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! **
Costume designer Anthea Sylbert was prolific following her work on Rosemary’s Baby (1968). Roman Polanski’s atmospheric horror was essentially her big break and, by her own admission, one of her toughest challenges too.
Rosemary’s Baby tells the story of young newlyweds Rosemary and Guy Woodhouse (Mia Farrow and John Cassavetes) who move into an apartment building that turns out to be a haven of witches lead by old timers Minnie and Roman Castevet (Ruth Gordon and Sidney Blackmer). On the promise of a big career, Guy allows the witches to impregnate Rosemary with the seed of the devil. Rosemary is left trapped and alone, surrounded by an evil conspiracy and forced to drop the spawn of Satan on her due date.
Continue reading ‘Rosemary’s Baby - Chris’ Review!’
Is it Sharon Tate in the coat or not? Rumors have persisted for years. I don't think so.
I sat down with Chris from Clothes on Film to discuss the costumes from Rosemary’s Baby. We got into Mary Quant, w*nkers, quilted robes and rude knitting. Read on!
Continue reading ‘Rosemary’s Baby: the CHAT!’
Professor Jager, detail
It is with great pleasure that I present to you this evening, an interview with some of Southern California’s most prominent Steampunks. Here, we get to the heart of Steampunkiness – the hows, whats, and whys of it all. Never before has there been such clarity! I am deeply appreciative that they took the time to answer these questions, so we can all learn a little bit more about this beautiful costume aesthetic. Answers below are from Gail Folsom, Andrew Fogel (a.k.a. Baron von Fogel) , and Nick Baumann (a.k.a. Crackitus Potts). Read on…
Continue reading ‘Steampunks Elucidate Their Universe!’
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