Thirteen years ago, John Galliano, once a celebrated fashion icon, was arrested for two hate crimes. The world watched as his reputation crumbled, and his life took a dramatic turn. Now, Kevin Macdonald, director of the Academy Award-winning documentary ‘Black September’, sheds light on Galliano’s downfall in his new film, ‘John Galliano: The World’s Most Foolish Genius Designer’.
Macdonald delves into the events that led to Galliano’s shocking outburst, offering a nuanced look at the complexities of mental health within the fashion industry. In a captivating interview, Macdonald shares his insights on the film’s creation. “I was introduced to John by a friend, and I think he wanted to talk about himself at that point, at least that’s how I felt.” He emphasizes the importance of building trust, spending months with Galliano, documenting his story through the lens of a camera. “You build a relationship when you spend days together, eating, talking, you develop feelings. So, in the editing process, I made sure to maintain an objective point of view and include critical opinions about him.”
The film leaves viewers pondering whether Galliano has truly shown remorse and if redemption is possible. “But it’s also true that we need to look at the environment that drove him to this point. The fashion world tends to focus solely on the beautiful and ignore the unpleasant. We need to go beyond the surface and care for and respect the mental well-being of the people who create beauty.”
In an interview with the film’s director, Macdonald reveals some surprising insights into Galliano’s perspective:
1.
Galliano’s perception of his actions:
“The most surprising thing about John during the filming was his belief that he only committed one hate crime. I’m not sure if he truly doesn’t understand what he did or if he’s blocked it out. But watching the film, you’ll see that he’s trying to come to terms with it.”2.
Influence of ‘Napoleon’ (1927):
While not directly referenced, the film’s focus on Galliano’s journey is reminiscent of the power of a single moment to shift a person’s life.3.
Impact of ‘The Thin Blue Line’:
Macdonald reveals that ‘The Thin Blue Line’ sparked his interest in documentary filmmaking. The film’s impact on him goes beyond the subject matter; he emphasizes the importance of equal treatment of interview subjects and the use of meticulous storytelling to unveil truth.4.
Inspiration from ‘The Battle of Algiers’:
This film’s approach to depicting a historical conflict with a balanced perspective and emotional depth resonated deeply with Macdonald.5.
Dream subject: Vladimir Putin:
Despite acknowledging its impracticality, Macdonald confesses his fascination with unraveling the truth behind the Russian leader’s public persona.‘John Galliano: The World’s Most Foolish Genius Designer’ offers a captivating exploration of a complex figure in the world of fashion. It prompts viewers to consider not only the consequences of hate speech but also the responsibility of the industry to support the well-being of its creators.
