl Streep. Her character proves to be the most entertaining, with Blunt and Tucci tying for second place. However, it is a solid, yet predictable, plot with some funny dialogue. So it's worth a watch.