This film is so interesting and I enjoyed it over a few nights, savoring it.....
He is such an enigma and the wisdom coming from his lips is astounding. I was very interested in the film as early-on I discovered that it wasn't a traditional documentary, but instead was a guy following around Karl for a period and learning what he could from him within that time. You learn what an influence his mother was on his life. He quotes her saying numerous times that she didn't take any bullshit from anyone and would say to him when he was a kid, "You're six years old, make an effort or shut-up". By living with him in the film, we see his Paris apartment and the stacks and stacks of books on every available surface with those lovely ornate moldings on the walls punctuated with healthy orchids- interspersed. Some would see it as chaos, what I see is a busy life where you choose to be surrounded by knowledge. I want to learn what he is reading and touch those books.
He quotes his mother again talking about how he's against analysis, "If you're honest, you know the question and the answer". He heeds this advice- as he feels like someone who wants to cut through the chafe. Life is too short, enjoy it while you can. Don't waste time.
A lovely poignant moment in the film is where he confesses that he gets nervous while flying and is always seen clutching a pillow his nanny made for him as a child. It's black and is the perfect size to hold over his stomach. He shows the outline of where the train engine applique once was. So touching and revealing about his character.
I also love how you hear again, "The fashion world amuses me, I am perfectly at ease in it". We learn this after seeing him work, photographing models in his studio on the property of his home in the country or later on the streets on Paris and New York.
I like learning that he is a loner and a happy one. Confident and fearless, he juxtaposes his Buddha sensibility with impeccable taste. The most interesting parts of the film can be found in the extras where you see him at work at Chanel and as a photographer, taking extraordinary shots. To keep up with this icon, is the key.
My friend Quohnos works for Karl and I can see more now as to what this man is all about. Fascinating documentary, rent it through Netflix!
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