Isaac Mizrahi Movies
An artist, an entrepreneur, and a media personality, fashion designer Isaac Mizrahi has found his way into seemingly every area of creative life. Born in Brooklyn, Mizrahi studied his craft at Parsons School of Design before embarking on a career that would run the gamut from haute couture to off-the-rack. In addition to various eponymous lines, Mizrahi eventually became the creative director for Liz Claiborne. He also regularly appeared on TV, offering his expertise for style- and fashion-related programming, hosting red-carpet interviews at awards shows, and making cameos on shows like Ugly Betty. ~ Cammila Albertson, All Movie Guide
- 2003
Originally intended as a four-part miniseries, Kingdom of David: The Saga of the Israelites made its U.S. debut as a two-part PBS special on May 14 and 21, 2003. Narrated by Keith David, with character voices provided by an impressive lineup of prominent actors, the program is dedicated to the thesis that the Israelites and the Jewish faith changed human history "as much as any empire that ever existed." Persecuted and slaughtered for practicing monotheism at a time when the prevailing belief was in multiple gods, the Kingdom of David kept itself united and solvent by passing along the history and traditions of its elders in written form (the "religion of the book"). Among the subjects explored are the formation of the laws of the Jews, the origins of their customs, and their strongly held and strictly enforced moral values. Individual episode titles include "By the Rivers of Babylon," "The Book and the Sword," "The End of Days," and "The Gifts of the Jews." As often as possible, Kingdom of David was filmed on the exact locations where the historical events described herein occurred. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Keith David, Jeremy Irons, (more)
- 2003
For his feature debut, writer/director Christopher Herrmann chose a subject near and dear to his heart. Herrmann had been the biographer and a close friend of renowned choreographer Martha Graham before the dance legend passed away in 1991 at the age of 96. With Ghostlight, Herrmann pays tribute to Graham by recreating the events that preceded Phaedra. Graham is portrayed by drag queen Richard Move (who also co-wrote the script), and Ann Magnuson plays Barbara Rosen, a filmmaker who is permitted to document the process of bringing Phaedra to the stage. Deborah Harry and Mark Morris appear as themselves in cameo roles. Ghostlight screened at the 2003 Tribeca Film Festival. ~ Matthew Tobey, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Richard Move, Ann Magnuson, (more)
- 2002
The Redemption of the World concludes American Experience's biography of Woodrow Wilson. In 1915, Wilson strived to keep the United States out of World War I. Meanwhile, he met and began dating Edith Bolling Galt, a widow who eventually became his second wife. Wilson won a hard-fought presidential race against Charles Evan Hughes in 1916, partially with his appeal as the peace candidate. By April of 1917, however, he asked Congress to declare war against Germany. A new draft sent thousands of American soldiers to Europe, eventually giving the Allies (Britain, France) the advantage. Determined to build a lasting peace, Wilson worked tirelessly on negations in Paris, insisting that all countries join a new League of Nations to assure future stability. U.S. Congressional leaders, however, feared that such a league would threaten national autonomy. Henry Cabot Lodge worked to defeat the league, while Wilson embarked on a campaign-style trip to gain the support of "the people." Wilson's train journey ended prematurely, though, when his health showed signs of rapid deterioration. Back at the White House, it was discovered that a stroke had paralyzed the left side of his body. Unhealthy and bitter, Wilson refused to compromise on the League of Nations and it was defeated. Woodrow Wilson offers a complete portrait of the 28th president, including historical film footage and commentary by historians. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Movie Guide
- 2002
American Experience: Woodrow Wilson -- A Passionate Man follows the development of Woodrow Wilson from his birth in Staunton, VA, in 1857, till the death of his first wife, Ellen Axson, in 1915. Wilson's father, a Presbyterian minister, instilled a sense of mission and righteousness in young Tommy. Still unable to read at ten, Wilson taught himself shorthand, and improved his studies. Eventually he was accepted at Princeton, and during advanced studies at John Hopkins University, he became interested in politics and history. He married Ellen Axson in 1885, became a professor, and returned to Princeton in 1890. By 1902, he had become the university's president, though the stress of the position damaged his already delicate health. In 1906, Wilson was diagnosed with high blood pressure. A doctor recommended retirement, but after much soul-searching, he ignored the doctor's advice. By 1910, he had been nominated, and then elected, governor of New Jersey. After Democrats nominated Wilson for president in 1912, he defeated a split Republican Party with 42 percent of the popular vote. While his administration's early reforms were impressive, 1915 brought the death of his wife and the beginning of World War I in Europe. Woodrow Wilson offers a complete portrait of the 28th president, including historical film footage and commentary by historians. ~ Ronnie D. Lankford, Jr., All Movie Guide
