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 bet made by Saint Laurent Productions. Let’s take a look back at this musical interlude, set against deep themes and costumes with a perfect cut.
Saint Laurent Productions, in search of the unprecedented
Whether it’s in their approach to opening a fully-fledged production company, or in the talents represented, Saint Laurent seems determined to stand out by seeking the unprecedented. This quest for uniqueness is also evident in the themes tackled by the projects the entity joins.
After supporting Pedro Almodóvar‘s beginnings in the western genre with A Strange Way of Life, Saint Laurent Productions has placed its bets on Jacques Audiard and his musical comedy at the crossroads of genres. An ambitious and bold film, it notably distinguished itself at the Cannes Film Festival, with a selection and two awards (jury prize and award 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 significant place for itself in festivals and in the awards season that lies ahead. 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 establishing itself in the final selection. For that, mark your calendars for March 3rd!
Emilia Pérez, trafficking against a musical backdrop
Whether the film captivates its audience or not, its uniqueness and risk-taking cannot be denied. Both in its form and its content. With Emilia Pérez, Jacques Audiard combines two worlds at opposite ends to immerse us in a reality that is difficult to confront. That of cartels and the dark dealings that unfold within them.
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 transgender identity and crime with modernity.
Through the musical comedy, the director highlights the journeys of these women, each going through a key phase in their lives. This crossroads of destinies sheds light on the strengths and weaknesses of each, through songs that seem to be cries from the heart.
Although I am a great 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 will undoubtedly be praised!
Between stage costumes and life
The work of Anthony Vaccarello on the costumes resonates with the mix of genres presented in the film. While some outfits are rooted in everyday life, others take on the appearance of stage costumes. The wardrobe of Rita Moro Castro (Zoe Saldana) illustrates this point particularly well. Being a lawyer, her outfits serve as an armor that marks her status and commands respect.
We thus find two-pieces rich in character, while also featuring feminine cuts. Her ensemble, in a deep red, particularly steals the show during a musical number.
For Emilia Pérez (Karla Sofía Gascón), the costume is a way for her to be reborn once her gender and sexual transition is completed. The pieces thus embrace her identity and visually create a new reality for her, but also for her loved ones, who do not know the truth.
The costumes of Jessi del Monte (Selena Gomez) serve to characterize, on one hand, the environment she belongs to, and on the other hand, to accentuate her emotional and psychological descent. We discover her, therefore, with a Mob Wife style, which is gradually replaced by Party Girl outfits, highlighting her instability.
While each wardrobe is designed with a specific character in mind, a common vision is evident in the search for pieces that enhance each woman. The cuts, materials, colors, and patterns highlight the characters, strengths, and weaknesses of each 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, which fully deserves its place in the Oscars race! Why Not Productions and Page 114 complete the team.
If you also wish to showcase your femininity and character, we have found the perfect ensemble for you:
Cover photo: © Why Not Productions
