Yes. Particularly given Joan Crawford's and Hope Lange's characters/relationship.
I think that's why Vanity Fair showcased BOE in a 2004 issue: Editor Anna Wintour (who served as the model for "Prada"s "Amanda Priestly") wanted to take the steam out of the release of both the novel and the movie by implying it was a recycled theme.
"Don't call me 'honey', mac."
"Don't call me 'mac'... HONEY!"
Even parts of the dialogue are straight out of BOE........
"Ev'ryone deserves the chance to fly!"
Both Crawford's and Streep's characters are named Amanda. Reminded me of the old joke: I need a Amanda Huginkiss! LOL!
The similarities with "Prada" and "BOE" really only exist in the Crawford/Lange relationship of the film. I see Prada as an expansion of this relationship that only could take place in modern times.
Successful businesswoman Farrow eventually returns to her job after failing at married life. Whereas Priestly's job actually contributes to the destruction of several marriages. Although Priestly acknowledges this, she never entertains the idea of leaving her career (a commonplace occurrence in the 50's).
Misogyny, alcoholism, unwanted pregnancy, and suicide still exist today. But "BOE" was among the first films to explore it in a frank, albeit, glossy Hollywood mannner. The progression of this being a film like "Valley of the Dolls", where ambitious women pay for their success with their self-respect and their sanity.
The Farrow/Priestly connection shows just how far women in positions of power in the business world have come in the last 50 yrs, and how much further they have to go.
I half expected her to say, "By all means, move at a glacial pace... you know how that thrills me."
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