Screened as part of the Cannes Classic Selection, the three minute Prada short film A Therapy sees British actress Helena Bonham Carter decked in the luxury label visiting her therapist, played by Ben Kingsley. Written and directed by Oscar winner Roman Polanski,  A Therapy opens with Bonham Carter entering the therapist’s study in pearls and a purple fur coat. Reclining on a velvet chaise longue she begins to recount a recent nightmare.

 “I was alone in a vast arena, all alone. One the stage was a rock band and I couldn’t hear the music; total silence. I was consumed by panic. What does it mean? Does it symbolise my loneliness? I’m a very lonely person, I think it’s because I’m rich.”

As she continues to talk at length the therapist becomes increasingly distracted by the purple coat before completely abandoning his patient to try it on in the mirror. Despite the coat’s ill fit he admires it and appears captivated by it, unable to hear his patient’s self indulgent dreams. The film ends with Kingsley pressing the grey fur trim to his cheek and the words ‘Prada Suits Everyone’ appear on screen.

Speaking of the collaboration Polanski says “The chance to dwell on what the fashion world represents nowadays, and the fact that it is accompanied by so many stereotypes is fascinating and at the same time a bit upsetting, but you definitely cannot ignore it.” A Therapy is in a way the brand’s way of lampooning such stereotypes that surround Prada and its customers, and a spokesperson for the brand asserted “We wanted to keep it light and funny, we see this as a film not an advertisement”, and they have done just that.

Despite the fact the film cannot be divorced entirely from Prada’s marketing, it is successful as a short film that ultimately humanises and shows a lighter more humorous side to the Italian powerhouse. Bonham Carter’s styling and the womenswear on Kingsley make this short film one that we just love! You can see the prada short film by clicking here or simply watch below!

Meet Israel Winter Delgado

Israel Delgado has written 9 articles for Noir.

A 21st Century Holly Golightly, Israel's vices are old Hollywood Glamour, Whiskey and Cigarettes

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