Synopsis
This documentary examines the life and work of the late fashion designer Yves Saint-Laurent, recounting how a frail prodigy prone to bouts of depression became an icon of the fashion world. Initially appointed head of the House of Dior in 1957 before growing into a globally recognized designer in his own right, Saint-Laurent overcomes his struggles with substance abuse, accumulating a large art collection alongside his lifelong personal and professional partner, Pierre Bergé.
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Cast
- Pierre BergéSelf / Interviewee
- Yves Saint LaurentSelf (archive footage)
- Betty CatrouxSelf / Interviewee
- Loulou de la FalaiseSelf / Interviewee
- Jack LangSelf / Interviewee
- Frédéric ChambreSelf (archive footage)
- Boujemaa LahbaliSelf (archive footage)
- Catherine DeneuveSelf (archive footage)
- Laetitia CastaSelf (archive footage)
- François de RicqlèsSelf (archive footage)
Recommendations
- 80
Time Out
As engrossing as it is maddening, Pierre Thoretton's documentary on the sale of Yves Saint Laurent's extensive art collection is perched somewhere between a sanded-edged official portrait and a keen examination of affluence run amok. - 75
San Francisco Chronicle
L'amour Fou engages and moves viewers in two distinct ways. It engages us by showing us something we don't know about that's interesting. It moves us by showing us something we immediately understand, that has nothing to do with being a big shot and everything to do with being just another person at the mercy of time. - 70
The New York Times
To realize that you may have the world while still feeling as if you have nothing is to experience a closer encounter with the void than most of us are likely to have. - 70
Los Angeles Times
The documentary is fascinating as a museum piece with Berge serving as docent. - 67
The A.V. Club
Like a well-crafted garment, it's seamless. There's plenty of amour, but not enough fou. - 67
Christian Science Monitor
An oddly discursive documentary that is, ultimately, more about Pierre Bergé, his companion and business partner of 50 years. - 60
Boxoffice Magazine
Akin to a stroll through a gallery, L'amour Fou is meditative and magically eye-opening. - 60
Variety
Shy on the celebrity-gawking (and celebrity input) that marks many fashion documentaries, and neither gossipy nor an objective appreciation of his impact and legacy, picture is a successful portrait on its own terms, save one: It's unlikely to excite much theatrical interest.
