Iris
Directed by Albert Maysles
Starring Iris Apfel, Carl Apfel and Tavi Gevinson
IRIS pairs legendary 87-year-old documentarian Albert Maysles with Iris Apfel, the quick-witted, flamboyantly dressed 93-year-old style maven who has had an outsized presence on the New York fashion scene for decades. More than a fashion film, the documentary is a story about creativity and how, even in Iris’ dotage, a soaring free spirit continues to inspire. IRIS portrays a singular woman whose enthusiasm for fashion, art and people are life’s sustenance and reminds us that dressing, and indeed life, is nothing but an experiment.
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Reviews
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★★★★ review by Emily Housel on Letterboxd
ULTIMATE GOALS AF
I love queen Iris so much 💘💘💘
Unfortunately, this documentary dosen't really do her justice, would've loved to see more of her backstory. She had some very insightful things to say and I really enjoyed watching her design and accessorize in her element. One of the coolest women ever. Absolutely an inspiration. -
★★★★ review by 'Becca'lise on Letterboxd
Iris + Carl 4ever
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★★★★ review by John on Letterboxd
An unexpected companion piece to 2011's Bill Cunningham New York, Iris provides a glimpse into the work of an eccentric New York fashionista and an historical perspective on a lost art and sensibility.
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★★★★ review by Rembrandt Q Pumpernickel on Letterboxd
If Iris the film were as colorful and original as Iris the person, this might be a five star. But even with this film being your basic documentary, Iris Apfel is so fascinating that I'm fairly sure I could've watched her for double the runtime and never been bored. The film made me want to be the type of person who is really fashionable, but I know I would never dedicate that amount of time to my look. Dress me, Iris?
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★★★½ review by Jared on Letterboxd
Being my first Albert Maysles documentary, Iris was enormously pleasing in it's smallness. It paints fashion, Iris Apfel's life passion, as a vehicle for politics, culture, science, architecture, and personality. Iris herself is a fascinating figure, ceaselessly passionate and adorably stubborn. Maysles seems to find a kindred spirit within her, as the documentary mostly explores her restless creative drive and undimmed curiosity. From my brief research into the work of Maysles, it seems Iris is really a decent place to start with his work. It's observant and patient, allowing the subject to cultivate the flair instead of the camera. It could be seen as a thoughtful tribute from one innovator to another, one dimensional but casually provocative.
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