![]() ![]() Cashing in on his own clandestine reputation and the disco decade’s anything-goes sensibilities, Casablancas offered an alternative to the clean-cut agency standard, personified by Eileen and Jerry Ford, and ushered in a new era. Elite offered not only management, but also a challenge to the industry status quo of the time. ![]() ![]() What began in Paris at the dawn of 1970s as an exclusive boutique centered around on a few modeling stars, quickly evolved into an international powerhouse focused on finding and developing brand new talent. On the modeling end, no one exemplifies this better than Elite Models founder, John Casabalancas, a man whose 40 year career has been defined in equal measure by triumph and scandal, in many ways mirroring the complex public perception of the modeling business itself. The over the top editors, the diva designers, the larger than life personalities who set tongues wagging and make the otherwise normal art of crafting & marketing clothing a consistently fascinating endeavor. This film is just an interesting look at a man who built a modeling empire and the era that he lived in.Fashion is an industry dominated by characters: the closer to the top you get, the more you’ll find distinctive individuals whose strength (and weakness) lies in their powerful mix of bravado and business savvy. Overall, there is no in depth look at how models are treated by clients and the industry, or any attempt to delve into the political correctness of physical beauty being cherished by many in society. There's plenty of archival footage to be enjoyed here, and you'll,of course, recognize many of his famous supermodels such as Christie Brinkley, Cindy Crawford, Stephanie Seymour, Iman, Linda Evangelista, and many more too numerous to mention. This would be 2 years before his death in 2013, at the age of 70 from cancer. The documentary has Casablancas' narration as he told his story to writer and director Hubert Woroniecki over a 3 day period, in 2011. Yet he still seemed to maintain a rather level head, despite venturing into the extremely cutthroat modeling agency business and being constantly surrounded by the most dazzling and beautiful women. Casablancas' world was one I could never even imagine living in, a jet setters dream. This doc, chronicles his life and career, eventually building up his Elite Modeling Agency into the #1 international agency before he retired. I remember seeing John Casablancas many times on TV being interviewed as I grew up, with his suave and witty air. This is an one-sided telling which limits the drama. I'm sure he had the time of his life with all the money and beautiful women everywhere. His biggest vice is gambling and he tells a story where he ends up winning. He claims to never take drugs and that subject is not touched upon. ![]() It would be compelling to hear the hurt from his ex-wife or his kid. He broke up his marriage for a 16 year old Stephanie Seymour. When "Eye in the Sky" starts playing, there is a tinge of lost that would be even more poignant if the film could lay out that perfect lost moment and follow it with a more honest portrayal of the downfall. A more introspective examination would give this documentary greater depth. There are serious allegations against modeling agencies and the man himself which is only lightly refuted. The main failing is its fawning treatment of Casablancas. That could make for a compelling theatrical movie. In all, the most dramatic part is probably the battle between him and Eileen. I didn't follow supermodels so closely as to know the name John Casablancas or even Elite Modeling. The first part of this documentary does not fill me with hopes of great drama. As his agency grows into the 80's, he would compete against legendary Eileen Ford and bring about the age of the Supermodel. In 60's Paris, he falls into being an agent for a model who would eventually become his second wife. It's the tough world of a young guy with plenty of beautiful women. John Casablancas grew up as a free wheeling playboy. ![]()
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