HOUSE OF Z (Sandy Chronopoulos, U.S./Canada). 87 minutes. Rating: NNN
A doc about Zac Posen, the American fashion designer with the roller-coaster career, has so much cinematic potential: maybe a tale of redemption with a side order of excellent eye candy. Unfortunately, director Sandy Chronopoulos sticks with a conventional chronological treatment, giving short shrift to some obvious themes.
Posen is a singular talent, someone who started draping toy figures when he was five. He constructs his garments himself, drawing plans for them only occasionally. The movie cries out for more on his method.
His sister and mother played key roles in his business until he dumped them as his star was rising, so more attention could have been paid to the family dynamic. And though various insiders suggest that at the height of his fame he was a bit of a prick, the film never shows him behaving that way.
There’s lots to look at – Posen’s gowns are gorgeous (emaciated models aside). Too bad the film doesn’t have as much structure as the dresses. Beginning with Posen getting ready for his comeback show would have been the smart move.
