The Devil Wears Prada, based on the novel by Lauren Weisberger, is an acclaimed film that delves deep into the fashion industry’s glamorous yet grueling world. While Miranda Priestly (Meryl Streep) is the evident antagonist, some fans argue that Nate Cooper (Adrian Grenier), boyfriend to Andy Sachs (Anne Hathaway), is the real villain of the story. This perspective, however, might not be entirely fair, and a more nuanced exploration of Nate’s character is needed to understand his role in the movie.
Unraveling Stereotypes
Nate is often labeled as unsupportive because he struggles with Andy’s transformation and the extent to which she compromises her morals for the sake of her career at Runway. However, automatically labeling him as the villain because of this might be the result of confusing his skepticism for stereotypical toxic boyfriend behavior. In reality, Nate represents a realistic portrayal of a concerned, admittedly imperfect partner, and subsequently highlights how integral integrity, accountability, and work-life balance are within a successful relationship.
True Intentions
It is crucial to remember that Nate’s frustrations are not portrayed out of spite or ill-intention. Instead, his character challenges Andy’s moral compass and the sacrifices she makes in the name of success. He often expresses himself the wrong way - even Hathaway herself referred to Nate’s character as a “brat”. But in full, Hathaway proceeded to point out, “He did behave like a brat, but I also behaved like a brat in my 20s… so I don’t hold Nate as a villain, actually.” His disagreement with Andy’s choices serves as a mirror reflecting the less-than-healthy transformation she undergoes, emphasizing the essence of individual identity and authenticity in the movie. Nate’s character is not there to serve as a villain but as a moral anchor and an emblem of the normal life that Andy is slowly drifting away from.
Nate’s Perspective
Viewing the movie from Nate’s perspective reveals a partner struggling to recognize the person he fell in love with. His discontentment is not rooted in envy or a desire to control his girlfriend, but in watching her succumb to a world that champions superficiality and materialism over genuine relationships and moral values. Nate epitomizes the emotional turmoil one undergoes when a loved one seems to lose themselves, a portrayal far removed from villainy.
Moral Dilemma and Resolution
Nate is essential for underlining the moral conflicts inherent in Andy’s journey. His character is a constant reminder of the normalcy and sincerity that Andy risks losing in her pursuit of career advancement. His confrontations with Andy do not stem from a desire to subdue her aspirations but rather from a genuine concern for her well-being and moral standing. When Andy decides to leave Runway, it is a resolution not just to her internal conflict but also to the struggles and moral dilemmas that Nate faces throughout the film.
A Supportive Partner
Contrary to the villain label, Nate’s character demonstrates significant support and understanding towards Andy’s initial career choices. He himself is working as a line chef - a job notorious for being grueling and time-consuming. He more than anyone understands why Andy would need to pour so much of herself into a career she’s always dreamed of pursuing, and that is evident at the start of the film. His reservations only surface when he observes the drastic changes in Andy’s personality and values. During an argument with Andy, Nate claims, “I wouldn’t care if you were out there pole-dancing all night, as long as you did it with a little integrity.” His portrayal is one of vulnerability and love, essential elements that constructively question and challenge Andy’s metamorphosis.
Emotional Subtext
Nate’s emotional responses provide a crucial subtext to the story, offering the audience a contrasting perspective on Andy’s glamorous yet demanding life in the fashion industry. Granted, he frequently lacks the emotional intelligence needed to articulate to Andy why he finds her choices so upsetting. As a result, his complaints come off as whiny and egotistical, like when he becomes upset after Andy misses his birthday party so she can attend a last-minute work event. Even actor Adrian Grenier told Entertainment Weekly, “There’s a selfishness and self-centeredness in that… At the end of the day, it’s just a birthday, right? It’s not the end of the world.” But this emotional narrative emphasizes the profound impact of the decisions one makes, not just on individual lives, but also on the lives of those around them. It’s this emotional strain and its consequent resolution that adds depth and multifaceted richness to the film.
Conclusion
Labeling Nate as the villain of The Devil Wears Prada oversimplifies his role and overlooks the significant moral and emotional complexities his character brings to the story. His seeming opposition to Andy’s choices is not a reflection of villainy but rather a portrayal of genuine concern and a desire to preserve the values and relationships that are meaningful to him and Andy. In the end, both Andy and the film’s screenwriter, Aline Brosh McKenna agree that most of Nate’s insights were valid. Citing the final scene when Andy goes to visit Nate in Boston, Mckenna told Teen Vogue, “‘He’s right at the end. She goes to apologize to him because he was right. She was selling herself out and going down the wrong path.’”
Nate’s character is a grounding force in the film, challenging the audience to reflect on the real costs of success and the importance of maintaining one’s moral compass in the face of tempting opportunities. His struggles, emotional responses, and eventual reconciliation with Andy emphasize the importance of compromise, understanding, and mutual growth in relationships.