Power, Performance and Influence
Like the millions of girls “…who would have killed for the job…” I am very excited to watch the sequel to the film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and seeing so many trailers or show reels, it got me thinking about the similarities between the film and Poldark’s show.
The film ‘The Devil Wears Prada’ and a live hypnotist performance like Poldark’s ‘Mind Mysteries’ show seem to belong in completely different worlds. One is a polished Hollywood film set in the high-pressure fashion industry, while the other is a theatrical stage show built around audience participation and suggestion.
Yet both The Devil Wears Prada and Poldark’s show explore surprisingly similar ideas about influence, performance and how people behave under pressure.
Influence is at the Centre of Everything
One of the strongest parallels between the two is the presence of a dominant figure who suggests a change in the behaviour of others.
In the film, Runway’s Editor-In-Chief, Miranda Priestly holds enormous authority over her workplace. She rarely needs to shout or force compliance, as her expectations alone are enough to change how people act, think and prioritise. In Poldark’s show, he uses direct suggestion to guide volunteers’ behaviour on stage.
While the methods are different, the effect is similar: one central figure subtly or directly influences how others respond in real time, for that moment in time.
People Behaving out of Character
Both settings show people stepping outside of their normal behaviour.
Andy’s journey in The Devil Wears Prada is a gradual transformation. Over time, she begins to act, dress and think differently, as she adapts to the demands of the fashion world.
In Poldark’s show, volunteers may temporarily adopt unfamiliar roles or behaviours as part of the performance. These moments are often exaggerated for entertainment, but they still rely on the idea that people can act very differently under the right conditions.
Transformation as Entertainment
Transformation is a key feature in both experiences.
In the film, Andy’s makeover is one of the most memorable visual shifts as it symbolises her entry into a new world and in a new identity. The shock on Emily’s face when Andy strolls into the office after her makeover, “…Are you wearing the…” “Chanel boots? Yeah I am”.
In Poldark’s, transformation becomes the entertainment itself. The audience watches participants change in real time, in particular the transformation from wide awake to being asleep.
In both cases, change is something to be observed, interpreted and reacted to.
Performance and Audience Dynamics
Both the fashion world and stage hypnosis rely heavily on performance.
In The Devil Wears Prada, image and presentation are everything. Characters are constantly performing professionalism, confidence and control, even when they’re under pressure. Remember the scene when Miranda is firing tasks at Andy… “…she needs skirts from Calvin Klein and there was something about a pony…” as Emily remains totally calm.
Poldark’s show is literally structured around performance, with volunteers becoming part of the show. The audience is not just watching events unfold, they are actively interpreting how and why people are behaving in certain ways, especially if they know somebody on stage who has volunteered.
Power, Pressure and Subtle Control
Another shared theme is the nature of influence and pressure.
Miranda Priestly’s control is subtle but powerful. She doesn’t rely on obvious force; instead, her authority creates an environment where people adjust their behaviour to avoid failure or disappointment.
In Poldark’s show, participants volunteer freely, but once on stage there is a strong social dynamic at play. People once in a trance, often without realising, act out suggestions in front of the audience, showing how the environment can shape a person’s behaviour.
Final Thoughts
Despite their very different settings, both The Devil Wears Prada and Poldark’s ‘Mind Mysteries’ show explore a shared idea, that human behaviour is highly responsive to influence, environment and expectation.
Whether in a fashion magazine office or under stage lights, people often adapt more than they realise and that adaptability is exactly what makes both so compelling to watch and I can’t wait to watch it, more than once!
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