Angelina Jolie's 'Coutures': A Stylish but Uneven Drama

The new film Coutures, directed by Alice Winocour, centres on Maxine Walker, an American film director played by Angelina Jolie, as she navigates a cancer diagnosis amidst the high-pressure environment of Paris Fashion Week. The film explores the complexities of her personal life – including an ongoing divorce – alongside the demands of a commissioned project: a vampire-themed clip for a prestigious fashion house, identified by observers as Chanel.

A Story Unfolding

As the Fashion Week deadline approaches, the film interweaves Maxine’s story with those of Angèle, a makeup artist dreaming of a writing career, and a Sudanese model struggling with acceptance within the fashion industry. Angèle, portrayed by Ella Rumpf, is shown working on a manuscript and referencing literary figures like Marguerite Duras and Pivot. The film also features Vincent Lindon as Dr. Hansen, who delivers the difficult news of Maxine’s diagnosis.

Did You Know? Angelina Jolie plays Maxine Walker, a film director who is also going through a divorce.

Maxine responds to the diagnosis by withdrawing from her work and engaging in a brief encounter with her cinematographer, Anton, played by Louis Garrel. The narrative contrasts the frenetic energy of the fashion world with the quiet introspection of Maxine’s personal struggle, showing her moving between fashion show preparations and hospital corridors.

Themes and Style

Critics note that Winocour’s film, while visually polished, presents a somewhat “elastic” scenario and lacks a strong sense of melancholy. The film draws parallels between Maxine’s physical condition and the artistic representations within her work, specifically a comparison between her breast and a fabric bust. Winocour’s previous work includes films like Revoir Paris, which explored the aftermath of the Paris attacks.

Expert Insight: The film’s exploration of a cancer diagnosis within the context of a demanding professional life and personal upheaval suggests a focus on resilience and the challenges of maintaining control in the face of uncertainty. The interweaving of multiple female perspectives adds layers of complexity to the narrative.

The film’s conclusion hints at a potential disruption to the fashion show, symbolized by an approaching storm and the appearance of a wolf, potentially representing a shift in the established order. Jolie’s performance is notable as she delivers her lines in French.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Coutures about?

Coutures is a film directed by Alice Winocour starring Angelina Jolie as a film director who learns she has cancer while working on a project during Paris Fashion Week.

Who are some of the other actors in the film?

Ella Rumpf plays Angèle, a makeup artist, and Vincent Lindon portrays Dr. Hansen, the doctor who delivers the diagnosis. Louis Garrel plays Anton, the cinematographer.

What is the critical reception of the film?

Critics have noted the film’s polished visuals but suggest the scenario is somewhat “elastic” and that it lacks a strong sense of melancholy.

How might the intersection of the fashion world and a serious illness impact the narrative and emotional resonance of the film?

Angelina Jolie’s ‘Coutures’: A Stylish but Uneven Drama