A Cinderella with a choice

Rating: 8/10 (30 October 2006)

Although books like 'The Devil Wears Prada' do not capture my attention, I finished it before seeing the movie. And having watched it, my impression: a fine work of the director and screen writer.
Instead of dwelling on the actors' performances, I will try to explain why I prefer the movie to the book. Forgive the lengthy review :)
First, it is intriguing to see Andrea's boyfriend change name and occupation: from Alex the teacher to Nate the cook. Why so? The book Alex is very devoted to his pupils, which is similar to Andrea's zeal to please Miranda. Yet in the movie we barely see Nate's life. In my mind, it is a clever go, so as to show how different from each other they become. Also, Nate's occupation in food industry (especially *fast* food!) works as a perfect opposition towards the fashion world, in which food is hardly included at all. First we see Andrea belonging to Nate's world, but later she starts to tread on Miranda's grounds, entering the merciless fashion world. And then it is up to her to choose where she wants to remain.
Then, Andrea is quite different in the movie than in the book. Perhaps it has to do with the first person narrative in the novel, which makes story-telling a bit partial - therefore, we are given the judgement of events instead of working it out ourselves. The movie gives us a view from aside, thus leaving space for our own feelings and Anne's acting skills. Also, subtle plot changes make Andrea's personality appear in a new light: instead of going with the tide, she makes her own decisions. It is she who decides about going to Paris instead of Emily (in the book, there was no other way). She decides to take a break from the relationship with Nate (though it originally was Alex's suggestion). It is she who succumbs to Christian's charm spending a night with him (while in the book she only slightly responds to his flirt). She steps to a whole new world, which is fairly conceivable. I doubt many persons, especially women, would resist its glamour. Moreover, the frantic trying to warn Miranda about the latter being fired shows that Andrea actually cares even about the woman and sincerely wants to help her. And having made all those decisions, she is able to make the final move - step away.
And of course, Miranda. Needless to mention, Meryl Streep's performance is breathtaking, yet I will elaborate on the character she plays. In the book, Miranda Priestley is a cruel and merciless person not caring about those whom she has to deal with. Even in the episode when Andrea and Miranda are conversing in the car, the latter's remark about Andrea reminding her of her young self is taken offhandedly and adds up to Andrea's anger. Having read the book, the boss's character seems inhuman, which had me confused and unnerved. I believe that pure evil exists only in fairy tales, and in real life we always get both of them together, the goodness and evil. Now, let us regard the movie version of the cruel witch. First, Miranda is shown as a human capable of grief, amusement, affection, and, above all, self control. Although she does not gives up tossing her coat over the assistants desk and deliberately calling Andrea 'Emily', there are many episodes depicting her genuine reactions to the surroundings. Say, the amusement at Andrea taking care of the HP books. Then, the fantastic scene in Paris, when we see her devoid of makeup and obviously stricken by grief. Her pale face and bare feet contrast with the former graceful and elegant Miranda, and after hearing the news of divorce, we see the secret of her strength. Andrea's inquiry about what she can do to help is answered by ‚Your job'. I believe this is the key to understanding Miranda - one has to do one's job. To survive and go on under any circumstances. This proves Miranda is not indifferent to Andrea - the girl is competent to do what needed, and Miranda appreciates that. Then, the movie version of the car episode. Same phrase, different communication. Andrea is definitely more sincere and natural, genuinely replying that she would never be like Miranda, and the older woman explains how Andrea has been unconsciously following in her footsteps. Why tell this? Laying out the simple truth and the future possibilities, Miranda is presenting Andrea with an opportunity to choose. Does she want to wander further and perhaps become the next Miranda? Andrea makes her choice. The two women take different directions out of the car. Pulling oneself away is so much easier than it was for the book Andrea. I love it how smooth the separation is. No swearing, no telling off or running away - merely the different paths.
And finally, the episode that I found the sweetest, the aftermath, the meeting of the ex-princess and the queen. Andrea's wave and a shy greeting smile characterizes the girl more than any other episode. She is very different from the person in the book. Much simpler, more sincere, less arrogant, and way cuter. What does she receive in return? A slight incline of the head, and later, within the car, such an affectionate smirk. Which characterizes the movie Miranda even better. Still superior, still the lady perfection, but nothing of the ice queen. Never believe there are persons impossible to approach, because sincerity and a well-wishing attitude can get you to anyone's heart. Even if this anyone is Miranda Priestley.
I say this movie is about choices. About a Cinderella who chooses not to follow the path to royalty. About a girl who unconsciously chooses to warm up the others around. And about the not so evil witch who has chosen her own way of life and still continues to do so.