The costume vault

Earlier this year I released my Part I of my Top 10 Film Costume Designs of the Decade list, which covered the number 10 spot all through the number 6 spot. Now (finally) ladies and gentlemen, I present to you, my number 5 through 1! 5. THE DRESSMAKER (Jocelyn Moorhouse, 2015). Costume Design by Marion Boyce and Margot Wilson. The Dressmaker is a story about lies, secrets, and fashion. It feels only natural then, that the movie, despite the tonal whiplash and overall weird storytelling choices, is blessed with a glorious Costume Design. The costumes here are not only eye candy but become an integral part of the story, the characters, and the film's themes. Indeed, such was the scope of the enterprise, costume-wise that they split the Costume Design into the hands of two different Designers. Marion Boyce did all the costumes regarding the townspeople, and Margot Wilson focussed only on the costumes for Winslet's character. The movie explores the true nature of people an...

If the current mainstream cinematographic trend regarding fairy tales is to subvert the traditional format, does that mean that making a traditional fairy tale is actually more subverting? Indian director Tarsem Singh seemed, to many, an odd choice to direct a retelling of a beloved children's story. Well known for his twisted and extravagant visuals and out of the box storytelling, many people questioned his incorporation to the project. And though, yes, it is not a good movie, it has some really good elements. The best of these is, undoubtedly, his choice of making this movie a classic tale above all. It's outlandish and extravagant, but, at the same time, really what you would expect (both story-wise and visually) from a fairy tale. MIRROR, MIRROR : A CLASSICAL EXTRAVAGANZA Mirror, Mirror took a more classical route in adapting Snow White; turning it into a family adventure. Here there is no action sequences, no big armies and no princess in armor. And, ...