After much anticipation the 2010 documentary about the life of French fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent, L'Amour Fou, has reached theaters in the United States. The film opens in New York City and Los Angeles today.

The film comes to the U.S. with great anticipation. L'Amour Fou (literally, mad love) was screened at the Toronto Film Festival back in September and recieved a standing ovation. First-time director Pierre Thoretton said the critical acclaim has allowed him to make peace with himself. The New York Times calls the film tantalizing.

The film follows Laurent's life as he morphed from Christian Dior's 17-year-old assistant to fashion royalty. Much of the film is narrated by Laurent's life and business partner Pierre Bergé who was integral to Laurent's success in the fashion world. L'Amour Fou also incorporates video clips from Laurent's early years and chronicles the love for buying perfect art and houses that he shared with Bergé. The film shows the personal struggles of the man behind the legendary fashion line.

L'Amour Fou is the third documentary about Laurent, but the only one to be released after his death. Laurent died in Paris on June 1, 2008 from brain cancer. He was 71 years old. The two other films, Laurent: 5 Avenue Marceay 75116 Paris and Yves Saint Laurent: His Life and Times were released in 2002.

The film has already been released in 11 other countries including Brazil, Japan, the UK, Sweden, Belgium and of course, France.

The New York Times Japan New York Cancer