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! **
Review date: 8-15-10
Release date: 8-13-10 (limited)
Runtime: 112 min.
Period: Contemporary
Costume Designer: Cappi Ireland
Animal Kingdom is an Australian film about a teenaged boy embroiled in his family’s vengeful, criminal enterprise. It is remarkable for its compelling story and strong performances, and for the fact that it was helmed by a first-timer, David Michôd. This is a tale of familial dysfunction on a Shakespearean (or even Greek) level, but it takes place in present-day Melbourne. This is a gritty, greasy, smelly, violent film… just like I like them.
Continue reading ‘Animal Kingdom’
Hello Frocktalkers! Forgive me as I have again been slammed with work. I still have more Comic Con things to post for you, but I am in the last throes of this job I have been trying to finish. I will be done next week, and I am exhausted. I want to let you know that Chris from Clothesonfilm.com has posted an interview with costume designer Jeffrey Kurland, and it is very interesting!! I won’t spoil it, but please have a read if you enjoyed the film. I plan to sit down with Mr. Kurland myself once my job madness is done. Stay tuned for more. Have a great week, everyone!!
- KMB
Review Date: 6-10-10
Release Date: 6-4-10
Runtime: 111 min.
Period: Contemporary
Costume Designer: Eimer Ni Mhaoldomhnaigh
Ondine is a film directed by Neil Jordan (The Crying Game). Jordan is a great director, and has a knack for magic realism. Such is the case with Ondine – ostensibly, a movie about a Selkie (a mythological seal-woman, not unlike a mermaid), and her relationship with a father and daughter in Ireland.
NB: There are major SPOILERS in this review, so stop now if you want to see the movie unspoiled!!
Continue reading ‘Ondine’
The Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in downtown Los Angeles has a few exhibits up right now – one of which features film costumes and other garments inspired by the Tim Burton film Alice in Wonderland. Along with the exhibit, FIDM is hosting a number of events, including the Alice in Wonderland costume contest, which took place this morning. My. Oh. My.
Continue reading ‘FIDM Alice in Wonderland Costume Contest’
Review Date: 1-5-10
Release Date: 12-23-09
Runtime: 88 min.
Period: Contemporary
Costume Designer: Alexandra Welker
Hollywood’s cheerful answer to the depressing “awards-season” fare is furry, cute and musically talented. The Chipmunks (Alvin, Simon and Theodore) have been entertaining families for over half a century. Their irreverence, wit and sense of mischief have beguiled children and grown-ups of all ages. These Grammy-winning rodents have had platinum records and chart-topping hits. They are slam-dunk audience pleasers, and their latest oeuvre delivers even more charm in the form of the “Chipettes”, the female answers to Alvin, Simon and Theodore.
Continue reading ‘Alvin and the Chipmunks: The Squeakquel’
So, here’s something unusual – designing costumes for animation as well as actors! I sat down with costume designer Alexandra Welker to discuss her work on The Squeakquel. It’s an interesting journey, one involving over 100 concept sketches and loads of approvals. Please consider The Squeakquel on a “write in” basis for this year’s Costume Designers Guild nomination ballot! The following is all you’ll ever need to know about the cutest helium-voiced rodents on earth.
Continue reading ‘Alvin & The Chipmunks: The Squeakquel - Interview with Alexandra Welker’
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!’
Review Date: 11-30-09
Release Date: 11-25-09
Runtime: 112 min.
Period: Future, post-apocalypse
Costume Designer: Margot Wilson
The Road is a film based on the 2006 novel by Cormac McCarthy. Set in post-apocalyptic America, it is the story of a father and son’s journey through a desolate wasteland, literally and figuratively. Thematically, the film deals with one’s purpose in life, the reason for living, and our interdependence - not only on our ecosystem, but also on each other. This movie is difficult to watch, but it is profoundly moving.
Continue reading ‘The Road’
Review Date: 8-16-09
Release Date: 8-7-09
Runtime: 123 min.
Period: Contemporary (2002) and 1949 France – 1961 Connecticut
Costume Designer: Ann Roth
I love Stanely Tucci. I went out to dinner with a friend of mine last week, and upon hearing that we had both recently seen Julie and Julia, we exclaimed at the same time, “I love Stanley Tucci!!!” This is a movie about food goddess Julia Child (Meryl Streep), cubicle mouse Julie Powell (Amy Adams), and the parallels between the lives of the legend and the frustrated woman who wants to be her. Streep and Adams have garnered rave reviews for their work in this film, and they handily deserve the attention. I thought the movie was charming and fantastic. However, I stick by my love of Stanley Tucci – he is an understated hero in this film, and I’ll tell you why.
Oh yes, and Ann Roth did the costumes, so you know already know that they are brilliant.
Continue reading ‘Julie and Julia’
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