Classics: A Review of The Collection By Lauren Ennis

Personal scandal, political intrigue, and murder make for just another day at the office at the House of Sabine in The Collection. The nourish series follows the fictional fashion house as its staff maneuver the ruthless world of post-war couture in which high fashion equals even higher stakes. At once a sleek modern drama and a celebration of post-war noir the series stakes for viewing that will enthrall film buffs and casual viewers alike. Through its scathing script and razor sharp performances The Collection brings the ugly side of post-war fashion to life without ever being anything less than chic.

Beauty equals pain, and pain equals beauty

The series begins at the end of World War II as Paris slowly emerges from the shadow of occupation. Even as the city begins to recover, its once dominant fashion houses struggle to keep pace with an industry that has effectively moved on without them. The House of Sabine manages to rise above the fray, however, thanks to the innovative designs of Monsieur Sabine. The only problem is that the Monsieur Sabine designing the house’s collections is not Paul Sabine, whose name appears on the dress labels, but his reclusive brother, Claude. In an effort to secure the company’s image and protect Claude’s privacy the brothers agreed that the more business and media savvy Paul would be the store’s public face while Claude would work behind the scenes. When Claude begins to question his role in the company, however, Paul resorts to increasingly desperate and ruthless means to maintain his position both at the head of the House of Sabine and at the front of the reemerging Parisian fashion industry.

Inspired by the early days of Christian Dior and his 1950’s ‘new look’, The Collection is a fascinating journey into both the gritty streets of post-war Paris and the glamorous world of high fashion. Through the intertwining stories of the house’s staff the series expertly captures the ways in which France remained haunted by war-time trauma long after liberation. This is perhaps best captured in the contrasting stories of Jewish seamstress turned model Nina, who remains by the loss of her father during the Holocaust, and Paul, who lives under the constant threat of exposure for his war-time collaboration. Through these opposing storylines the series presents a wide spectrum of ways in which Parisians were impacted by and coped with Nazi occupation. The series also portrays the impact of World War II upon Parisian business with equal skill as it shows Paul’s struggles to sell high fashion to a population who are still struggling with a shattered economy. While the story provides viewers with a fascinating look at life in post-war Paris, perhaps its greatest strength is its exploration of the fashion industry at its most ferocious. Through its portrayal of the crosses, double-crossess, underhanded dealings, and deceptions that Sabine and his staff are constantly engaged in the series creates an image of the fashion world that makes the characters in The Devil Wears Prada look congenial. This journey into the industry’s underbelly lends the script a surprisingly contemporary feel as it trades in PBS charm for some of the grittiest period drama since Boardwalk Empire. As a result, the series remains true to its period setting while still maintaining the interest of today’s viewers.

The stuff that postcards are made of

The series brings the bleak streets of post-war Paris and the runways of high fashion to vivid life thanks to the work of its talented cast. Is brilliant in her performance as the tortured Nina (Jenna Thiam). Max Deacon makes for an endearing everyman as idealistic American photographer Billy. Frances de la Tour is wonderfully wicked in her turn as Paul and Claude’s ruthless mother, Yvette. Richard Coyle expertly captures Paul’s outward easy charm and inner ruthlessness with equal skill. Tom Riley steals each scene in which he appears as ingenious, but self-destructive, Claude.

A period piece with a contemporary twist, The Collection captures the best in today’s television trends. Through its intelligent script and excellent acting the series provides cutting edge entertainment that will appeal to classic noir connoisseurs and fans of contemporary drama alike. For a classic drama with contemporary style take a sample of The Collection.

One big back-stabbing family

Classics: A Review of Chocolat By Lauren Ennis

Delightful, decadent, and sweet are just a few of the words that apply equally to the delicacies at La Chocolaterie Maya and the film Chocolat. Part modern fairy-tale and part alternative morality tale this 2000 hit romantic comedy is every bit as light, irresistible, and satisfying as its title suggests. Through its easy charm the film serves up positive messages and entertainment in equal measure with a light touch that is never force-fed.

A divinely decadent comedy

The story begins with infectiously irreverent single mother Vianne (Juliette Binoche) arriving in a conservative French circa the late 1950's. The arrival of vivacious Vianne and her eccentric young daughter causes a stir in the staid town that threatens to erupt into scandal when she opens a chocolaterie in the midst of Lent. Despite the disapproval of the local church and the town's stodgy mayor, Comte de Reynaud (Alfred Molina), the shop begins drawing customers to its decadent wares and away from their Lenten vows. As time passes the town, is divided between the shop's free-thinking customers and its critics, with Vianne forced into a battle of wills with Reynaud. The ensuing conflict between chateau and chocolaterie reaches its breaking point with a final showdown on Easter morning that will decide the future of Vianne, her shop, and ultimately the town.

Beneath its whimsy Chocolat relates an inspiring tale with an emotional core that is never saccharine. Though its portrayal of the often comical conflict between Vianne and Reynaud the film offers a message of tolerance that proves surprisingly resonant at the film's conclusion. The script further reinforces its message through its depiction of the ways in which the townsfolk alienate Vianne, misunderstood battered wife Josephine, and Irish Traveler Roux. By showing the by turns subtle and blatant ways in which these diverse individuals face the same struggle for acceptance the script makes an apt case for tolerance, reminding us that looking, thinking, and behaving differently from us doesn't make someone wrong, it just makes them different from us. Through its endearing portrayals of outsiders Vianne and Roux and local eccentrics Josephine and Armande the film also highlights the importance of remaining true to ourselves and embracing all that makes us unique. While these same messages have been seen in countless films Chocolat's gentle approach and humor ensure that its familiar lessons remains as light and tempting as a fresh piece of chocolate.

The endearingly offbeat tale is brought to vibrant life with a charm that is nothing short of magic thanks to the work of its stellar cast. Judi Dench is a delight in her colorful turn as aging bohemian Armande. Lena Olin is endlessly engaging as she portrays Josephine's journey from vulnerable victim to resilient survivor. Johnny Depp exudes cool in his role as cynical Roux. Alfred Molina nearly steals the film in his uproarious turn as the riotously ridiculous Reynaud. Juliette Binoche carries the film with a charm reminiscent of Audrey Hepburn in her role as Vianne.

A modern fairy tale with the moral merit of a classic fable, Chocolat is good to its last drop. Through its witty script, endearing characters, and inspiring performances, the film is every bit as delightful, as the treats of its title. For deliciously good viewing try a taste of Chocolat.

Who's counting calories?!