The First Monday In May

The First Monday in May is a captivating and intriguing documentary film released in 2016, directed by Andrew Rossi. It offers viewers an unprecedented, behind-the-scenes look at the remarkable intersections of fashion and art, and the creativity and arduous preparation involved in coordinating one of New York City's grandest events, the Metropolitan Museum of Art's annual Met Gala.

The film draws its title from the real-world event that occurs annually on the first Monday of May: The Metropolitan Museum's glamorous Costume Institute exhibition's grand opening (also known as the Met Gala). The premiere date of these exhibitions, known as "Fashion's Biggest Night Out," is annually attended by Hollywood celebrities, fashion luminaries, and other notable figures, shining a spotlight on the vital relationship between fashion and art.

In the foreground of the film are two prominent figures: Anna Wintour, the iconic editor-in-chief of Vogue Magazine and the Met Gala's chair, and Andrew Bolton, the chief curator at the Met's Costume Institute. Wintour is well-known in the fashion industry and beyond, partly due to her infamous portrayal in the film 'The Devil Wears Prada". But here, you get to see Wintour behind the scenes, pulling the strings and making critical decisions for the gala. On the other hand, Bolton provides a fascinating contrast as the somewhat unassuming and academic curator, passionate about positioning fashion as legitimate and important art.

The First Monday in May focuses on the planning and execution of the 2015 exhibition, "China: Through the Looking Glass." The biggest exhibition in the institute's history, it examines the influence of Chinese aesthetics on Western fashion. Therfore, the documentary becomes a springboard for interesting discussions about issues such as Orientalism and the delicate balance between cultural appreciation and cultural appropriation. Viewers are given an intimate look at everything from curatorial debates over object placement to detailed analysis of potential sartorial disasters.

Other standout moments in the film include candid footage of high-profile celebrities like Rihanna and Jean Paul Gaultier, capturing the creative and business aspects of staging such a grandiose event. Between the preparation for the exhibit and the gala, the film takes viewers to Paris, London, Milan, and Shanghai, because in order to put on an event of such large magnitude, global collaboration and multicultural perspectives become an absolute mandate.

Moreover, the film does not shy away from showing the conflicts that arise during the preparations. It accurately portrays how visions across different teams clash, bringing reality to the fore and rending the elusive veil of glitz and glam. It enthralls the audience by providing real-time insights into the challenges involved in ensuring accuracy while honoring Chinese culture without offending anyone.

The First Monday in May is a lushly filmed tribute to the intricate work and indulgence of the fashion world. It tantalizes viewers with a voyeuristic peek into an event that celebrates the evasive dance between fashion and art, East and West, and tradition and innovation. It will appeal to a broad spectrum of viewers, from those with a keen interest in fashion to those who are generally captivated by an insider look at physically enormous, artistically ambitious, and culturally sensitive endeavors.

In conclusion, The First Monday in May offers a backstage pass to one of the fashion industry's most exciting nights, but it also offers a thoughtful reflection on the inner workings of art and culture. Along with a visually stunning exploration of high-profile individuals and past events, it generously delivers a complex masterpiece that crafts an appreciation for what the Met Gala truly represents. Through a myriad of spotlighted human moments, interviews, preparations, conflicts, and the grand event itself, it's a movie not about just another fashion saga, but a narrative about how art, culture, and fashion intertwine on a global scale.