Top Qs
Timeline
Chat
Perspective
The September Issue
2009 American film From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Remove ads
The September Issue is a 2009 American documentary film directed by R. J. Cutler. The film centers on editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and the editorial team at American Vogue as they prepare the magazine’s September 2007 issue, at the time the most significant and voluminous edition in its history. The documentary offers a behind-the-scenes look at the fashion industry, focusing on the relationship between Wintour and longtime creative director Grace Coddington, as well as the editorial decisions that shaped the issue.
The film premiered at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival and was subsequently screened at several international festivals, including Zurich Film Festival, Silverdocs, and Sheffield DocFest. It was released theatrically in Australia on August 20, 2009, and in select theaters in the United States on August 28, 2009, by Roadside Attractions.[2] It received generally favorable reviews from critics and grossed approximately $7.1 million worldwide.
At the 14th Satellite Awards, the film was nominated for Best Documentary Film. It also received nominations from the Dallas–Fort Worth Film Critics Association and the Sundance Film Festival, and won recognition for its cinematography by Robert Richman at the latter.
Remove ads
Synopsis
The film documents the production of the September 2007 issue of American Vogue, traditionally the magazine’s most significant and widely circulated edition of the year. It provides an in-depth look at the editorial process, including the planning, photography, layout, and decision-making that culminate in the final issue. Central to the narrative is the working relationship between editor-in-chief Anna Wintour and creative director Grace Coddington, a former model known for her strong visual sensibility and editorial direction.
Coddington is portrayed as a key creative force behind the magazine’s visual storytelling, often challenging Wintour’s editorial decisions. Despite occasional disagreements, the film presents their relationship as mutually respectful and collaborative. Wintour ultimately approves most of Coddington’s contributions, many of which appear in the final publication of the issue.
Remove ads
Notable fashion icons
The film features appearances by many well-known and influential people in the fashion industry, from top editorial models to noted fashion photographers and designers.
Designers
Models
Photographers
Others
Remove ads
Reception
Summarize
Perspective
Box office
The September Issue achieved moderate commercial success during its theatrical run. In the United States and Canada, the documentary grossed approximately $3.82 million. Internationally, it earned around $3.26 million, culminating in a worldwide total of about $7.08 million.[3][4]
The film opened in a limited release, debuting in six theaters with an opening weekend gross of $220,416. It eventually expanded to a maximum of 143 theaters across North America.[4]
In Australia, The September Issue performed notably well, grossing approximately $1.21 million.
Critical response
The September Issue received generally positive reviews from critics. On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 83% based on 114 reviews, with an average rating of 7/10. The website’s critics consensus reads: “This documentary about the making of Vogue’s biggest issue and its frosty editor-in-chief is fascinating eye candy and light-on-its-feet fun.”[5] On Metacritic, the film has a weighted average score of 69 out of 100, based on 28 reviews, indicating “generally favorable reviews.”[6]
A. O. Scott of The New York Times praised the film’s focus on Grace Coddington, calling her “the real star” and describing her as a “born editor and an inspired visual thinker.” He noted that while Anna Wintour is portrayed with characteristic reserve, Coddington offers a more emotionally resonant perspective.[7] Roger Ebert of the Chicago Sun-Times gave the film three out of four stars, writing that the documentary “creates the impression of a workplace that is competitive, pressured, and at times inspiring.” He observed that Coddington provides a creative counterbalance to Wintour’s editorial authority.[8]
Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian awarded the film four out of five stars, describing it as “gripping and surprisingly funny.” He emphasized the film’s insight into the personalities that shape Vogue, especially Coddington, whom he called “quietly heroic.”[9] Ella Taylor of NPR highlighted the tension between creative freedom and commercial pragmatism, noting that the film “neither lionizes nor demonizes Wintour, but instead paints a complex portrait of fashion leadership.”[10]
Nathan Rabin of The A.V. Club gave the film a B+, praising its behind-the-scenes access and the nuanced depiction of the creative process. He wrote that the film “captures a rare glimpse of how ideas evolve under pressure.”[11] Peter Travers of Rolling Stone called the documentary “eye-opening” and “surprisingly humane,” citing the Wintour–Coddington dynamic as “the film’s emotional core.”[12]
Remove ads
Accolades
Remove ads
Demand for namesake
Following the release of The September Issue, the September 2007 edition of American Vogue—which serves as the central subject of the documentary—experienced a notable increase in demand among collectors. Copies of the 840-page issue, which featured actress Sienna Miller on the cover, have been listed on resale platforms such as eBay at prices ranging from $100 to $300, depending on condition and completeness.[16][17] This surge in aftermarket value has contributed to the issue’s reputation as one of the most sought-after in the magazine’s history.
Although substantial in size, the September 2007 issue was later surpassed in length by the September 2012 edition, which comprised 916 pages. The latter issue featured Lady Gaga on the cover and coincided with the magazine’s 120th anniversary.[18][19]
Remove ads
References
External links
Wikiwand - on
Seamless Wikipedia browsing. On steroids.
Remove ads