Iris (IX) (2014) User Reviews

A bit vague, a bit empty.

[sunznc · 7/10 · 25 May 2015]

If you've ever seen September Issue and found that interesting you will find this a companion piece to that film. I found myself wondering if Anna Wintour had seen this and what she would think of it. I think she would have found this Luke warm.

Here is a 90 year old woman still going strong, still sharing items she's collected over the years, pieces of clothing, jewelry and accessories. She has no intentions of slowing down. She does interviews, goes to shows showing little signs of tiring. But is this inspirational? Is it fascinating? Not really. Something was lacking here and it isn't her fault. The filmmakers ask a few questions but never dig too deep. Some of the scenes we see here were much more artfully done in Devil Wears Prada and even September Issue itself. This couple traveled the world to buy things and it could have been more interesting had they shared some great stories about the places they had visited. Instead it was just buy this, buy that, spend money on this, spend money on that. It all sort of seemed plastic and not meaningful.

I do indeed appreciate Iris and her taste in fashion and her ability to go on at 90. But what was it all for? There is no deadline, no assignment. What was her job specifically? And for how long? It's all a bit vague and becomes tiring.

Iris Apfel is SO cool.

[ksf-2 · 8/10 · 5 December 2015]

IRIS –The story of clothing collector Iris Apfel. Be yourself. Do your own thing. With her trademark HUGE black, round glasses, Iris works her way through stores, shows, and her own closet. The only child of a Jewish couple from NYC, she studied art history, ran her own textile company, and even did several white-house make-overs. She sure does like big, giant bangles, necklaces! it's amazing she can stand up with all those heavy necklaces that she wears through most of the film. It's kind of fun watching her toddle along, bartering hardcore with shop-keepers. Iris is TOTALLY photogenic, and loves to talk, so it must have been a pretty easy project to do. She's a collector (Hoarder ?) and has had her own exhibits of her collections of clothes and jewelry. Directed by Albert Maysles, who did TONS of documentaries. He passed away March of 2015, and I see they are still editing his latest two works to release at some point. I see there is no "written by" credit on this one, so Iris must have done most of the gabbing herself. Quite a fun film to watch. Very upbeat. Catch it on netflix. It's one big long run-on sentence, but it's still fun to watch. Kind of makes one wonder what one has accomplished in one's own life. Inspiring.

Fascinating documentary about a fascinating woman

[rcuttill · 7/10 · 2 August 2015]

This is a fascinating documentary about a fascinating woman. She has a sense of humour and an energy that comes across. It shows some of her large collections of clothes, jewellery and art pieces. You see examples of her in action, including dressing others or selecting large bangles and necklaces for herself. There is a hint of her health issues. It also demonstrates her relationship to her husband, Carl. She shares how she couldn't have it all. She wanted to do fashion and travel. She couldn't include children in that. Throughout it is vibrant. It brings across her love of fashion. It brings across her style. All in all a good documentary worth seeing even if you are not heavily into fashion.

Girls! Doesn't have to be pretty to be happy.

[MK_Movie_Reviews · 6/10 · 23 August 2021]

When I saw IRIS for the first time, the advertisement of Zenni Optical.

She has been so energized and creative. I am already a big fan of her now.

She is so straight up and honest in her life and dedicated to her husband all her life.

Her husband said, "it's not dull marriage. Nobody knows what she does at the end. " It's so cool. And he said that he met her for the first time, he felt fate. "Something about her," he said.

And they don't have kids and never wanted so I felt the same way. I've watched this movie twice already.

Iris of Your Eyes

[justpamiam · 10/10 · 19 August 2015]

Forget "The Devil Wears Prada" and "September Issue", this is the story of a woman that lives fully and artfully. She is in tune and educated on trends in fashion, art and the history that stimulates and influences them. Her manner of presenting herself to the world is a celebration of being alive and living in the world for all it's worth. See it, get some tips, ideas and encouragement on emancipating yourself and living to your fullest!

One of the best lines, "I don't like pretty" "Pretty is boring" She goes on to explain that when you're not "Pretty", you must learn something to be able to take care of yourself in life. Also, Iris thinks cosmetic surgery to look younger is ridiculous and can't be bothered, she dignifies aging in women and doesn't apologize for herself. She isn't critical in the Donald Trump "Apprentice" sense, she shares her knowledge and encourages young people to really study and go for what they're interested in. She is Brilliant!

