Movie & Film Writing Sample, St. Joseph, Indiana

I began my adventure with "The Devil Wears Prada" ready for an hour or so of nonstop laughs, between the trailers and the cast lineup one could expect no less. I was amazed to find that this movie offered so much more, it seemed packed with a little bit of everything. What I experienced was a wonderfully orchestrated mix of humor, ethics, life choices and a glimpse into the human psyche. It is a rare pearl indeed when you sit back at the end, as the credits roll, and feel a sense of empathy mixed with joy for both the villain and the heroine.

Meryl Streep gave a remarkable performance as Miranda Priestly the chief editor of Runway Magazine, famous for its influence on fashion. A true terror in heels she inspires fear and dread in everyone who happens into her path. Miranda's profound ability to intimidate is cleverly emphasized by the soft spoken way in which she wields her power. Artfully building up to her first appearance on the scene one finds themselves experiencing the speechless fear of the fatal moment of encounter with staff and the new assistant waiting for an interview. Streep skillfully brings life to this character taking you through a variety of feelings from hate to sympathy. This soft spoken vision of cold and calculating calmness can strike quickly and quietly with the deadly skill of a Scorpion, Yet, in a moment of unexpected exchange gives you a moments glimpse of the soul you know must be in there somewhere.

Anne Hathaway gives a powerhouse performance as Andy (Andrea) Sachs a naive young fledgling eager to soar in the Big Apple with dreams of establishing herself in the world of journalism. In desperate need of employment to make ends meet she signs up with a placement agency who sends her on an interview at Runway Magazine. This simple down home girl finds herself thrown into the exotic world fashion were being cold and cruel is chic and camaraderie is a foreign concept. We watch the slow progression of Andy's journey on a road of personal growth and learning as her virtue is compromised as she makes hard choices in life, As time goes on she is given a glimpse of realization of what humanity is capable of, and what she herself is capable of when one jumps into a fallacy of "forced choices" with both feet.

The supporting actors deserve recognition as they depict characters that keep the plot fluent. Emily Blunt plays Emily a self serving individual and an already refined assistant of Miranda. Stanly Tucci plays Nigel the long standing and loyal to the end art director of Runway. Both portray the yin and yang of personalities caught up in the world of snobs and fashion. Their characters make this world of fast moving changes and tensions come alive to those of us who have never experienced the influence and impact that fashion has even on the average Target and Walmart buyer.

Adrian Grienier as Nate, Andy Sachs live-in boyfriend is a poster child for patience and forgiveness. Simon Baker as Christian Thompson, a well established writer and resident man on the prowl, gives his own special flavor to the plot. Tracie Thoms as Lily and Rich Sommer as Doug add comedy and flair as close friends of Nate and Andy. Individually each adds their own spice to the story line. These characters keep the theme and perspectives of the tale alive as each delivers a needed dimension to fill out this amazingly depicted tale.

In my opinion this is a must see film for anyone who feels the need to have their faith in the human race renewed. I would rate it high in originality of concept as well as it's mastery to take the viewer by surprise. One of the better productions of the year it definitely gets an A in my book.