The Devil Wears Prada (2006) was one of Anne Hathaway's first major adult roles in the years following The Princess Diaries movies. She plays Andy Sachs, a journalist fresh out of school who is looking to make a name for herself. A few years later, Isla Fisher played a journalist named Rebecca Bloomwood in Confessions of a Shopaholic (2009). Both movies are based on books, with Shopaholic coming from Sophie Kinsella's work and The Devil Wears Prada coming from that of Lauren Weisberger.
The two protagonists are both New York City journalists, and they both have ties to the fashion industry (although that happens for each of them in different ways). Which movie is the best--The Devil Wears Prada or Confessions of a Shopaholic?
The Devil Wears Prada: Not A Natural Fashionista
Andy Sachs is an anomaly at her new job working for a fashion magazine. She's a beautiful woman, but she doesn't prize her appearance over her work. Andy wears comfortable clothing and doesn't waste too much time styling her hair or putting on loads of makeup.
This makes her more relatable for many people who watch the movie. Some even wish she would forgo the makeover altogether, much like they wish Mia wouldn't have changed in The Princess Diaries.
Confessions Of A Shopaholic: Fashionable Fun
On the other hand, fashion can be fun. Rebecca Bloomwood has a huge money problem, but she appeals to the inner shopper of every viewer.
It can be nice to have new things, and dressing with personality is also a gift. Rebecca sports all kinds of creative looks, even turning her least favorite bridesmaid dress into a stylish ensemble fit for any holiday.
The Devil Wears Prada: Lesson That Comes With Changing For Other People
It's not all her fault, but Andy Sachs lets her career start to define her inside and out. She looks almost like a completely different person after her makeover.
She starts blowing off her old friends and boyfriend (Adrian Grenier) in favor of a more fashionable crowd. Andy thinks she's on the fast track to her dream, so she loses sight of all the other things that make her life worthwhile. Though this scenario is hard to watch, it is a powerful lesson for viewers.
Confessions Of A Shopaholic: Always Rebecca
Rebecca Bloomwood has some huge flaws, hence the film's title. She shops till she drops and maxes out all her credit cards over new outfits she doesn't really need. At the same time, Rebecca is a good-hearted person.
She has some selfish tendencies and hurts her best friend (played by Krysten Ritter), but she does care about the people in her life. Like Andy, Rebecca pushes those closest to her away, but underneath her pretend wisdom at Successful Savings, she's still the same fun-loving, sweet Rebecca.
The Devil Wears Prada: Reality Of A Difficult Boss
It is obvious in The Devil Wears Prada that Meryl Streep's Miranda Priestly is one of the most difficult bosses of all time. This is a reality for plenty of people, so it makes Andy's situation relatable in that sense.
Andy is forced to go far beyond the routine duties of an assistant. She has to obtain a Harry Potter novel that isn't even released yet to keep Miranda's daughters happy! These situations add a dark layer of comedy to the film that some people know all too well.
Confessions Of A Shopaholic: Luke As Boss/Boyfriend
Rebecca Bloomwood has quite an arc with her boss/love interest, Luke Brandon (Hugh Dancy). She meets him for the first time at a hot dog stand when she is desperately trying to buy herself a scarf.
Luke gives Rebecca the money she needs after she lies to him, and then he gives her a job based on some good writing and more lies. Despite the lack of truth that builds their relationship, Luke and Rebecca have the ultimate office romance, so it is rewarding when everything finally works out for them.
The Devil Wears Prada: Professional Mentor
Rebecca Bloomwood is using her boyfriend/boss to get ahead and find a place at Successful Savings' sister fashion magazine. She really doesn't have a professional mentor in her field, apart from Luke.
It's different for Andy in the fashion world. She is very much influenced by Nigel (Stanley Tucci) in her wardrobe and in her life. Their mentor-mentee style of interacting is enjoyable to watch.
Confessions Of A Shopaholic: More Wistful World
The Devil Wears Prada is not without its chick flick moments, but Confessions of a Shopaholic has a lighter tone in general. The film somehow paints a woman hiding from a debt collector as a funny and adventurous thing.
Because Rebecca is a whimsical, wistful writer, she is able to bring the audience into her world and shape the way they view her journey.
The Devil Wears Prada: The Power To Move On
Despite all the hopes Andy has built on her work at Runway, she finally realizes that the job isn't worth the losses in other areas of her life. The scene where Andy walks away from Miranda is such an amazing moment.
Andy isn't willing to play her boss's games anymore, and it is empowering to watch her take her life back towards the end of the movie.
Confessions Of A Shopaholic: Boldly Choosing What Is Best
By the end of her movie, Rebecca Bloomwood is faced with an opportunity to work for Alette Naylor of Alette Magazine. Rebecca realizes that the job requires her to forget some of the huge lessons she just learned about spending and saving wisely.
In a bold move, Rebecca turns down the job and goes to work for Luke. She is a reformed shopaholic with a whole new outlook on life.