Saint Laurent 2015
Directed by
Bertrand Bonello
Made by
Sony Pictures Classics
Plot Summary
The film Yves Saint Laurent explores the life of the renowned fashion designer during his prime, spanning from 1967 to 1976. It opens with a somber Yves Saint Laurent, portrayed by the talented Léa Seydoux, isolated and despondent in a hotel room after a wild night out in the Parisian clubs. In this vulnerable state, he decides to reach out to a newspaper journalist, looking to share the secrets of his life, despite having once turned down such an opportunity.
As the narrative unfolds, we witness Saint Laurent’s rise in the mid-sixties as a pivotal figure in French fashion. His brand begins to thrive and gain international recognition. Hidden from the public eye, however, is his passion for the vibrant Paris nightlife filled with the elite and artful society. Amidst the allure of champagne and drugs, Saint Laurent’s charm leads him to an enchanting model at a dance club. Initially, she declines his offer to join his fashion house, being under contract with Chanel, yet her resolve weakens as they share a dance and drinks, culminating in her modeling for him shortly after—a significant moment in his career.
The designer’s success is accompanied by a complex love life. He enters a long-term same-sex relationship with his business manager, magnificently portrayed by Jérémie Renier, blending both financial prosperity and emotional support. Nevertheless, as his fame grows, so do his struggles with substance abuse. One fateful night, a handsome young man approaches Saint Laurent, igniting a passionate yet chaotic affair characterized by the same turbulent enjoyment of life that brought him both joy and despair. This newfound romance leads to a shift, momentarily sidelining his relationship with his manager.
The film poignantly shifts to a moment of clarity when Saint Laurent, feeling lost in his hotel room, reaches out to the journalist once more, eager to reveal his provocative lifestyle. However, the revelation sends shockwaves through his team. They threaten legal action against the newspaper, arguing the interview was a deception and a potential threat to their credibility, foreshadowing turbulent times ahead.
As time progresses, we find an older Saint Laurent residing in an extravagant Paris apartment, filled with exquisite art and exotic collections, symbolizing both his triumphs and tribulations. The film closes by highlighting his legacy as one of the most influential fashion designers of the 20th century, illustrating both the grandeur and the cost of his artistic genius.
Timeline
Saint Laurent's Isolation
The film opens with Yves Saint Laurent feeling lost and despondent in a hotel room after a night of indulgence at Parisian clubs. This moment showcases his vulnerability and sets the tone for the challenges he faces throughout his life.
Reaching Out to the Journalist
In a moment of despair, Saint Laurent decides to contact a newspaper journalist to share his life story. This choice is significant as it marks a departure from his previous reluctance to disclose his personal experiences.
Rise in Fashion
Saint Laurent rises to prominence in the mid-sixties as a pivotal figure in French fashion, solidifying his brand's reputation. His success ushers in an era where he gains international recognition for his innovative designs.
Paris Nightlife Adventure
While Saint Laurent revels in the vibrant nightlife of Paris, he encounters an enchanting model at a dance club. This meeting, filled with chemistry, leads to her eventual collaboration with him, marking a turning point in his professional journey.
Modeling Collaboration
After initially turning down Saint Laurent's offer, the model decides to join his fashion house following a night of shared drinks and a dance. This moment is pivotal as it not only enhances his brand but also showcases his persuasive charm.
Complex Love Life
Saint Laurent enters a long-term relationship with his business manager, creating a blend of love and financial stability. Their relationship becomes a cornerstone of his life, providing both emotional support and professional partnership.
Struggles with Substance Abuse
As Saint Laurent's fame escalates, he battles substance abuse, which begins to tarnish his achievements. The pressures of fame take a toll on him, illustrating the darker side of success in the fashion industry.
Chaotic Affair
A handsome young man enters Saint Laurent's life, igniting a passionate yet tumultuous affair. This relationship adds to his emotional complexity, pulling him away from his commitment to his manager.
Decision to Share Private Life
Feeling overwhelmed, Saint Laurent reaches out to the journalist again to reveal his provocative lifestyle. This decision signifies a crucial moment in his life where he confronts his demons in the public eye.
Repercussions of the Interview
The journalist’s article sends shockwaves through Saint Laurent’s professional circle, resulting in threats of legal action against the newspaper. This reaction highlights the precarious balance between his image and personal life.
Life in an Elegant Apartment
As time passes, an older Saint Laurent resides in a luxurious apartment filled with art and exotic collections. This setting not only symbolizes his successes but also represents the toll that his lifestyle has taken on him.
Legacy as an Influential Designer
The film culminates in highlighting Saint Laurent's legacy as one of the 20th century's most influential fashion designers. His artistic genius is celebrated, illustrating the intersection of magnificence and sacrifice in his life.
Characters
Yves Saint Laurent (Léa Seydoux)
Yves Saint Laurent is a multifaceted character, embodying both artistic genius and personal vulnerability. His journey from a celebrated designer to an individual grappling with fame highlights the paradox of public admiration and private despair. His complicated love life reflects his depth, creating a dynamic figure marked by passion and conflict.
Business Manager (Jérémie Renier)
The business manager plays a key role in Saint Laurent's emotional and professional stability. He provides support amidst the chaos of fame while navigating the complexities of their long-term relationship. His presence is crucial in balancing Saint Laurent's turbulent life with a sense of grounding and loyalty.
Setting
Time period
1967-1976
The late 1960s to the mid-1970s marked a significant period in fashion history, characterized by bold styles and the emergence of influential designers. This era was transformative not only for Yves Saint Laurent but also for the broader cultural landscape, which intersected with artistic expression and the counterculture movement. It reflects a time of personal struggle for Saint Laurent amidst growing fame.
Location
Paris
Paris, the capital of France, is known for its rich history, artistic heritage, and vibrant culture. The city serves as a global center for fashion, art, and gastronomy, making it a fitting backdrop for the life of a designer like Yves Saint Laurent. Its nightlife, filled with elite clubs and artful societies, shapes the narrative of the film.
Themes
💔
Love & Loss
The theme of love is deeply woven into the narrative, exploring complex relationships and the emotional turmoil that accompanies them. Saint Laurent's long-term relationship with his business manager illustrates a blend of support and chaos. However, his pursuit of passion often leads to loss, exemplifying how love can both uplift and destabilize.
💊
Addiction
Addiction to substances serves as a poignant theme throughout the film, mirroring the highs and lows of Saint Laurent's life. While his fame provides him with success, it equally introduces struggles that affect his personal relationships and mental health, symbolizing a duality of glamour and despair.
👗
Fashion
Fashion is central to the film, highlighting the revolutionary changes brought by Yves Saint Laurent. It showcases his rise as a pioneering designer, whose work not only defined an era but also challenged societal norms. The intricate world of haute couture, intertwined with personal narrative, forms the core of his legacy.
Featured on this page
What's After the Movie?
Not sure whether to stay after the credits? Find out!
Check out our other apps:
Actors
Companies
Latest Movies
© 2024 What's After the Movie?. All rights reserved.