Verbal Diorama - Episode 90 - The Devil Wears Prada - Verbal Diorama

Episode 90

The Devil Wears Prada

Published on: 15th April, 2021

The Devil Wears Prada is often referred to as a "chick flick", which I'd argue is not only inaccurate, but also a little insulting to such a fantastic exploration of feminine status, class and power. It allows its female characters to have agency, ambition and respect, despite them not being the archetypal “female character”.

Meryl Streep brings complexity, nuance and vulnerability to Runway editor-in-chief Miranda Priestly, who in the hands of anyone else would just be a one-note villain. If a man is hard-working, demanding and rude, he's just ambitious but if a woman is the same, she's immediately calculating or labelled a b*tch. Why are those traits acceptable for men in positions of power, but not women?

If you watch The Devil Wears Prada and you despise Miranda Priestly, ask yourself why? Is it because you just don't like her character, or is it because society tells you that women shouldn't behave this way? Honestly, the more I watch this movie, the more I love Miranda!

Anne Hathaway is the perfect juxtaposition to Miranda too, and let's not forget this movie gave Emily Blunt her breakthrough.

While the references to size and dieting may have dated a little, it's still a stylish, gorgeous and ground-breaking movie that demands your attention.

Now accepting applications for my first and second assistant....

I would love to hear your thoughts on The Devil Wears Prada!

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Theme Music: Verbal Diorama Theme Song

Music by Chloe Enticott - Compositions by Chloe Facebook

Lyrics by Chloe Enticott (and me!)

Production by Ellis Powell-Bevan of Ewenique Studios.



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About the Podcast

Verbal Diorama
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.
The award-winning podcast celebrating the history and legacy of movies you know, and movies you don't.

Have you ever wondered how your favourite movies were made? Hosted by Em, Verbal Diorama takes you behind the scenes to discover the extraordinary stories of cast and crew who bring movies to life.

Movies are tough to make, and this podcast proves how amazing it is that they actually exist. From Hollywood classics to hidden gems, each episode explores the history, legacy, and untold stories that make cinema magic.

Ear Worthy 2024 Best Movie Podcast Winner | Golden Lobes 2025 Earworm Award Nominee | Ear Worthy 2025 Best Movie Podcast Nominee

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About your host

Profile picture for Em .

Em .

Hi! I'm Em. I created Verbal Diorama in 2018, and launched the podcast in February 2019 to rapturous applause and acclaim.... from my cat Jess.

The modus operandi of Verbal Diorama is simple: movies are tough to make! The coming together of a team of people from all walks of life to make something to entertain, delight and educate us for 90+ mins is not an easy task, and yet so many succeed at it. That must be something to celebrate.

I'm here to do just that - to celebrate movies. Their history and legacy, and why they remain so special to so many of us.

Episodes are audibly book ended by Jess. She sadly passed away in March 2022, aged almost 18. She featured in many episodes of the podcast, and that's why you can hear her at the end of every episode. The role of official feline producer is now held by the comparatively quieter Evie and Peggy.

I love podcasts, and listen to many, but never my own.

I unashamedly love The Mummy (1999) and Grease 2. I'm still looking for a cool rider.