Writing about what you like is one of the most existing and educative types of work for many students. Writing about what may change human life and motivate people is even more interesting when a student knows a topic and identifies possible outcomes. Several years ago, I was lucky to watch the movie created by David Frankel, The Devil Wears Prada. Some people may view this film simply as an ordinary story of a girl, Andy Sachs, who cherishes a dream to become a journalist and takes all the necessary, and sometimes unnecessary, steps to achieve her desired goals.
For me, however, it is also a more general story of life, with all its merits and demerits, beauty and challenges, benefits and mistakes. The Devil Wears Prada is a movie that helps young people stay motivated and never give up, to understand the essence of hard work and promotion, and to learn to use their personal uniqueness to their advantage, both in the workplace and throughout life.
At the beginning of the movie, Andy’s story seems to be naïve and ordinary, with the intention to show how challenging and competitive the working environment can be. In fact, the themes raised in The Devil Wears Prada are rather provocative and educative. Therefore, it was not a surprise for me when I began to identify myself with Andrea, comparing our professional and personal goals, as well as our attitudes to people, fashion, and priorities.
My comparison began after Andy’s phrases, “You know, it’s just that both those belts look exactly the same to me,” when she observed how several adults were confused and challenged by the necessity to choose between two almost similar belts, saying that they were “so different” (The Devil Wears Prada). Specific attention to multiple details is probably one of the strongest points in the movie.
The second reason for my inimitable love of the movie is the possibility to identify my colleagues and myself with the characters of the movie. There are so many “Emilies” in our everyday life who are ready to put their health and wealth at risk in the name of fashion and promotion: “It’s for Paris, I’m on this new diet. Well, I don’t eat anything, and when I feel like I’m about to faints I eat a cube of cheese. I’m just one stomach flu away from my goal weight” (The Devil Wears Prada).
I am happy to admit that leaders such as Miranda Priestly are also present in our lives because behind their severity, immovability, and impregnability, they give important lessons “to find suitable alternative” or “to get ahead” (The Devil Wears Prada). People are free to demonstrate different methods of work and cooperation and can be justified in cases where they achieve what is necessary and appropriate.
Finally, I cannot help but admit that this movie is a perfect guide for people who are in need of motivation and inspiration. Even if a person differs from someone else, there is no right to give up. Characters such as Nigel help the audience to realize that, “you are not trying. You are whining… You have no idea how many legends have walked these halls… what’s worse, you don’t care” and only when “your whole life goes up in smoke… it’s time for a promotion” (The Devil Wears Prada). The necessity to work with such judgmental people as Emily or Miranda makes insecure and unnoticeable Andy stronger and able to become Andrea, a smart and confident woman.
In general, The Devil Wears Prada is a collection of appealing ideas and hints for people who want to survive in this world. Those who believe that being different means being inappropriate and weird should watch this movie and realize how to regard such uniqueness as a gift and use it to their advantage. I have already taken on board this lesson and prepared myself for future professional challenges and complex working issues. I am ready for change and prepared to strive for improvement so my colleagues and bosses can admire my achievements.
Work Cited
The Devil Wears Prada. Directed by David Frankel, performances by Anne Hathaway, Meryl Streep, and Emily Blunt, Twentieth Century Fox, 2006.