An Eye for "Iris"

New documentary on icon of style Iris Apfel wins critical praise.

New York Times movie critic Manohla Dargis is not what you'd call easy to please. But she's heaping praise (well, by her standards) on "Iris," the penultimate film from legendary documentarian Albert Maysles. 

Dargis calls the film "a delightful eye-opener about life, love, statement eyeglasses... and the art of making the grandest of entrances." Those signature spectacles cover the irises of Iris Apfel, variously described as a "style maven," businesswoman, fashion icon and interior designer. I might be content to call her a  nonagenarian nonpareil.

At age 93 she has now outlived even the documentary's director, Albert Maysles, who sadly died in March at age 88. Maysles, along with his late brother David, directed the unforgettable "Grey Gardens," the verité classic about the eccentric Beale women, mère et fille.

Iris Apfel, subject of the documentary "Iris," and the film's director, Albert Maysles. Photo courtesy Magnolia Pictures

To Dargis and other critics, "Iris" is a worthy successor to GG. It is now playing in New York and Los Angeles, expanding to other cities in the coming weeks.

Am sure it is! Can't wait to see it #irisapfel #styleinspiration http://t.co/Ch8BlVb4y5

— the style bar (@styleadventures) May 1, 2015

.@WNYC names #IRIS their Documentary of the Week! http://t.co/ia6UEUAxfu

— Film Forum (@FilmForumNYC) May 1, 2015

“For [Albert] Maysles, Iris Apfel is a mirror.” @tnyfrontrow reviews the new documentary “Iris” http://t.co/KJDVCCSluJ

— The New Yorker (@NewYorker) April 29, 2015