All of the to-do about the movie, based on the bitchy novel by Lauren Weisberger, makes it one to see if for no more than as a conversation piece. But it is better than that for the way it captures how those who call the fashion shots exercise power at the expense of others. Streep plays lordly Miranda Priestly, the feared, legendary fashion magazine editor in Manhattan who has everyone around her groveling in order to hang on to their jobs. Streep is marvelous at showing her imperiousness with the slightest expression or voice inflection. But the screenplay by Aline Brosh McKenna also gives the actress an opportunity to reveal Miranda’s vulnerability and her determination to mask and surmount it. Her performance alone is reason enough to see “The Devil Wears Prada.”

Into this high fashion world wanders Andy Sachs (Hathaway), who wants to be a journalist but applies for a job as an assistant to Miranda. By fashion standards, she’s practically a bag lady in the eyes of the super-slim, fashion-addicted sycophants who’ll do anything to be part of that superficial world. Emily Blunt is superbly haughty as the senior assistant Emily, who starts out with nothing but disdain for Andy. Thanks to generous help and advice from Nigel, the staffer closest to Miranda and given a sympathetic, affecting performance by Stanley Tucci, Andy becomes newly chic, suddenly looks great and learns how to please her demanding boss. But being on perpetual call, she finds that her relationship with her boyfriend Nate (Adrian Grenier), an aspiring chef, and their friends is collapsing.

Simon Baker turns up as hot shot writer Christian Thompson to pose temptation for the made-over Andy, and they meet again when the screenplay takes her to the celebrated Paris fashion unveiling of the latest styles and behind-the-scenes intrigue.

Once Andy has gotten as far as she has, can she walk away? Remember, this is a glitzy Hollywood film that wants it all ways. Look askance at becoming slaves to fashion, but inundate the film with so much dazzling clothes and accessories as a way of selling it. Paint a picture of a devilish boss, yet give her some sympathy and admiration. Show employees demeaning themselves, but pleased to have that opportunity.