notanothercoppola-blog

[notanothercoppola-blog]

Flashdance, 1983

Director: Adrian Lyne

Starring: Jennifer Beals, Nick Hurley, Hanna Long

Costume Designer: Michael Kaplan

A welder by day and dancer by night, Flashdance tells the story of 18-year-old, Alex Owens. A fiercely determined young woman, who defies all odds to gain her independence, find love and pursue her dream as a ballet dancer.

The film is slow-paced, covering the characters in story extensively. We get to know Owens, played by Jennifer Beals and those who are influencing her decision making on the way to the top. Despite it’s flashy title, Flashdance explores some serious themes, from domestic violence to equal rights this movie is a slow burner with great reward. To be expected, design choices are conservative by not lacking in creatively. Costumes can be seen in dance sequences and are used to separate Owens from the other dancers. Owens often expresses an understated individuality that is consistent with her characters working-class upbringing. In one scene, Owens can be seen wearing a suit to a dinner date, this tomboyish appearance only solidifies her philosophy, girls can do both!

Similar to Saturday Night Fever, Flashdance delivers a drama-filled rags-before-riches story. That follows our protagonist's bleak journey from go-go dancer to prima ballerina.

[notanothercoppola-blog]

Clueless, 1995

Director: Amy Heckerling

Starring: Alicia Silverstone, Stacey Dash, Brittany Murphy

Costume Designer: Mona May

Clever, sharp and disturbingly decadent, the iconic film Clueless is loosely based on the Jane Austen novel Emma, but it’s daring exploration of 90’s teen culture is a far-cry from Austen’s Edwardian gowns and dance cards.

Starring Alicia Silverstone as the film's protagonist Cher Horowitz, a spoilt but charming 15-year-old daughter of a lawyer. Cher makes growing up in Beverly Hills, hard to do! With her head in the wrong place but her heart in the right one, Cher sets her sights on making the lives of those around her a little better, from ‘teen make-over’ scene to cute old couple matchmaking this film really aims hits you hard and fast in the feels.

With the film boasting such an attractive, budding cast, Costume Designer Mona May, really hit the jackpot with this one. Their brightly coloured costumes pop against their setting, from Beverly Hills Mansion to Rodeo Drive, scene after scene it’s hard not to spot Cher and her posse of girlfriends. Characters can be seen in brightly coloured PVC coats, tartan suits and race-day hats. It’s a true delight for the senses.

[notanothercoppola-blog]

Barefoot in the Park, 1967

Director: Gene Saks

Starring: Robert Redford, Jane Fonda

Costume Designer: Edith Head

Upon first glance Barefoot in The Park, might seem like any other play to film adaptation but if you take a closer look you will find an interesting tale of two newly-weds, living in a five-flight, modest New York apartment.  

Starring a young stylish Jane Fonda and handsome Robert Redford star as Paul and Corie Bratter, Newlyweds living in a run-down Manhattan apartment in 1960’s New York City. Paul is working as an up-start lawyer as Corie thrusts herself into the traditional role of housewife. Despite the films, light-hearted script and bright costumes the couple’s initial marital bliss begins to fade as the reality of their lives together begins to settle in. Their apartment is small, dingy and has a hole in the roof.

Edith Head’s costume choices in the film are quite poignant, reflecting the characters moods and expectations. Paul a conservative lawyer is always dressed in a stiff suit, he shows pride for his work and wife by being neat and tidy at all times. Corie on the other hand is bright, young and impulsive and can often be seen in relaxed attire more suited to her role at home.

Despite their differences, Paul and Corie’s love for one another shines through and blossoms during their shared experiences. They push through the hard times and work hard on loving one another.  

Fonda and Redford make an attractive couple, they’re both sweet and funny. Many of the director's design choices reflect this, and the reality of their relationship. Their circumstances are relatable, their apartment although quite tragic is not unlike the experiences of many young couples, starting a life together. Due to the film having been adapted from a play the spaces and locations are quite limiting, however, this just adds to the film’s charm.