'Saint Laurent' Debuts To Mixed Reviews

Bertrand Bonello's Yves Saint Laurent biopic Saint Laurent -- the second biopic of the legendary fashion designer to come out this year -- debuted in competition at Cannes, despite the film not having the blessing of Laurent's family and partners. Although the other film -- Yves Saint Laurent by director Jalil Lespert, which was released in January -- was authorized by Laurent's camp, the film "does a better job than it's predecessor of celebrating Saint Laurent's flamboyant artistry", according to Variety.

Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian was particularly critical of the film, stating that the film is "hugely narcissitic and colossaly long" although it was "well made but bafflingly airless and claustrophobic".

The Hollywood Reporter had mixed feelings as well, writing that the screenplay by Thomas Bidegain "seems to generally lack a throughline or focus", but that there were a few exceptions such as "a nicely staged fever dream involving snakes and a prolonged kissing scene". THR also commented that star Ulliel "is a great physical fit for YSL and is mostly convincing". 

Most critics would agree that the big star of the film, however, was costume designer Anais Romand's wardrobe, who had to remake Laurent's legendary outfits -- including his triumphant 1976 Moroccan collection -- without the blessing of Laurent's family. 

The film is being distributed by Sony Pictures Classics in the United States.