On DVD: 'Valentino: The Last Emperor'

'Valentino: The Last Emperor' (PG-13) ***

Producer and Director: Matt Tyrnauer

Valentino is one of the best and most famous clothes designers in the World. For 45 years he has designed some of the most beautiful dresses worn by many actresses on the Red Carpet and by many beautiful women on the runway. This new documentary tries to get a rare glimpse backstage at fashion shows and as Valentino prepares to make the final touches on the dresses. I say the movie tries and gets a lot of rare moments except whenever Valentino tells the camera to go away because he is having a private conversation with his business and personal partner Giancarlo Giametti. They have been together for 45 years and the best moments are when they have arguments just like your typical marriage but they do love each other and it shows and they always make up. The film then focuses on whether this will be the last show for Valentino and if he will retire. It also covers his company when it is sold and explains that Valentino was never consulted about it. The emotional payoff is during what does turn out to be Valentino's last show and it is bittersweet and touching. I love the relationship between Valentino and Giametti because it is funny, bitchy and touching. It is also a strong lasting relationship that has gone on for years. The most powerful moment in the movie is when Valentino accepts an award and tears up as he thanks his life long partner. I liked the movie better than I thought I would because it focused on the person and his love of his life instead of boring me with fashion show details which I don't find interesting. Though looking at these dresses that Valentino designed I found them beautiful and impressive and now I know why he is a legend. "Valentino: The Last Emperor" is now available on DVD.