‘Couture’ is a poignant exploration of three women’s lives intersecting during Paris Fashion Week, led by a powerful performance from Angelina Jolie.
‘Couture’ Review: Angelina Jolie in a Compelling Film About Three Women During Paris Fashion Week
Movies centered around the intersection of three women have long been a cinematic staple. From Robert Altman’s Three Women to The Hours, Hannah & Her Sisters, and even the Oscar-winning A Letter To Three Wives from 1949, this narrative structure has captivated audiences for decades. The latest filmmaker to explore this theme is Alice Winocour, who presents three distinct women during Paris’ annual fashion week, aiming to connect their lives through a narrative about personal healing and resolution.
Character Introductions
The first character is Ada (Anyier Anei), a young model in her 20s from South Sudan, studying pharmaceuticals but attending Paris for her debut show. Next is Angele (Ella Rumpf), a makeup artist in her 30s with aspirations of becoming a writer. Lastly, there’s Maxine (Angelina Jolie), an American filmmaker in her 40s, who is in Paris to direct a TV show, primarily for financial reasons.
Maxine’s Journey
The film opens and closes with Maxine, whose story carries the most weight. She is navigating a divorce and is deeply concerned about her 15-year-old daughter. A life-altering crisis emerges when she receives an urgent call from her doctor in America, compelling her to meet with a French physician (Vincent Lindon) who delivers the shocking news of her cancer diagnosis. This revelation sets off a downward spiral of emotional turmoil as she grapples with how to communicate this to her daughter.
Exploring Vulnerability and Humanity
Amidst her personal crisis, Maxine’s impulsive decision to seek intimacy with a French colleague (Louis Garrel) adds an unexpected layer to the narrative. Meanwhile, we learn about Ada, who receives guidance from other models on navigating the fashion world, and Angele, who struggles with her own insecurities while ultimately becoming the narrator of the story.
A Deeply Personal Performance
Couture is a profound exploration of humanity and vulnerability, showcasing the struggles of women often seen merely as professionals. Winocour’s focus on the body and trauma resonates throughout her filmography, including her previous works like Augustine and Revoir Paris. Jolie’s portrayal of Maxine is particularly poignant, as she channels her own experiences with loss and health into a quietly powerful performance.
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Conclusion
Jolie’s performance in Couture is arguably one of the most affecting of her career, enhanced by the authentic portrayals of Anei and Rumpf. The film, produced by Charles Gillibert, William Horberg, Jolie, and Zhang Xin, is a testament to the resilience of women facing personal and professional challenges.
Title: Couture
Festival: Toronto Film Festival – Special Presentations
Sales Agent: UTA Independent/Hanway
Director/Screenwriter: Alice Winocour
Cast: Angelina Jolie, Ella Rumpf, Anyier Anei, Louis Garrel, Vincent Lindon
Running Time: 1 hour and 46 minutes
