I have always been fascinated on how the book I have read lends itself to the beautiful screen. I love both mediums, but I have been disappointed by some and loved others so I thought I would take a look at the famous book The Devil Wears Prada by Lauren Weisberger and let you know my own personal thought’s on which one triumphs over the other.
So, are you ready to jump into the glamorous world of high fashion, low cunning, and the boss from hell? Strap in, because I am about to take a whirlwind tour of Lauren Weisberger's iconic novel "The Devil Wears Prada" and its silver-screen adaptation.
BOOK
Title: The Devil Wears Prada
Author: Lauren Weisberger
Series: Book 1 of 3 Devil Wears Prada
Genre: Humour, Chick Lit
Publisher: Harper Collins Publishers
Date Published: 2013
Book Length: 391
Star Rating: 5 ***** I loved it and highly recommend
About Book: High fashion, low cunning – and the boss from hell
When Andrea first sets foot in the plush Manhattan offices of Runway she knows nothing. She's never heard of the world's most fashionable magazine, or its feared and fawned-over editor, Miranda Priestly – her new boss.
A year later, she knows altogether too much:
That it's a sacking offence to wear anything lower than a three-inch heel to work.
That you can charge cars, manicures, anything at all to the Runway account, but you must never, ever, leave your desk, or let Miranda's coffee get cold.
And that at 3 a.m. on a Sunday, when your boyfriend's dumping you because you're always at work, if Miranda phones, you jump.
But this is Andrea’s big break – it's going to be worth it in the end.
Isn't it?
My thoughts on the Book: 5 Stars - A Fashionable Triumph
Lauren Weisberger's "The Devil Wears Prada" in my view, is a five-star masterpiece that transports readers into the cutthroat world of fashion journalism with wit, charm, and a healthy dose of reality. Weisberger's sharp writing style immerses you in the protagonist Andrea's journey as she navigates the treacherous waters of Runway magazine and its formidable editor-in-chief, Miranda Priestly.
From the moment Andrea steps into the hallowed halls of Runway, I was hooked. Weisberger's keen eye for detail and her insider knowledge of the fashion industry lend authenticity to every page. Andrea's transformation from wide-eyed novice to savvy fashionista is a captivating journey filled with humour, heartbreak, and self-discovery. With memorable characters, snappy dialogue, and a plot that keeps you turning pages, "The Devil Wears Prada" is a must-read for anyone who loves a good behind-the-scenes glimpse into the glamorous world of high fashion.
FILM
Title: The Devil Wears Prada
Directed by David Frankel
Produced by Wendy Finerman
Genre: Comedy Drama
First Aired: 2003
About film: Andrea "Andy" Sachs is an aspiring journalist who has recently graduated from Northwestern University. Despite her unfamiliarity with the fashion industry, she is hired as a junior personal assistant to Miranda Priestly, the editor-in-chief of Runway magazine. Andy plans to put up with Miranda's excessive demands and humiliating treatment for one year in the hopes of using her connections from Runway to find a job more focused on journalism.
Andy initially fumbles with her job and fits in poorly with her gossipy, fashion-forward co-workers, especially Miranda's senior assistant, Emily Charlton. After a dress trial meeting in which Miranda berates her in front of the entire team, Andy approaches Nigel, Runway's art director, to teach her about the fashion industry. He helps her select stylish clothes to wear to work.
Noticing Andy's changed appearance and commitment, Miranda begins to give her more responsibility and complicated tasks to handle. Slowly but surely, Andy becomes more glamorous and absorbs the Runway philosophy. She gradually outperforms Emily, who is consumed with the thought of attending Paris Fashion Week as Miranda's assistant and, in preparation for the event, attempts extreme diets that are dangerous to her health.
When Emily shows up to work while sick and forgets important details about the guests at a charity benefit, Andy steps in to save Miranda from embarrassment. So, Miranda selects Andy to be her assistant at the Paris Fashion Week instead of Emily. When Andy calls to inform her, Emily is hit by a car. While visiting her in the hospital, she informs her of Miranda's changed plan, which infuriates Emily. Andy's boyfriend, Nate, is angered that Andy has become what she once ridiculed, and they break up.
In Paris, Miranda reveals to Andy that her husband has filed for divorce. Later that night, Nigel tells Andy that he has accepted a job as creative director with rising designer James Holt. She spends the night with an attractive writer, Christian Thompson, who tells her that Jacqueline Follet will replace Miranda as editor of Runway. Andy attempts to warn Miranda; to Andy's shock, Miranda dismisses her.
At a luncheon later that day, Miranda announces Jacqueline as the new creative director to Holt, leaving Andy and Nigel stunned. Later, she explains to Andy that she already knew of the plot to replace her and sacrificed Nigel to keep her own job. Andy is repulsed, but Miranda alleges that Andy did the same to Emily by agreeing to go to Paris. So Andy abruptly leaves without saying goodbye to Miranda.
Some time later, Andy meets up with Nate, who tells her he has a new job as a sous-chef in Boston, and they agree to keep in touch. The same day, she has an interview at a major New York publication company. The editor recounts that when he called Runway for a reference, Miranda told him that Andy was the biggest disappointment she ever had as an assistant, but he would be an idiot not to hire her.
After getting the job, Andy calls Emily and reconciles with her by offering her the clothes she obtained in Paris. While walking past the Runway office building, Andy makes eye contact with Miranda and waves at her. Although Miranda does not acknowledge Andy, she smiles to herself once she is seated in her car.
My Thoughts on The Film: 4 Stars - Fashionably Fabulous
David Frankel's adaptation of "The Devil Wears Prada" is a stylish and entertaining romp through the halls of Runway magazine. With a great cast led by Meryl Streep as the formidable Miranda Priestly and Anne Hathaway as the plucky Andrea Sachs, the film captures the essence of the book while adding its own cinematic flair.
Frankel's direction brings the glamour of the fashion world to life, from the sleek offices of Runway to the bustling streets of Paris. The performances are top-notch, with Streep delivering a tour de force performance as the icy Miranda and Hathaway shining as the determined Andrea. The supporting cast, including Emily Blunt as Miranda's steely-eyed assistant Emily Charlton, adds depth and humour to the story.
While the film stays true to the spirit of the book, some deviations from the original plot may leave die-hard fans wanting more. However, Frankel's adaptation succeeds, offering a visually stunning and emotionally resonant experience that will delight both fans of the book and newcomers alike.
The Showdown: Book vs. Film
So, how do the book and film stack up against each other? Both offer compelling narratives, memorable characters, and a glimpse into the glamorous yet cutthroat world of high fashion. However, while the book excels in its detailed exploration of Andrea's journey and the inner workings of Runway magazine, the film shines with its stellar performances and stylish visuals.
I must say that for me the book just slightly wins this time over the film. But I fell that ultimately, whether you prefer the book, or the film may come down to personal preference. Die-hard fans of the novel will appreciate the depth and complexity of Weisberger's writing, while film buffs will enjoy the cinematic spectacle of Frankel's adaptation. Whichever you choose one thing's for sure – "The Devil Wears Prada" is a fashion-forward tale that's sure to leave a lasting impression.
So, grab your copy of the book, queue up the film, and prepare to be whisked away into a world where high fashion meets high drama. Whether you're a seasoned fashionista or a curious bystander, "The Devil Wears Prada" is an unforgettable journey that's not to be missed.
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