Valentino: The Last Emperor
Truly Indie | Release Date: March 18, 2009 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
68
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 22 Critic Reviews
Positive:
18
Mixed:
4
Negative:
0
Watch Now
Buy on

Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
91
Entertainment WeeklyLisa Schwarzbaum
Film music by Nino Rota provides a Fellini overlay. Read full review
88
Boston GlobeWesley Morris
The decadence is obvious. But true to the Valentino prerogative, it's beautiful - sad, too: a dream life moving into the unknown. Read full review
83
Portland OregonianShawn Levy
You wouldn't necessarily want to be Valentino, but this sprightly film may make you nostalgic for a life you've never lived. Read full review
80
The Hollywood ReporterNatasha Senjanovic
Entertaining and even poignant. Read full review
80
Chicago ReaderAndrea Gronvall
Part celebrity dish, part business journalism, this illuminating 2008 documentary about the legendary Italian designer Valentino Garavani spans the tumultuous final two years of his decades-long reign as one of the most successful innovators in the fashion industry. Read full review
80
Los Angeles TimesKenneth Turan
Unexpectedly involving documentary. Read full review
80
Wall Street JournalJoe Morgenstern
Seldom has a film explored such exotica as Valentino's world -- the gowns, the galas, the villas, the private jets -- with such a sense of momentous drama behind the glitz. Read full review
75
San Francisco ChronicleSylvia Rubin
At its heart, the film is about the intense connection between Valentino and his business partner of 50 years, Giancarlo Giammetti, the brains behind the branding. Read full review
75
Chicago Sun-TimesRoger Ebert
A documentary with privileged access to the legendary designer in his studio, workshop, backstage, his homes, even aboard his yacht and private jet. Read full review
75
New York PostV.A. Musetto
Filled with affecting moments. Read full review
75
Miami HeraldMarta Barber
Among the invited guests are Sarah Jessica Parker and Julia Roberts. Only one fellow designer is present: Karl Lagerfeld, the German designer settled in Paris. Read full review
75
Baltimore SunMichael Sragow
Light, engaging documentary. Read full review
75
St. Louis Post-DispatchJoe Williams
Unexpectedly poignant. Read full review
70
VarietyAlissa Simon
What adds heart, and humor, is the interplay between the legendary couturier and Giancarlo Giammetti, his longtime partner in business and life. Read full review
67
The A.V. ClubNoel Murray
From Valentino Garavani's imperious carriage and diva fits to his coterie of tiny dogs, the subject of Tyrnauer's doc comes off like a fictional character, scripted by a writer with a weakness for cliché. Read full review
67
Christian Science MonitorPeter Rainer
This love letter to Valentino from director Matt Tyrnauer seems intended for the already smitten. Read full review
67
Austin ChronicleMarjorie Baumgarten
Ultimately, the film feels as glitzy and superficial as the fashion industry itself, a bauble in full regalia, and it’s likely your interest in the documentary will depend largely on your prior interest in the subject matter. Read full review
63
Chicago TribuneMichael Phillips
The filmmaker's access was impressive, the results moderately entertaining. Read full review
60
New York Daily NewsElizabeth Weitzman
Lively and affectionate, Matt Tyrnauer's documentary is made for those who believe, as he does, that the work of fashion designer Valentino is worthy of the most respectful chronicle. Read full review
50
The New York TimesStephen Holden
Watching the movie is a little like gorging on chocolate and Champagne until that queasy moment arrives when you realize you’ve consumed far too much. Read full review
50
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Liam Lacey
Superficial but giddily entertaining backstage documentary. Read full review
40
Village VoiceMelissa Anderson
Dedicated follower of fashion Matt Tyrnauer crafts the slick, superficial portrait that you might expect from a Vanity Fair special correspondent. Read full review
More From This Movie

68 Critic Reviews

7.7 User Reviews

Details & Credits|Trailers

Current Movie Releases
By MetascoreBy User Score
1 77 Project Hail Mary
2 75 Send Help
3 73 Hoppers
4 71 The Sheep Detectives
5 68 Crime 101
SEE ALL
Essential Links
New on Amazon Prime Video
New on Netflix
Coming Soon to DVD/Blu-ray
SEE ALL