Watch Who Are You, Polly Magoo?

In the swinging 60s, fashion was taking over the world by storm, and everyone was trying to capture its essence. This cultural shift was the perfect backdrop for William Klein's satirical film, "Who Are You, Polly Magoo?" - a parody of the fashion industry and society as a whole. The movie follows the story of a young American model, Polly Magoo (Dorothy McGowan), as she becomes the subject of a French television documentary. The documentary portrays Polly as a symbol of girl-next-door charm and beauty, quickly transforming her into an overnight sensation.

As her fame grows, Polly is swept up in a sea of madness, as she becomes the muse of fashion designers, filmmakers, and photographers. She is courted by the elite and the wealthy, all wanting to be seen with the "it" girl of the moment.

Polly's journey takes her from the catwalks of Paris to the streets of Rome, where she meets an eccentric fashion designer and a suave playboy who try to satisfy her every whim. Amidst the glitz and glamor, Polly tries to figure out who she really is and what she wants out of life.

The movie employs a raw and provocative style, which complements the sharp wit of its humor. William Klein's direction creates a film that is both a tribute to and a deconstruction of the fashion industry. Klein has intentionally exaggerated the excesses of the industry, with its bizarre photo shoots, outrageous costumes, and impersonal treatment of people.

The film features a host of hilarious characters that embody the stereotypes of the fashion industry. The French television host, Miss Maxwell (Grayson Hall), is a caricature of a Parisian socialite, with her haughty demeanor and lack of self-awareness. The Italian playboy, Armando (Sami Frey), is the embodiment of the Latin lover stereotype. And, of course, the eccentric fashion designer, Mr. McGuffin (Jean Rochefort), is a parody of a designer who thinks that he is an artist.

But at its core, the film is a reflection on the nature of identity and the struggle to maintain one's true self in the face of media attention and societal pressure. Polly Magoo is presented as a blank slate upon which the media projects its own image, leading to her eventual exploitation.

Through the various situations she finds herself in, Polly is forced to question who she is and what she stands for. She is confronted with the shallowness of the fashion industry and the futile chase for success and fame. In this struggle, Polly's character serves as a reminder that we should strive to define ourselves by our own terms, rather than letting others do it for us.

In conclusion, "Who Are You, Polly Magoo?" is a timeless satire of the fashion industry that still resonates today. Its pioneering style still influences fashion films and documentaries today, and its message is still relevant, with social media and the constant scrutiny of one's image more prevalent than ever. William Klein's masterpiece is an essential watch for anyone interested in fashion, identity, and the nature of fame.