Enter the Emperor
Newcomer Tyrnauer explained what lies at the docu's (and the designer's) heart. "Valentino and Giancarlo are more than simply the subjects of the documentary. It is a story of loyalty, compassion and love." Unrelentingly supportive, Giancarlo was beaming and by Valentino's side, proving what drove the project's story. Tyraneur went on to speak fondly (if frankly!) about his experience as director of The Last Emperor and working with the czar of couture. "Valentino is a genius and the greatest dressmaker of our time--perhaps in history. He is also such a perfectionist, and so he was an extremely challenging subject, because he cannot tolerate anything that is not perfect. As the director of a cinéma vérité film about him, I was on the receiving end of a lot of what I'll call 'fashion moments' or diva-like explosions. Valentino quits the movie several times on screen. He would be the first to admit that he is what we call a control-freak. Only great people who are secure in their genius and are driven by the passion for their art can get away with things like that."
Clearly having gained his equilibrium since these "fashion moments," Valentino was utterly calm and unruffled. "I am feeling wonderful!" he effused, and went on, "I am not somebody who fishes for compliments in life, but you know, after this film they have stopped me in the street outside the boutiques and shops and have told me how sensational the film is, and so I have to believe at this point that it is really good!" Tyrnauer divulged that he was nervous Valentino would be upset with the film, noting, "I was afraid when he first saw the movie he hated it, but he's here tonight so he's clearly come around."
There was no question that Valentino lauded the film. "No, no, no! I am very happy! No problems!" he assured in response to the director's initial concern. He laughed warmly and added, "The images are put together beautifully, and I think the story between fashion and private lives is fascinating to a lot of people." Hoeksema counted himself amongst those intrigued. "I was really surprised how entertaining and more of a story than a documentary the film is," he discussed. "Typically a documentary is more flat and informational, but in this case you pass through so many emotions-up and down." Paltrow greeted guests and opened up about her personal history with the exceedingly kind designer. "I was in Rome with my dad when he died, and Valentino really sort of saved my life by dealing with all the logistics. This story is a bit macabre, but it shows how he and Giancarlo were so crazily loyal. I would do anything for them."
Guests sifted through the DVD display and discussed their own personal libraries. While Tyrnaueur has his Tivo cued up to Gossip Girl episodes, Christian Cota stocks his DVD case with science fiction (fittingly!) like The Fifth Element and The Cell. Carlos Souza revealed his love of marshal arts. "I have a lot of fabulous Chinese action films like Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon in my personal DVD collection...but I also like the big Oscar classics." Bowles chatted with Valentino and Paltrow, and later recounted a recent trip to the Greek islands. "One afternoon in Patmos we were on a speedboat back to the yacht, and all of Valentino's pugs were being lifted ceremoniously into the boat. It was so surreal to see all these pugs and their prim footman who were dressed white, frantically scrubbing their paws before they landed on the yacht. So very Valentino!"
EMILY POPP AND ASHLEY BAKER
