RAPAPORT... The House of Cartier announced the international release of its new  "L'Odyssee de Cartier,” a three-and-one-half minute film that chronicles Cartier's 165-year history.  The film will debut online in the U.S. on March 4 and will air during prime time on national TV networks.

The film, directed by advertising director Bruno Aveillan, was screened for the first time at a special premiere hosted by Cartier at The Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York on February 29.   L'Odyssee de Cartier features many of Cartier’s iconic designs, including the "Tutti Frutti" style, jewelry of the Maharajas and a reference to the Santos watch, which was the first modern watch designed to be worn on the wrist.

The original score for L'Odyssee de Cartier was composed and arranged by renowned orchestrator Pierre Adenot, and recorded at London's legendary Abbey Road studios. The film also features supermodel Shalom Harlow who portrays the "Lady in the Mansion" alongside Cartier’s symbol of a muse, “The Panther.”

Explaining the symbolism Emmanuel Perrin, the president  of Cartier North America, said, “The Panther in the film is the ultimate emblem of Cartier's jewelry expertise and a symbol of strength and freedom. Regal and charming, she is aware of the world around her and follows her instinct with a sharp emerald eye, ready to pounce and enjoy life to the fullest."

http://www.diamonds.net/news/NewsItem.aspx?ArticleID=39248

I would agree that this is mostly a 'corporate ego' piece that will primarily

appeal to a selective audience of jewelophiles (and post production junkies).

But, this would not be the first marketing guy to blow a mouthful of flowery smoke

up their corporate bosses *** to help justify what must have been a gigantic budget.

Pretentious... you bet.  But If I had a nickel for every job I've worked that I thought was

pointless and self-serving, I'd be shopping at Cartier.

We can't all do PSAs for starving kittys.