McQueen

It’s often remarked that there is a very thin thread separating catwalk couture and abstract art, and arguably fashion designer Alexander McQueen snipped that thread. In the biographical documentary chronicling McQueen’s life and early, self-determined death, directors Ian Bonhôte and Peter Ettedgui reveal an awkward, unlikely figure whose controversial, dark fantasy-inspired clothing and runway shows shone a hot, uncomfortable light on him in the late 90s early 2000s.

Piecing together interviews, media footage and personal videos, the film moves chronologically from McQueen’s schoolboy love of drawing, to a chance job on Saville Row that unearthed his natural gift as a cutter. From a loving home in a rough part of town, and known as Lee to friends and family, McQueen clearly had trouble transitioning into the pretentious, performance based world of high fashion.

It’s a fascinating film because it’s a fascinating world and one we rarely get to see.

★★★ ½

Reviewed by Rita Bratovich