IRIS

2015

a documentary on Netflix


I had seen  images of Iris Apfel in ads.  I had not a clue as to who she was. I was reluctant to view this documentary as movies about older individuals can be so dour and gloomy. I gave this one a shot and enjoyed it. Iris the person is as unique as Iris the fashion statement.  Actually she refers to herself as a "geriatric starlet".  Her energy, style, irony and logic shine through the entire film. The filming was so well executed that I could almost feel the embroidered cloth, pet the toy bear and see my reflection in the mirror.  The director knew when to stay on a shot or quickly (and Iris really moves even with recent hip surgery) send the camera to the next place.  Iris isn't all about appearance. She started a successful interior decoration business when that was a highly unusual thing for a young married woman. Now instead of retiring she teaches, does consulting with museums and even is currently distributing her various collections.  Admittedly Iris Apfel is not going to cure cancer, discover life on Mars or reconcile the Middle Eastern factions.  Without any pontification, what are essentially life lessons, are distributed painlessly throughout this film.  Stay for the closing credits, they are worth the wait and are the essence of Iris.