Casablancas: The Man Who Loved Women (2016)

John Casablancas grew up as a free wheeling playboy. It's the tough world of a young guy with plenty of beautiful women. In 60's Paris, he falls into being an agent for a model who would eventually become his second wife. As his agency grows into the 80's, he would compete against legendary Eileen Ford and bring about the age of the Supermodel.

The first part of this documentary does not fill me with hopes of great drama. I didn't follow supermodels so closely as to know the name John Casablancas or even Elite Modeling. In all, the most dramatic part is probably the battle between him and Eileen. That could make for a compelling theatrical movie. The main failing is its fawning treatment of Casablancas. There are serious allegations against modeling agencies and the man himself which is only lightly refuted. A more introspective examination would give this documentary greater depth. When "Eye in the Sky" starts playing, there is a tinge of lost that would be even more poignant if the film could lay out that perfect lost moment and follow it with a more honest portrayal of the downfall. This is really missing the downfall. He broke up his marriage for a 16 year old Stephanie Seymour. It would be compelling to hear the hurt from his ex-wife or his kid. He claims to never take drugs and that subject is not touched upon. His biggest vice is gambling and he tells a story where he ends up winning. I'm sure he had the time of his life with all the money and beautiful women everywhere. This is an one-sided telling which limits the drama.