Watch Vidal Sassoon: The Movie

Vidal Sassoon: The Movie is a captivating documentary that depicts the life of the legendary hairdresser, Vidal Sassoon. The film, released in 2010, is directed by Craig Teper and features interviews with Vidal Sassoon himself, as well as other renowned figures in the fashion and salon industry, such as Beverly Adams, Elgin Charles, and Grace Coddington.

The documentary takes the viewer on a mesmerizing journey through Vidal Sassoon's career and personal life. Sassoon's life story is brought to life with archival footage, photographs, and interviews with friends and family, giving us an insight into the man behind the iconic haircuts. The film features interviews with individuals who were heavily influenced by Sassoon's work, including celebrities and fellow hairstylists, showcasing the widespread impact of his innovative hairstyles.

We see how Sassoon came to be known as the "father of modern hairdressing" for his groundbreaking geometric cuts, which challenged the established styles of the time. He was determined to revolutionize the industry and inject it with a creative new vision. And that he did, becoming a household name in the 1960s and '70s thanks to his famous "Five Point" cut.

The movie discusses Sassoon's early life, growing up in the poor and working-class area of London's East End, and how he trained as a hairdresser. The documentary portrays how Sassoon's difficult upbringing and his experiences in the war molded his determination and resilience to succeed in a tough industry. His ambition and skill led him to open up his salon in London, where his innovative techniques quickly caught the attention of the fashion and entertainment industry.

From London, Sassoon moved to Los Angeles, where he started to work on celebrity clients and continued to gain international recognition for his work. The movie explores Sassoon's influence on pop culture, style, and fashion, examining how he elevated hairdressing to new heights as an art form. Sassoon's contribution to fashion was not only about haircutting; he became known for his "wash and wear" hairstyles that required little maintenance, providing women with a more natural and practical way of styling their hair.

The personal life of Sassoon is also delved into in the documentary. The interviews in the film depict Sassoon as a dedicated father, devoted to his children and family life, yet also a workaholic, spending long hours at the salon perfecting his craft. Sassoon's personal struggles, including his divorce and battles with depression, are also addressed sensitively, giving us a compassionate portrait of the man behind the public figure.

Throughout the movie, the viewer is treated to stunning visuals of Sassoon's creations, featuring models sporting his revolutionary haircuts on the runway, and celebrities sporting their Sassoon-inspired hairdos. The film offers a unique insight into the creative process behind some of Sassoon's most famous haircuts, such as the iconic "Bob" and "Pixie" cuts, which continue to influence hairdressing today.

The movie concludes by examining Sassoon's legacy and impact. His extraordinary combination of technical excellence, creativity, and innovation that transformed the hairdressing industry into an art form is a lasting testament to his genius. Sassoon's philosophy of "if you don't look good, we don't look good" has become a mantra for many in the industry, emphasizing the importance of quality, and reinforcing his belief that the foundation of great hairdressing is a great haircut.

In conclusion, Vidal Sassoon: The Movie is an engrossing documentary that provides a fascinating insight into the life and career of one of the most influential hairdressers of the 20th century. The documentary presents a balanced view of Sassoon's life, his accomplishments, and struggles, and demonstrates why he was so highly regarded in the fashion world. It provides a captivating portrait of the man who revolutionized the industry, challenging traditional attitudes, and changing the way we think about hairdressing.

Vidal Sassoon: The Movie is a 2010 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 30 minutes. It has received moderate reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.4 and a MetaScore of 63.