Film music by Nino Rota provides a Fellini overlay.
88
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
The decadence is obvious. But true to the Valentino prerogative, it's beautiful - sad, too: a dream life moving into the unknown.
80
The Hollywood Reporter
The Hollywood Reporter
Entertaining and even poignant.
80
Chicago ReaderAndrea Gronvall
Chicago ReaderAndrea Gronvall
Part celebrity dish, part business journalism, this illuminating 2008 documentary about the legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani spans the tumultuous final two years of his decades-long reign as one of the most successful innovators in the fashion industry.
75
San Francisco Chronicle
San Francisco Chronicle
At its heart, the film is about the intense connection between Valentino and his business partner of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti, the brains behind the branding.
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
A documentary with privileged access to the legendary designer in his studio, workshop, backstage, his homes, even aboard his yacht and private jet.
70
Variety
Variety
What adds heart, and humor, is the interplay between the legendary couturier and Giancarlo Giammetti, his longtime partner in business and life.
From Valentino Garavani's imperious carriage and diva fits to his coterie of tiny dogs, the subject of Tyrnauer's doc comes off like a fictional character, scripted by a writer with a weakness for cliché.