'Becoming Karl Lagerfeld' Review: Hulu's biopic doubles down on designer's legacy despite minor hiccups
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: The vibrant and dazzling world of fashion takes the stage in Hulu's 'Becoming Karl Lagerfeld', which is based on iconic fashion designer Karl Lagerfeld's early years.
The six-episode series transports viewers deep into the heart of 1970s Parisian high fashion, with Daniel Brühl playing the iconic designer Karl Lagerfeld and a stellar cast including Théodore Pellerin, Arnaud Valois, Alex Lutz, and Agnès Jaoui providing a riveting portrayal of Lagerfeld's rise in the fashion world.
However, while the show delves into the deep dynamics of Lagerfeld's personal and professional life, it occasionally fails to convey the true essence of the man behind the myth.
'Becoming Karl Lagerfeld' offers plenty of drama
Even though the show tackles the complex calculations that shaped Lagerfeld's career and his turbulent personal relationships, especially those with Yves Saint Laurent (Arnaud Valois) and Jacques de Bascher (Théodore Pellerin), it ultimately falls short of capturing the spirit of the man.
I don't know why, but this is the second time this year that a fashion series only focuses on personal lives—as was the case with 'The New Look'. We are left with an impression of Lagerfeld as a convoluted and contentious individual, but we don't get a better sense of his reasons or the significance of his situations.
The not-so-good aspects of Lagerfeld's life and relationships take the center stage as it sheds light on the chaotic private life of the fashion icon, hidden beneath the opulent, high-fashion façade.
'Becoming Karl Lagerfeld' is elevated by a stellar cast with nuanced performances
A standout aspect of the show is the cast, which expertly captures the complexity and subtlety of some of the most recognizable characters in fashion history.
Daniel Brühl gives an enthralling performance as Lagerfeld that reflects the designer's exuberant yet mysterious demeanor. His portrayal effectively highlights Lagerfeld's ambition and complex nature and his physical makeover for the part gives the storyline an intriguing extra degree of realism.
The performance of Théodore Pellerin as Jacques de Bascher is particularly noteworthy since he gives the character a unique blend of charm and erratic behavior that makes his turbulent connection with Lagerfeld both tragic and engrossing.
The on-screen dynamic between Pellerin and Brühl is enhanced by their chemistry, which makes their exchanges some of the most captivating in the show.
As Yves Saint Laurent, Arnaud Valois portrays the renowned designer with a refined intensity that successfully captures the artist's personal problems and obsessions. His portrayal creates a rich background against which Lagerfeld's biography is told.
Overall, even with its flaws in encapsulating Lagerfeld's personality and its emphasis on the man over the fashion, 'Becoming Karl Lagerfeld' remains an engaging viewing experience.
You can easily watch the entire series in one sitting due to its great performances, especially Daniel Brühl's portrayal of Lagerfeld.
'Becoming Karl Lagerfeld' trailer