A down-on-his luck auteur gets one more chance at the big time -- provided his neuroses don't swallow him whole -- in Woody Allen's 33rd feature release, Hollywood Ending. Allen plays Val Waxman, a one-time cinematic genius who's resorted to taking advertisement work to pay the bills for himself and his airhead live-in girlfriend, Lori (Debra Messing). Val finds his luck is about to change, however, when he receives the script for The City Never Sleeps, a period noir set against the backdrop of 1940s New York City. It seems his ex-wife, Ellie (Tea Leoni), now an executive at Galaxy Pictures, has been pulling for him to direct the picture, claiming he's the only man who can do justice to the script. She even manages to convince her boyfriend, Hal (Treat Williams), Galaxy's high-powered studio head, to take a chance on Val's "unique vision." Just when the cameras are ready to roll, however, Val finds that unique vision in jeopardy -- literally -- as he's struck with a psychosomatic case of blindness. When physicians and psychiatrists fail to cure him, Val contrives a scheme to forge ahead with the picture, for fear of blowing his one last chance at greatness. Hollywood Ending co-stars George Hamilton and Mark Rydell. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Woody Allen, Téa Leoni, (more)
- 2001
Prominent clothing designer Isaac Mizrahi was generally unknown by the "average" until 1995, when he served as the subject of the filmed documentary Unzipped. Suddenly a genuine, gold-plated celebrity, Mizrahi was immediately dispatched to the TV talk-show circuit, proving to be a perceptive, witty, and sometimes withering raconteur. Inevitably he was rewarded with his own cable-TV series, cleverly titled The Isaac Mizrahi Show. In addition to the requisite celebrity chat, the series offered cooking, clothing, and makeup tips, as well as delightful musical and comic interpolations provided by the star. The Isaac Mizrahi Show joined the regular lineup of cable's Oxygen Channel on September 19, 2001. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Isaac Mizrahi
- 2000
Kim Coles makes her first series appearance as Mary Thomas, a sassy, outspoken African American woman who subs for the vacationing Roz (Peri Gilpin) as producer and call-screener for Frasier's radio call-in show. Mary's uninhibited demeanor and down-to-earth advice plays quite well with the listeners -- too well for Frasier (Kelsey Grammer), who fears that Mary may end up taking over his show...but he is equally fearful of complaining about it. Elsewhere, nerdy Niles (David Hyde Pierce) hopes to master the manly art of kickboxing -- with disastrous results for Daphne (Jane Leeves). ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
Black-and-white Sven Nykvist cinematography highlights this Woody Allen comedy about fame and obscurity among Manhattan celebs. Journalist Lee Simon (Kenneth Branagh), makes a play for actress Nicole Oliver (Melanie Griffith), subject of his current story. Lee is separated from his wife Robin (Judy Davis), a schoolteacher who's totally lost and insecure -- until TV producer Tony Gardella (Joe Mantegna) becomes fascinated with her. Concerned about her possible sexual inadequacies, Robin recruits a prostitute (Bebe Neuwirth) to instruct her on oral sex techniques. On the town, Lee becomes transfixed by a blond supermodel (Charlize Theron), who teases him throughout the night, eventually dropping him before they get home. Lee's relationship with book editor Bonnie (Famke Janssen) is solid, and she's due to move into his place. However, he suddenly becomes romantically involved with waitress-actress Nola (Winona Ryder), complicating his agreement with Bonnie. Lee's efforts to sell his screenplay take him to the Stanhope Hotel, where he arrives just as spoiled young movie star Brandon Darrow (Leonardo DiCaprio) is fighting with his girlfriend (Gretchen Mol), trashing his hotel room, and insulting hotel staffers. When Darrow and his entourage head off to Atlantic City, Lee tags along, but as life swirls about him, a dismal dawn awaits. In addition to the Stanhope, locations included Barbetta's Restaurant, Ziegfeld Theatre, Soho's Serge Soroko Gallery, Flamingo Club, Jean-Georges Restaurant, and the Trump Marina Hotel and Casino (donated by Donald Trump, who portrays himself in a cameo at the Jean-Georges). Shown at the 1998 Venice Film Festival, this was the opening night selection of the 1998 New York Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Kenneth Branagh, Judy Davis, (more)
