Iris

7.1
2014 1 hr 23 min Documentary

IRIS pairs legendary 87-year-old documentarian Albert Maysles with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even in Iris’ dotage, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment.

  • Cast:
    Carl Apfel , Tavi Gevinson , Bruce Weber , Bill Cunningham

Reviews

Stometer
2014/10/09

Save your money for something good and enjoyable

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Listonixio
2014/10/10

Fresh and Exciting

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Sexyloutak
2014/10/11

Absolutely the worst movie.

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Gary
2014/10/12

The movie's not perfect, but it sticks the landing of its message. It was engaging - thrilling at times - and I personally thought it was a great time.

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zif ofoz
2014/10/13

And more power to her! But this documentary really tells you nothing much about her personal life, how she broke into the 'fashion world' or where she got the money to live the lavish world traveling, collector of things, New York City society lifestyle. I'm thinking it must be her husbands money because it is made clear she came from a 'working class' background.She developed an eye for color & shape & texture and how to put complementing objects together to create her own fashion style. Unfortunately (for me) I was left with the impression she just created a clownish appearance with great style. You must admit she make a bizarre looking old broad when she's all dolled up in her brick-a-brac collection of fabrics and oversize jewelery.This documentary is high in color but low on information about this 90 plus years old woman's life.

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Larry Silverstein
2014/10/14

This exceptional documentary, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Albert Maysles (who passed away this year at the age of 88), is filled with wit and humor. It focuses on the life and career of Iris Apfel, fashion icon and interior designer, who has been involved in restorations in the White House, the Senate building, and Stephen Foster's My Old Kentucky Home, among many others. She's also had her clothes and accessories exhibited in many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Norton Gallery.Apfel, who was 90-years-old at the time of the filming, by her own admission would rather find a $4 accessory item at a flea market or small shop rather than go to an expensive high couture establishment, as she loves the chase for interesting items and always uses her gut instincts for her selections.What struck me as much as her amazing collection of unique items over the years was her striking personality and charisma. Although she admits to some aging at the age of 90, she often displays a wonderful sense of humor, expresses her most interesting philosophies of life, and always seems to be at ease no matter what the situation. Unfortunately, her husband of some 66+ years Carl, who played a key role in the movie, passed away early this month just a few days shy of his 101st birthday.All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this film highlighted by Apfel's humor and charismatic personality, and this documentary is one of the best I've seen in a while.

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Pricepoints
2014/10/15

Zen...The Power of Now...Engaged....Enlightened Thank you SUNZNC for the narrative, that does in fact, provide what I sense is exactly the point of the movie. No, I haven't seen it yet, still in my queue. I say that because it's obvious to me that your succinct summation of what the film communicates about Iris.However, context or maybe bettered described as your perspective based on your personal lens.Maybe because it's the subject matter. IMHO the Fashion Industry is certainly a contrived & brutally narcissistic jungle unto itself. That defines success as the outcome of an aggressive natural selection, survival of the fittest (i.e. competitive) mindset. Summarized in this movie/title "The Devil in Prada" whose captures it perfectly. So yes,it would hard to view Iris through that lens, which defines success in the most superficial of ways.The point, which we all have heard but few of us embrace, is the concept of doing what you love. Not for fame, ego or money. Just being engaged in life on those very spiritual terms is truly significant. Being actively engaged, motivated by your passion and fully present is what makes those daily pursuits so rewarding.Not about what she did but who she is.... Luke warm if your concept of excellent means scalding hot.

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rcuttill
2014/10/16

This is a fascinating documentary about a fascinating woman. She has a sense of humour and an energy that comes across. It shows some of her large collections of clothes, jewellery and art pieces. You see examples of her in action, including dressing others or selecting large bangles and necklaces for herself. There is a hint of her health issues. It also demonstrates her relationship to her husband, Carl. She shares how she couldn't have it all. She wanted to do fashion and travel. She couldn't include children in that. Throughout it is vibrant. It brings across her love of fashion. It brings across her style. All in all a good documentary worth seeing even if you are not heavily into fashion.

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