Albert Maysles Reveals the Magic of Fashion Icon Iris Apfel

[rannynm · 9/10 · 20 April 2015]

Iris is a great documentary, particularly if you have a passion for fashion. Iris Apfel is a 94-year-old woman who embraces her unique eye for fashion and style. She takes the simplest things from shops and stores all over town and dresses them up in a variety of ways. She accessorizes her clothing by accenting them with very large and unique pieces of jewelry. Large pearl necklaces with big, bright colorful bracelets are only a few items that Iris uses. She believes each outfit needs to have color and sometimes lots of it. A lot of designers and fashion icons love her style and creativity.

The message of this documentary, produced by veteran documentarian Albert Maysles, is "success is a sacrifice." Iris talks about how she always wanted to have kids, travel and have a successful career. She realized that she could not have it all and be successful. She did not want her kids to be raised by someone else. So, she chose to purse her career and travel the world with her husband, Carl Apfel. Although Iris did not have kids as she once hoped, she still feels successful and that her life has made a positive impact in the fashion industry.

Iris is very witty, funny and inspirational. Even in her 90s, she continues to educate young aspiring fashion designers. She believes it will be a lost art if people do not learn the history of fashion and its origin.

The film Iris is a wonderful documentary. It is perfect for girls and boys ages 13 to 18-years-old who aspire to learn more about the fashion industry. Even if you are not in the industry and want to watch a good film about a wise woman who continues to inspire others, this film is a perfect selection. Iris will be released in select theaters April 29, 2015. I give this movie 4 out of 5 shining stars.

Reviewed by Kendyl P., KIDS FIRST! Film Critic. For more reviews by youth, go to kidsfirst dot org.

Exceptional Doc Filled With Wit & Humor

[larrys3 · 9/10 · 31 August 2015]

This exceptional documentary, directed by the acclaimed filmmaker Albert Maysles (who passed away this year at the age of 88), is filled with wit and humor. It focuses on the life and career of Iris Apfel, fashion icon and interior designer, who has been involved in restorations in the White House, the Senate building, and Stephen Foster's My Old Kentucky Home, among many others. She's also had her clothes and accessories exhibited in many museums, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Norton Gallery.

Apfel, who was 90-years-old at the time of the filming, by her own admission would rather find a $4 accessory item at a flea market or small shop rather than go to an expensive high couture establishment, as she loves the chase for interesting items and always uses her gut instincts for her selections.

What struck me as much as her amazing collection of unique items over the years was her striking personality and charisma. Although she admits to some aging at the age of 90, she often displays a wonderful sense of humor, expresses her most interesting philosophies of life, and always seems to be at ease no matter what the situation. Unfortunately, her husband of some 66+ years Carl, who played a key role in the movie, passed away early this month just a few days shy of his 101st birthday.

All in all, I thoroughly enjoyed this film highlighted by Apfel's humor and charismatic personality, and this documentary is one of the best I've seen in a while.

Iris and Carl Really Know How to Live

[iwillservemypeople · 10/10 · 4 January 2016]

Iris amazes me with her wonderful taste in fashion. I also love her fashionably dressed and encouraging husband. Their relationship together is one that most probably can only wish for. I loved this film because I've never seen such a fashionable couple in their 90's. Plus I love ethnic clothes and brightly colored fabrics intertwined to create masterpieces of art. This film inspired me to pursue even more creative endeavors, to go out and explore the world, and to live life with more fun in it. So happy to see a film where older people are enjoying life and are lively.I Love how Iris and Carl's home is like a museum with so many unique artifacts.More films should definitely explore older people's lives because their stories are so interesting and have many lessons in them. Iris and her husband's style in clothing to me looks better than most people younger than me or even the same age. Their life is full of pizazz and it shows in their home, clothing, and personality. This film should be shown to all ages because it is a demonstration of how youth and elders can actually get along. It is a bridge between many generations.

