The September Issue

If you were intrigued by Meryl Streep's conjuring of Vogue's editor in chief, Anna Wintour, in The Devil Wears Prada, here's your chance to see the icy, meticulous woman who inspired the impersonation. Documentarian R.J. Cutler (The War Room) provides a glossy behind-the-scenes glimpse of the creation of the massive, pre-recession, September 2007 issue, which landed on magazine racks with a record-setting 800-plus pages. Described in a voiceover as “the single most important figure in the $300 billion fashion world,” Wintour hides behind huge signature sunglasses in public, but reveals imperious hauteur and offers withering judgments as she interacts with staff and top-tier designers. In one encounter, she challenges longtime creative director Grace Coddington—the only person who seems willing to stand up to her—about the cover photo of British actress Sienna Miller. “I think I know when to stop pushing her,” Coddington candidly notes, but then adds, “She doesn't know when to stop pushing me.” For eight months, Cutler accompanied Wintour to meetings, couture shows, and glamorous social events, riding in her chauffeured car, visiting her home, and chatting with her daughter, Katherine. This is an “authorized” (aka flattering) examination of the magazine and its enigmatic ruler, which means that Cutler's unprecedented, intimate access to fashion footage and interviews comes at a bit of an objective price, and we never truly learn what makes Wintour tick. Still, this is recommended, overall. [Note: DVD extras include audio commentary by director R.J. Cutler, deleted scenes (106 min.), a behind-the-scenes photo gallery, and trailers. Bottom line: a solid extras package for an interesting documentary.] (S. Granger)