Welcome to FrockTalk, the web’s only costume-based movie review site. The goal of Frocktalk is to shed light on the magnificent artistry of costume design in motion pictures. Reviews on this site are written by working costume designers in the entertainment industry – people who know, better than anyone, what it takes to make it all happen.
The focus of FrockTalk is not to comment on the big flashy costume dramas, but to call attention to the seemingly ordinary costume design work in film that silently and persuasively moves the audience toward understanding the characters. Costume design for motion pictures is an art form that deserves more recognition than it usually gets. Fancy, pretty costumes do not always equal effective, appropriate costumes. The art of the costume is in letting the audience know who the character is, before the actor even has a chance to open his mouth. Read on, and enjoy.
** CAUTION: ALL REVIEWS CONTAIN SPOILERS! **
It’s Black Friday; let the shopping madness begin!! So, let’s say you need to get a holiday gift for your favorite costume-type. And by costume-type, I mean: costume designer, costumer, tailor, aspiring designer, or mini-designer (meaning: adolescent). The gift possibilities are practically endless, but I have cut through some of the crap in an attempt to make it easy for you. Click on the bolded links for purchasing info!
In no particular order, here are ten good ideas:
Continue reading ‘Black Friday Special: Ten Holiday Gift Ideas for Costume Types’
Release Date: 3-30-1988
Runtime: 92 min.
Period: Contemporary (1988)
Costume Designer: Aggie Guerard Rodgers
Beetle Juice is one of the landmark films in my life. There is “Before Beetle Juice” and there is “After Beetle Juice”. The film is important to me because it was the first film to reflect a subculture that I recognized firsthand: goth.
Continue reading ‘Beetle Juice: KB’s Review’
Earlier this week, I hid in a corner of the costume truck with my computer and i-chatted about Beetle Juice with Chris from Clothes on Film. We covered ‘goth’, Japanese fashion designers, what it means to be happy, and jumpers worn as skirts. It was lively! And I didn’t get caught playing hooky from the set!
Continue reading ‘Beetle Juice: Dueling Banjos - KB and Chris’ Chat’
Review Date: 8-6-09
Release Date: 12-16-77
Runtime: 118 min.
Period: Contemporary, 1977
Costume Designer: Patrizia von Brandenstein
Tony Manero is a nineteen-year-old Brooklyn paint store clerk by day, living with his parents. At night, however, he rules the dance floor at the 2001: Odyssey dance club. Saturday Night Fever describes his existence, straddling these two worlds, and coming to terms with the expectations his family has for him and his siblings. Saturday Night Fever is, in the end, much more than great dancing and an iconic soundtrack; it is about growing up, being accountable for one’s actions, and taking responsibility for one’s own life and happiness.
** NB: This film is rated R, and the plot described herein may not be appropriate for kids. **
Continue reading ‘Saturday Night Fever - Synopsis’
1983's THRILLER video, designed by Deborah Nadoolman Landis
We here at Frocktalk mourn the untimely passing of Michael Jackson: musician, recording artist, superstar and costume icon. I asked costume designer Deborah Nadoolman Landis for her thoughts on this amazing performer, with whom she had the privilege of working. Here’s what she had to say:
Continue reading ‘Michael Jackson: Costume Icon, part 1′
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