The September Issue

I’m going to step away from critiquing the media this week and instead discuss a film which portrays the magazine world. September Issue (visit http://www.theseptemberissue.com) is a film portraying Ana Wintour, editor of Vogue magazine and fashion industry dictator. This film is not only an up close and personal look into the life of Anna but more importantly it is putting a huge magnifying glass over the industry. The film makes it obvious that it is difficult to separate the fashion industry from the magazine industry when it comes to Vogue. Editorial is swayed by the advertisers paying to be part of this $300billion dollar industry and the trends which are mostly decided upon based on what is put in the September issue of Vogue. It is a strange cycle to watch because it seems that the advertising dollar has a huge influence over the magazine, yet Anna has a huge influence over what is advertised in the magazine so it is difficult to decide to what extent the editorial is driven by the advertising dollar.
While the film does have the documentary tag it can be argued that anything filmed, while the subject knows the camera is on them, has the potential to be melodramatic or tamed down depending on the image the subject wants to present. The film is however, an excellent look at the long hours of the magazine industry, the heated disagreements, the conflict and resolution between designer, magazine and editor, as well as the inability of some individuals to survive in an industry where resilience and ability to accept sometimes very harsh criticism are two necessary qualities. The film also deals lightly with the issues of celebrity culture, digital image-altering technology, power and the gap between those who can afford the clothes and those who buy the magazine because that is the only way they can access the clothes.
Personally, I enjoyed the film for its entertainment purposes as well as its insight into the industry of fashion journalism. Here is the trailer, if you happen to see the film let me know what you think. Did it successfully uncover the truth, or was it merely a tributary exercise?