This production reeks of effort: it tries too hard, lacks elegance -- which is ironic for a drama centered around haute couture. Several main stories are crowded by secondary characters with their own stories. It defies the main rule of sophisticated attire: a strong statement with judicious embellishment.
Much of the pilot is shot in dark rooms, hallways and streets. Whomever designed the sets and lighting fail to highlight and direct the eye. Moving and static shots are lost in the shadows, when such atmospheres are opportunities for the best methods perfected in the film noir era. If the cinematography in this production was translated to black-and-white, much of it would be ink blots.
Unfortunately much of the dialogue is expository because there are so many stories being told the characters have to think aloud in order to be followed.
In the end, choices weren't made, EVERYTHING was piled on. The result is a pilot that can barely move under the weight.
Much of the pilot is shot in dark rooms, hallways and streets. Whomever designed the sets and lighting fail to highlight and direct the eye. Moving and static shots are lost in the shadows, when such atmospheres are opportunities for the best methods perfected in the film noir era. If the cinematography in this production was translated to black-and-white, much of it would be ink blots.
Unfortunately much of the dialogue is expository because there are so many stories being told the characters have to think aloud in order to be followed.
In the end, choices weren't made, EVERYTHING was piled on. The result is a pilot that can barely move under the weight.