The First Monday in May

Andrew Rossi

2016

Synopsis

Chronicles the creation of The Metropolitan Museum of Art's most attended fashion exhibition in history, "China: Through The Looking Glass," an exploration of Chinese-inspired Western fashions by Costume Institute curator Andrew Bolton.

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Recommendations

89
Austin Chronicle
The whole film is a delicious excuse to gawk – at the magnificent costumes, at the diplomatic dance of museum personnel and party planners, and at the sumptuous squish of so many egos sharing space.
70
The Hollywood Reporter
The First Monday in May should prove catnip to fashionistas.
67
The Playlist
Though it delves into a number of topics beyond fashion, it refrains from going underneath the glossy surface. It will appeal to fans of Wintour’s brand and style devotees, but it likely won’t make too many converts outside her kingdom.
63
Washington Post
The First Monday in May isn’t a deep examination of its subjects, but at least it’s breathtaking to look at.
60
Screen Daily
From the earnest score to the breathless talking heads to the atmosphere of awestruck reverence, this is a film which takes itself every bit as seriously as its subjects.
60
Variety
Detailing the eight-month build-up to the show’s debut, First Monday in May is most compelling when simply taking up residence alongside Bolton, Wintour and Wong as they oversee the myriad aspects of their production.
50
Village Voice
Rossi provides an attractive overview of the exhibition for those who did not attend it, but we are left feeling something like Wong, seeing a lot of pretty things surrounded by vapidity.
50
Los Angeles Times
As with Rossi's acclaimed documentary "Page One: Inside the New York Times," "First Monday" covers too much ground.