- 1998
Katharina Otto directed this documentary exploration of the fashion industry by focusing on four aspiring teen models from four countries (Czech Republic, UK, Germany, U.S.). Each of the four won a local beauty contest and all look forward to their big break. The film examines schools, training, agencies, pressures, and auditions, including one such audition for famed designer Isaac Mizrahi. Additional background on the modeling profession is revealed in interviews with supermodels Naomi Campbell, Cindy Crawford, Elle Macpherson, Claudia Schiffer, and veteran Lauren Hutton. Shown at the 1998 Slamdance Film Festival. ~ Bhob Stewart, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Sarah Cookson, Dana Douglas, (more)
- 1995
Artist Matthew Barney continues his elaborate, symbolic mediation on sex, death, and creation with this 40-minute audiovisual installment of his much-acclaimed Cremaster cycle. Labeled the first in the series although it was originally exhibited second (in 1995, following the inaugural Cremaster 4), Cremaster 1 is set in the sculptor/filmmaker's hometown of Boise, ID, on the football field of Bronco Stadium. There, a flock of stewardesses and showgirls converge, forming intricate dance/movement patterns both on the field and in the sky, their actions dictated by Goodyear (Marti Domination), a goddess hovering overhead, simultaneously occupying two Goodyear blimps. While surveying her subjects, each version of Goodyear arranges grapes in a formation on the floor, which are then carried out by the dancers below. ~ Michael Hastings, All Movie Guide
- 1995
- R
The world of high-fashion is explored in this documentary. Much of the film is centered on the professional life of American supermodel Christy Turlington as she travels around the world's fashion centers for photoshoots and runway gigs. The film also offers many glimpses of the glitterati that surround the fashion industry, including designers such as Karl Lagerfeld, and movie stars like Sharon Stone. Naturally the clothing itself also figures prominently. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Christy Turlington
This documentary takes a lighthearted inside look at the fashion industry follows New York designer Isaac Mizrahi as he prepares to stage a fashion show. While the film avoids criticism and in-depth probing into Mizrahi, it does provide insight into the man's creativity as he deftly deals with the chaos. Mizrahi narrates the film and frequently quotes famous lines from the old movies he dearly loves. Film clips from the movies are included. ~ Sandra Brennan, All Movie Guide
Michael J. Fox stars as Doug Ireland in this romantic comedy about a brash concierge at a swanky New York hotel who always makes it a point to go out of his way for the hotel guests. But Doug doesn't want to be a concierge forever. What he would really like to do is build a swanky hotel of his own, and all he needs is $3 million to do it. When haughty and patronizing tycoon Christian Hanover (Anthony Higgins) comes to the hotel for a rendezvous with his mistress Andy Hart (Gabrielle Anwar), Doug sees the opportunity to convince Christian to invest the $3 million in his dream of a hotel. So, Doug willingly agrees to baby-sit Andy when Christian has to leave her to see his wife. But the more time he spends with Andy, the more affectionate he feels toward her, until finally he has fallen in love with her. Now Doug must make a choice concerning what he really wants -- his dream of a hotel or the love of Andy. ~ Paul Brenner, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Michael J. Fox, Gabrielle Anwar, (more)
Fame is set at New York's High School of Performing Arts, where talented teens train for show-business careers. The film concentrates on five of the most gifted students: singer Irene Cara, actors Paul McCrane and Barry Miller, dancer Gene Anthony Ray, and musician Lee Currieri. More so than the subsequent TV series Fame, the film emphasizes the importance of keeping up one's academic achievements in this specialized school. The faculty includes no-nonsense English teacher Ann Meara, erudite musical instructor Albert Hague, and martinet dance teacher Debbie Allen. Of the film's cast, Ray, Currieri, Allen and Hague were carried over to the TV version of Fame, which premiered in 1981. The score for the film version of Fame was honored with an Academy Award. ~ Hal Erickson, All Movie Guide
- Starring:
- Irene Cara, Paul McCrane, (more)
