The Devil Wears Prada: A Fashionable Success Story
Despite its massive box office success, The Devil Wears Prada had to fight for its budget. Meryl Streep, who played the iconic Miranda Priestley, recently recalled how the 2006 movie’s classification as a ‘chick flick’ made it difficult to secure funding.
The Devil Wears Prada earned 20th Century Fox more than $326 million worldwide, but according to Streep, the film’s producers had to ‘scramble for our budget’ due to its perceived genre. ‘Twenty years ago, [the term ‘chick flick’] was used as a derogatory term, and it was very difficult to get people to take us seriously,’ Streep explained.
A Novel Adaptation
The movie is an adaptation of Lauren Weisberger’s novel of the same name, which follows the story of Andy Sachs, a young journalist who lands a job at Runway magazine, led by the demanding Miranda Priestley. The film’s success can be attributed to its strong female leads, stylish visuals, and witty dialogue.
Directed by David Frankel, The Devil Wears Prada features an ensemble cast, including Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, and Stanley Tucci. The movie’s success paved the way for more female-led films and proved that ‘chick flicks’ can be both critically acclaimed and commercially successful.
A Lasting Impact
The Devil Wears Prada has become a cultural phenomenon, with its influence still felt in the fashion and film industries today. The movie’s themes of female empowerment, friendship, and self-discovery continue to resonate with audiences worldwide.
As for Meryl Streep, her iconic portrayal of Miranda Priestley cemented her status as a Hollywood legend. Her performance earned her an Academy Award nomination and solidified her position as one of the most versatile and talented actresses of our time.