The First Monday in May

The First Monday in May

By Andrew Rossi

  • Genre: Documentary
  • Release Date: 2016-04-15
  • Advisory Rating: PG-13
  • Runtime: 1h 30min
  • Director: Andrew Rossi
  • Production Company: Abstract
  • iTunes Price: USD 9.99
  • iTunes Rent Price: USD 3.99
7.5/10
7.5
From 32 Ratings

Description

An unprecedented look behind the scenes of two of New York’s premier cultural events, The First Monday in May follows the creation of the most attended fashion exhibition in the history of The Costume Institute at The Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the 2015 Met Gala, the star-studded fundraiser that celebrates the opening of the exhibition. Acclaimed filmmaker Andrew Rossi (Page One: Inside the New York Times) follows Anna Wintour, editor-in-chief of Vogue magazine and longtime chair of the Met Gala, and Andrew Bolton, the iconoclastic curator who conceived the groundbreaking show, for eight months as they prepare for an evening they hope will take the worlds of art and fashion by storm. Featuring Rihanna, designers Karl Lagerfeld, Jean Paul Gaultier and John Galliano, filmmaker Wong Kar Wai, and many more icons from the worlds of fashion, art, music and film.

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Reviews

  • Very good

    5
    By bonrepas
    I really dislike vogue magazine and believe Anna Wintour has destroyed it, however Andrew Bolton was wonderful and put together a wonderful exhibition and thanks to him this documentary gets my five stars.
  • pretentious

    2
    By Megane 0572
    b.s.
  • To rent to not to rent

    5
    By The Fashiontist
    Is it ever going to be available to buy?
  • Must seen

    5
    By Robinson garcia
    It's always good to watch a good documentary about fashion and what its involved.
  • A reverent examination

    5
    By Micah Unice
    This film exquisitely promulgates the notion of fashion as an art medium. It’s intense, but accessible enough to touch those who aren’t privy to the industry. It also takes on issues like cultural appropriation and colonialism in a subjective, reverent way that I think other directors wouldn’t have braved. "China: Through the Looking-Glass", stunning and successful exhibition though it was, was also culturally problematic, and the film doesn’t shy away from pointing out those problems. It’s a great conversation piece. Don’t overlook it.
  • Vapid

    1
    By Montenem
    This film does one thing. It clearly reaffirms just how dangerous having little to no education is when you are that close to the money. The people in the fashion industry are outright disrespectful toward the cultures that they seek to discuss, they fail to understand appropriation or colonialism (and how colonial culture is perpetuated through the celebration of clothes the way that they did it)…the exhibit should have given voice back. This film celebrating an industry that makes billions on the backs of children in Vietnam, China, India, ect and continues to perpetuate white standards of beauty has no business talking about art or culture. They are merely a consumable to make money, merely another wall we must break down in seeking equality for all people. When these people can pay all of their people equally and equally represent all people not just through stealing parts of culture for their clothes, when they can make clothes to be worn by all people then they can start saying their privilege is something more than an excuse for not being able to do anything else productive. Also I should add the whole reason you get this rant is because this documentary in no way questions them. It just lets people say whatever without any critical view (and they say so many stupid things…at one point this guy actually tells the Chinese consultant he’s wrong. It’s a you have to be kidding me moment). So if you want to throw away some time and money go for it. This film is only food for gaining a glance into the arrogance of this industry.
  • good documentary about fashion and art

    3
    By SFVideoKid
    especially the behind the scenes with Andrew Bolton and the Met staff. Certainly learned a lot about what goes into putting together a production of this size. Tons of work that happens in the background by so many people who also deserve recognition. Most of us only see the end result. I also liked the fact that time was spent going through the creative processes, research, collaborations, and even the politics. Very cool to hear from Galliano and Gaultier too. The Met Gala is pretty crazy and I’m sure it raises lots of money for the wardrobe department. Now speaking strictly for myself, I could go through the rest of my days without ever seeing (or hearing the names) Bieber, Kim / Kanye. Lost one star for featuring people who add absolutely nothing to this world. Otherwise I liked this documentary :)
  • Genius

    5
    By mattisimo88
    I thought this film was great. A great addition to the September Issue. I think Andrew Bolton is nothing short of a genius and seeing the behind the scenes view of launching a show as complicated as China Through the Looking Glass was really inspiring. I also love his partner (the amazing Thom Browne) outfitting his every look ;)
  • Even better than The September Issue!

    5
    By missdinalane
    Seriously so good. Loved all the behind the scenes stuff. Don't miss it!
  • Over. Rated.

    1
    By 700 Pages
    I enjoyed the similar documentary The September Issue, and though the whole fashion thing is mostly about promotion and fantasy, I gave them credit because it is a bit of an art form. But when they mention Kanye and the Kardashians then I can’t take them seriously, and I will no longer support anything that resorts to leaning on name recognition (especially with those idiots) to promote their product. If you want me to take you seriously, don’t mention a Kardashian. $7 wasted.

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