Saint Laurent Productions Aims for the Oscars with Emilia Pérez
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Recently selected to represent France in the Oscars race, Emilia Pérez, the new film by Jacques Audiard, confirms the cinematic gamble undertaken by Saint Laurent Productions. Let’s take a look back at this musical interlude, set against deep subjects and costumes with a perfect cut.
Saint Laurent Productions, in search of the unprecedented
Whether it’s in its approach to opening a fully-fledged production company, or in the talents represented, Saint Laurent seems to want to distinguish itself by seeking the unprecedented. A quest for singularity is also present in the subjects addressed by the projects the entity joins.
After supporting Pedro Almodóvar in his western debut, with A Strange Way of Life, Saint Laurent Productions has bet on Jacques Audiard and his musical comedy at the crossroads of genres. An ambitious and bold film, which notably stood out at the Cannes Film Festival, with a selection and two awards (jury prize and prize for the entire female cast).
It is worth noting that the production company had a total of three films selected on the Croisette, including The Shrouds by David Cronenberg and Parthenope by Paolo Sorrentino.
Blending genres and aesthetics, Emilia Pérez continues to carve out a prominent place for itself in festivals and in the upcoming awards season. The film by the French director has thus been chosen against Miséricorde, The Count of Monte Cristo, and All We Imagine As Light to represent France at the Oscars. Now we just have to wait and see if it will succeed in making it to the final selection. For that, see you on March 3rd!
Emilia Pérez, traffic set to music
Whether the film appeals to its audience or not, we cannot take away from it its uniqueness and risk-taking. Both in its form and its substance. With Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard combines two worlds at opposite ends to plunge us into a reality that is difficult to confront. That of the cartels and the dark dealings that unfold within.
The French filmmaker succeeds, once again, in shaping strong characters, brought to life by a brilliant cast. Led by Karla Sofía Gascón, Zoe Saldana, and Selena Gomez, this singing drama tackles themes of transidentity and crime with modernity.
Through the musical comedy, the director highlights the journeys of these women, each going through a key phase of their lives. This intersection of destinies shines a light on the strengths and weaknesses of each, through songs that seem to be cries from the heart.
Although I am a big fan of the musical genre, the formula did not fully resonate with me, but it seems to captivate the majority of viewers. The mix of aesthetic influences also left me a bit confused, but it will undoubtedly be praised!
Between stage outfits and life outfits
The work of Anthony Vaccarello on costumes resonates with the genre-blending proposed by the film. While some outfits are rooted in daily life, others take on the appearance of stage costumes. The wardrobe of Rita Moro Castro (Zoe Saldana) particularly illustrates this point. As a lawyer, her outfits serve as armor that defines her status and commands respect.
We thus find two-piece suits rich in character, while incorporating feminine cuts. Her outfit, in a deep red, particularly stands out during a musical number.
For Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón), the costume is a way for her to be reborn once her gender and sex change is achieved. The pieces thus embrace her identity and visually create a new reality for her, as well as for her loved ones, who do not know the truth.
The costumes of Jessi del Monte (Selena Gomez) characterize, on one hand, the environment she belongs to, and on the other hand, accentuate her emotional and psychological descent. We thus discover her with a Mob Wife style, which is gradually replaced by Party Girl outfits, highlighting her instability.
While each wardrobe is designed for a particular character, a common vision is noticeable in the search for pieces that highlight each woman. The cuts, materials, colors, and patterns emphasize the characters’ strengths and weaknesses with intensity and blend elegantly with Jacques Audiard’s staging.
The vision of the filmmaker and the artistic director of Yves Saint Laurent thus offers us a beautiful visual spectacle that absolutely deserves its place in the Oscar race! Why Not Productions and Page 114 complete the team.
If you too want to showcase your femininity and character, we have found the perfect outfit for you:
Photo cover: © Why Not Productions
