Film Muse: To Die For (1995)

Once again, hello Curbside readers!

As promised, I'm going to share a Film Muse with you today starring Nicole Kidman and Joaquin Phoenix in Gus Van Sant's To Die For (1995). For some reason, this film never gets old. I remember seeing it as a kid and sympathizing with Joaquin's character (a no-good punk who falls for the local weather woman which he then helps murder her husband), yet I must say I also felt oddly empowered by Suzanne's (Kidman) "go-get-'em" power driven attitude. Perhaps I just have a soft spot for the career oriented '90s working woman (shout out to my mom). 

Aside from the brilliant acting in this dark comedy, I also have to give props to the costume designer.  Some of the stills that I have chosen almost remind me of Tim Burton's constructed neighborhood in  Edward Scissorhands.  Suzanne's world is perfectly pedicured and is the epitome of the word "clean". Suzanne sticks to modest pastels of periwinkle, robin's egg blue, and lemonade pink. She rocks checkered print in multiple mediums, yet still manages to ooze dangerous sex appeal. I literally want to time warp it back to the '90s and have a picnic wearing her wardrobe. What a dream. 

Then we have the punks (que Joaquin). I loved how they contrasted Suzanne in every way possible - messy hair, converse, the classic T-shirt over a long sleeve shirt outfit, etc. I had this massive soft spot for Lydia, the grungy tomboy teen who Suzanne chooses to mentor and befriend (with ulterior motives, of course). I'm pretty sure this was the actress's first film, and you can really see the venerability in her character without it being totally melodramatic.  

I could go on and on about Joaquin, but I'll spare you this time. However, one thing I noticed is that his character oddly reminds me of Simon from E4's Misfits. The way he talks/mumbles, that stupidly hot stare that he does, even his mannerisms remind me of the early and awkward Simon. If you're a Misfits fan, definitely look out for it. I swear I'm not crazy. 

     (one of my favorites of Suzanne's outfits. A cashmere looking sweet pea colored sweater, with fitted     high waisted (hell yeah) grey checkered pants. ) 

Lastly, I really enjoyed Suzanne's sister-in-law, Janice. Being a spunky Italian/figure skater, Janice perfectly brings the macabre humor that the movie needed (the last scene, shown above). For some reason, her frilly skating outfits just make everything ten times more hilarious once you get to know her character. 

It's a great movie, so if you haven't seen it - definitely get on it! I hope you enjoyed this Film Muse post. I will be doing more outfit of the days in future posts as they were requested.

Sayonara!

-Lauren Rose

Curbside Fashion 

Film Muse: L'Enfer (1964)

Hello Curbside readers!

As college is coming to an end, I have finally gotten around to making a post about one of my newest film finds: L'Enfer (1964) by the French director Henri-Georges Clouzot. The beauty is that this actually isn't a feature length film. Story goes that Clouzot got an unlimited budget to make the film (which was creatively daunting), and due to many complications - never finished the film.  It's sort of a shame because the cinematography and lighting work were both insanely well done. You can see bits of the film in a documentary by Serge Bromberg if you look hard enough.

There are so many aesthetic appeals in the film that I subscribed to. Light movements of psychedelic reds, greens, and blues juxtaposed by scenes of soft '60s pastels reflecting the film grain. Lacy demure night slips versus lustrous translucent coats. Blue lips (a coloring trick) accompanied by classic '60s power hour eyeliner. The list goes on. 

I think sometimes we forget about lighting and colors within our own wardrobes. For example, the possibility of creating illusions (shout out to the holographic trend, '90s glitter fair hair, etc). I think the film really sparks the core appeal of fashion: aesthetics. It leaves the audience in aw by showing the possibilities of beauty within living. Even though the film wasn't completed, passion within the visual images still remain. It challenges me to bring the same intensity into my own perspective of the world and my wardrobe.

That's it I suppose. If anything, take it as eye candy. Wish I could have written more about it, but this is just the type of thing you have to vibe with on your own.

See you in the summer,

Lauren Rose

Curbside Fashion

(p.s. - for your visual pleasure: )