Lady Noire

Marion Cotillard as Lady Dior in new ad campaign

A still from the Dior internet mini movie
Four part series
(First clip released May 20, 2009)

The ads:
Marion Cotillard, photographed by Peter Lindbergh, on top of the Eiffel Tower.

The film:
Directed by Olivier Dahan, of La Vie En Rose, in style of Hitchcock-esque thriller.

Cotillard, a natural choice. French and fresh from her Academy Award win.
The Eiffel Tower, one of the most iconic and romantic (albeit cliched) landmarks in the world.
The Lady Dior handbag, echoing its own intricate pattern and design with that of the wrought-iron tower.
The piece tries to imitate the golden age of film noir, with its enigmatic characters, dramatic mood lighting, intriguing plot, and gripping score.
Over the top and pricey, the finished film matches the handbag it's trying to sell.

Breaking down the ensemble of elements: 6 minutes of footage, exotic locale, rising young star, distinguished director, lackluster plot, major product placement, heavy homages to eras past, it is reminiscent of the Chanel commercial released earlier this month. It is a formula that seems to work. Somehow, the public identifies with this Lady Noire. Her luxury goods holds the key to her life.

See the full clip here.