CRAZY ABOUT TIFFANYS (Matthew Miele). 87 minutes. Opens Friday (February 19). See listing. Rating: NN
Matthew Mieles Crazy About Tiffanys is a bit more compelling than his fatuous 2013 doc Scatter My Ashes At Bergdorfs. But its still essentially a feature-length commercial for a luxury brand.
The film begins promisingly, focusing on the specific blue colour associated with Tiffany & Co.s boxes and bags. Things quickly go downhill, though, as actor Jessica Biel tries on the firms jewellery to wear to the -Oscars the upcoming gala might have given some tension or structure to the film if Miele knew how to direct more than an advertisement.
Sections on Tiffany in film and TV (most famously Breakfast At Tiffanys and Sweet Home Alabama) are fun, but the fascinating parts have to do with the innovative jewellery designs of Elsa Peretti and Jean Schlumberger and bold window displays by Gene Moore.
Everyone on camera, from journalist Katie Couric to actor Jennifer Tilly, talks about how much they love the stores glamour. But wheres the balance? The only naysayer is a BFA student who deconstructs the tired ideas of romance and love in the companys marketing images.
How have the diamonds been sourced over the years? Is it business as usual during a recession? I suppose the company that caters to the countrys 1 per cent doesnt care.
