The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
October 1st 2006 05:28
The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger
The movie however takes only the germ of the concept from the book it is supposed to be based on. That probably is its salvation. Lauren Wiesberger’s novel is one long whining shriek about this horrible boss, I mean, how horrible the boss is and basically the horriblity of the boss.
The movie turns the cardboard character of Miranda Priestly into a tough boss, a tough businesswoman who has survived in the world of sharks, who may be severe but has her human side too. There is a scene where we see Miranda without makeup, her face wrinkled with lines of grief and we feel a shiver of shock because we had seen her so immaculately turned up in the whole movie. Andy is a stock character and it is Anne’s interpretation that teased out some integrity in the portrayal.
Anne hathway and Mery Streep in The Devil Wears Prada
What about the book though? One reviewer called it bilious, which is an exact word to describe this work. The author was supposed to have worked as an intern to Anna Wintour on whom the book is based and it is unfunny, boring and basically a hatchet job. We all like to stab our bosses in their backs but the book does not even provide that kind of diverting escape. This is one of those rare cases where the movie turns out to be better than the book.
I walked into the theatre yesterday and I was a bit intimidated seeing all the women there. Yeah, I knew it was a chick-flick and not for the guys, but hey, if you want to check out some nice girls there is no better place than watching a chick flick. And yes, the eye candy on the screen does help too.
But what about reading chick lit? Before this novel, I had read only one other novel which can be properly called chick lit and that was Bridget Jones’s Diary which I found quite funny and moving. After reading The Devil wears Prada however, I am not going back to chick lit anytime soon.
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Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
I completely agree with what you said about the book...that it was a frantic, stressful read that ended in me not giving a toss about what happened to any of the characters. I found the two main characters too polarised, so therefore I was not involved. I kept wondering why the girl would work for such a nasty boss, it just didn't seem plausible.
I enjoy reading some light-hearted books as a change from uni or other more literary books and have some favourite authors that know how to blend humour with believable grit, such as Marian Keyes or Anna Maxted. I am amazed that this book has even been successful let alone made into a film. I also really like Bridget Jones, I thought it had the right blend of humour and entertainment.
Tracy
Comment by nagster
Cenacle
Yeah I know, this book was so badly written. Always amazed that it went to become such a big hit. the movie is good though. maybe you should give it a chance.
Comment by Tracy
Movies and Life
Yes,the book was badly-written I thought. I might see the film....I'm curious and I enjoy something light-hearted every now and again...