The beginning of the end commences as we witness the final interview with fashion visionary, Yves Saint Laurent before his loss to his battle with brain cancer. The sadness, the joy, the jubilation, the relapses and the recoveries; nothing escapes the cinematic capabilities of debut director, Pierre Thornton with his Yves Saint Laurent DVD: L’Amour Fou.
The celebratory and acutely intimate biopic of the fashion industry icon is to be released on DVD on November 21st, recounted through nostalgic archival footage of the designer himself alongside touching, real time reflections of his lover and business partner of fifty years, Pierre Berge.
This moving documentary is the brain child of Pierre Thornton who, through his admirable photographic abilities, portrays Yves Saint Laurent’s rise to legendary status without omitting the trials and tribulations that come as a consequence. Thornton wholeheartedly celebrates the unstoppable YSL Empire while exposing the raw undercurrents lying beneath; the suffocating cloud concealed behind the silver lining of sweet success.
Taking the same title as the 1969 production by infamous French filmmaker, Jacques Rivette, L’Amour Fou, or in English translation, ‘Crazy Love’, certainly tells an emotional tale of such zealous adoration; for art, for fashion and for each other. Pierre remains fiercely loyal to his partner, both in romance and business, through their five-decade-strong relationship, battling the suicidal tendencies and psychotic episodes until Yves’ tragic death in June 2008. We follow the narrative as Pierre decides to donate their precious (and valuable) art collection in a momentous Christies auction following his inconsolable loss just days succeeding their Civil Union.
A beautiful tribute to the biography of a man who revolutionised women’s fashion through an unprecedented insight into his turbulent private life and seemingly invincible relationship. An elegant portrayal of a creator who revived Haute Couture, gave ready-to-wear it’s reputation and a dignitary to whom we owe so much.
We’ve got ten copies of this new release to give away so if you’d like the chance to have the L’Amour Fou DVD sitting comfortably in your collection simply answer the question – Who directed the film Yves Saint Laurent: L’Amour Fou? Send your answers to editorial@fluxmagazine.com. (Please state Yves Saint Laurent as the subject)
Yves Saint Laurent DVD: L’Amour Fou is out in stores on DVD from 21st November
words Stephanie Whalley
