A footnote on “The Devil Wears Prada”

This is not a review (it’s much too late for that). Rather, this is a long-overdue note on a movie that has created quite a buzz in our office — particularly among the women and the fashionistas, and among those who have read and loved the book (by Lauren Weisberger).

And no, this isn’t a social commentary either. Instead, I’m focusing on the main cast, who — as far as I’m concerned — made this film truly enjoyable.

First and foremost, there’s Meryl Streep. What else can you say about this superlative talent that hasn’t been said before? Suffice it to say that whenever she plays a character onscreen, it’s so easy to forget that you’re only seeing an actress plying her trade (and not the real thing).

As the Great Arbiter of Taste and All Things Fashionable, Miranda (Streep) rules her kingdom with an iron fist (encased in a diamond-encrusted velvet glove, of course). She issues her decrees in a bored and disdainful upper-crust whine. When she snaps her fingers (or clacks her Manolos), her minions jump in all directions (preferably out of sight).

Picking Anne Hathaway to play Andrea Sachs is an apt choice. She is the right age (at 23) and has the looks and the screen charisma to ensure her celluloid presence. The way I see it, it’s a good thing she looks this good; otherwise, she would’ve gotten swamped by the slick brilliance of the film’s powerhouse cast.

Emily Blunt fits “Emily” to a T. She nails down the little details that make Emily’s neurotic personality as incandescent as the rest of the major characters. Very effective and downright believable.

As Runway’s charismatic creative director, Nigel, Stanley Tucci is note-perfect. Although he barely resembles his counterpart in the book (supposed to be a very tall Brit), he nevertheless makes a perfect foil to Meryl Streep’s Miranda.

The actors playing minor characters are basically okay (Adrian Greiner, Simon Baker, Tracie Thoms), with no glaring miscues. And there’s a huge difference between the film and book, particularly the ending. As for the production sets, the clothes, the shoes, the accessories, everything — they are a visual feast.