Sara Ziff and Ole Schell present a highly personal perspective on fashion modeling in Picture Me, with Ziff—who shared filming and editing duties with ex-boyfriend Schell—as the primary subject. The daughter of a lawyer and a neurobiologist, native New Yorker Ziff began working on this project when she was 18, four years after being “discovered” by a photographer. Although she hadn't set out to become a model, Ziff made a decision to delay college to pursue this path, and viewers watch as she meets with agents and casting directors, travels around the world, and brings home sizable paychecks. Also included are behind-the-scenes glimpses of shows for major designers like Marc Jacobs, Dolce and Gabbana, and Chanel. Ziff's parents express concern that she isn't in school but are otherwise supportive. Also contributing their thoughts are other runway strutters, like Missy Rayder, as well as designers, photographers, and fashion show directors. Much of the commentary here revolves around finances, since agencies shell out for plane tickets, apartments, and drivers, and expect a hefty percentage in return. Along the way, a few of the young women talk briefly about drugs, stress, eating disorders, and the casting couch. As a survey of the modeling business, Picture Me doesn't dig as deep as it should, but as a subjective overview of one woman's experience, it offers some insights (also, look carefully and you'll spot several celebrities in the backstage shots, from Jay-Z to Demi Moore). A strong optional purchase. (K. Fennessy)
Picture Me: A Model's Diary
Strand, 82 min., not rated, DVD: $24.99 Volume 26, Issue 2
Picture Me: A Model's Diary
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