Iris (2014)

[i_am_danish · 2/10 · 26 August 2015]

I was very much looking forward to the Iris documentary. I have much enjoyed films such as The September Issue, Lagerfeld Confidential, Mademoiselle C and the rest of them. Somehow fashion films often turn into very soulful portraits of the very creative. Iris is probably comparable to the Diana Vreeland docu: The Eye Has to Travel but where Diana has a profound presence sadly Iris Apfel does not. It is very peculiar watching a documentary about a 90-year-old who conveys no depth. Yes, Iris and her husband seem like "very nice people", but for people of a certain to come across merely as flat characters and not fully developed is actually quite a feat. Even the most one-dimensional develop some sort of depth and persona with age - not here. It's ALL about the surface of things. Nothing more. And this is where "Iris" falls flat on its face, it lacks everything so abundant in Iris Apfel's dress sense: layers, the rich tapestry of the human condition and interest. There is nothing to cling onto in "Iris" - no substance behind the quirky glasses, just an empty human shell.

love it!

[gbrlpopova · 10/10 · 22 February 2020]

I have been always amazed by how pure and real is Iris and how kind she treats everyone around her. LOVE HER BOLD STYLE, her humour and the relation she had with her husband! It brings me so much joy to watch her and how she sees the world.

"When the fun goes out of dressing, you might as well be dead. You need to pursue your own fancy."

Iris Apfel

SUNZNC gets it WRONG

[Pricepoints · 15 August 2015]

Zen...The Power of Now...Engaged....Enlightened Thank you SUNZNC for the narrative, that does in fact, provide what I sense is exactly the point of the movie. No, I haven't seen it yet, still in my queue. I say that because it's obvious to me that your succinct summation of what the film communicates about Iris.

However, context or maybe bettered described as your perspective based on your personal lens.

Maybe because it's the subject matter. IMHO the Fashion Industry is certainly a contrived & brutally narcissistic jungle unto itself. That defines success as the outcome of an aggressive natural selection, survival of the fittest (i.e. competitive) mindset. Summarized in this movie/title "The Devil in Prada" whose captures it perfectly. So yes,it would hard to view Iris through that lens, which defines success in the most superficial of ways.

The point, which we all have heard but few of us embrace, is the concept of doing what you love. Not for fame, ego or money. Just being engaged in life on those very spiritual terms is truly significant. Being actively engaged, motivated by your passion and fully present is what makes those daily pursuits so rewarding.

Not about what she did but who she is.... Luke warm if your concept of excellent means scalding hot.

One of a kind fashion icon

[juliahairchick · 10/10 · 29 December 2020]

Probably only interesting to those obsessed w fashion and art. Iris is a self taught, hard working fashion one of a kind. Bill Cunningham and Iris demonstrate all that's amazing in clothing art 🎨 Such a young hearted and hard working one of a kind.

At her age she can get by with it

[cekadah · 5/10 · 20 March 2016]

And more power to her! But this documentary really tells you nothing much about her personal life, how she broke into the 'fashion world' or where she got the money to live the lavish world traveling, collector of things, New York City society lifestyle. I'm thinking it must be her husbands money because it is made clear she came from a 'working class' background.

She developed an eye for color & shape & texture and how to put complementing objects together to create her own fashion style. Unfortunately (for me) I was left with the impression she just created a clownish appearance with great style. You must admit she make a bizarre looking old broad when she's all dolled up in her brick-a-brac collection of fabrics and oversize jewelery.

This documentary is high in color but low on information about this 90 plus years old woman's life.

IRIS - What a Miserable Old Wench

[alxwslyesq · 1/10 · 16 September 2020]

I enjoy watching many documentaries but this one was very empty and boring. She didn't demonstrate anything else I can't or won't do. Very dull with no real theme or creativity. I found it dull and redundant. She sounds like a miserable old woman who tries to justify her emptiness by over processed fashion sense. She looked as if she was trying to show what a happy life she lives but deep inside she seemed miserable. The movie made me sad after I saw she wasn't genuine and that took about the first 15 minutes then turned it off.

Better than you think

[karen_gilman · 25 September 2021]

Suspend you disbelief and see the woman who is candidly exposing her passion, vulnerability and wisdom like a playful style statement. She doesn't take herself too seriously and get honesty is pretty remarkable. I'm not an octogenarian, but I'd love to have her energy, courage and seminar of joy Enron thrr we time comes.