From Frankenstein to Dracula: Exploring cinema's most spine-chilling costumes
Communicating fear on screen is often about evoking a sense of unease, discomfort, and intimidation, with the aim to stir unsettling emotions in the audience. Costume designs are crucial in making characters and the audience alike resonate with such emotions.
Here, we’ll delve into some of the most remarkable costume designs that push the boundaries of convention and offer a unique perspective on the world as we know it.
1. Bride of Frankenstein, 1935
Bride of Frankenstein, 1935 © Silver Screen Collection. IMDbFrankenstein is one of the most original characters in the history of horror fiction. The story of the lonely, isolated “monster” has often appeared on the silver screen. The 1935 adaptation by James Whale is notable for various reasons, with costume design standing out as a particularly significant aspect.
The designer, Vera West created the costumes that helped define the characters and their eerie, gothic world while combining the aspects of classic horror with high fashion. The Bride's striking image, with her dazzling hair and magnificent white gown, has become an enduring symbol of cinematic horror. From the bandages to the stitched cloth, the attention to detail in her costume added a sense of authenticity and unearthly beauty to the character.
2. On the Silver Globe, 1988
On the Silver Globe, 1988 © IMDb
The 1988 science fiction drama ‘On the Silver Globe’, directed by the renowned Polish filmmaker Andrzej Żuławski, is a masterful fusion of captivating visual aesthetics and a complex narrative. The film's controversial nature led to its production being subjected to government censorship and eventual cancellation. Commencing production in 1977 and concluding in 1988, the film made its debut at the Cannes Film Festival, receiving widespread critical acclaim.
An adaptation of a novel of the same title authored by Jerzy Żuławski, the director's great-uncle is a part of 'The Lunar Trilogy' (1901-1911). The film unfolds a narrative centered on a group of astronauts seeking refuge from a dystopian Earth, only to confront greater challenges on an Earth-like but alien planet. The film delves into themes of liberty, authoritarianism, and the human struggle in an unfamiliar world.
Notably, the film's impactful resonance is significantly attributed to the meticulous costume design undertaken by Magdalena Tesławska and Krzysztof Tyszkiewicz. Drawing inspiration from archaic and primitive tribal aesthetics, the costumes infuse the production with an otherworldly essence.
3. Pan's Labyrinth, 2006
Pan's Labyrinth, 2006 © IMDb
In Guillermo del Toro's 2006 drama 'Pan's Labyrinth' we're transported into a journey of Ofelia (Ivana Baquero) that unfolds amidst the backdrop of war. The film is rich in stunning visuals, full of mystical elements, and creatures that could only live in the wildest imagination.
In ‘Pan's Labyrinth,’ the magical world is not always a positive place, in fact, it is full of eerie, bone-chilling beings that frequently intrude upon Ofelia's enigmatic adventure.
The designer Lala Huete created costumes unlike any other. These designs infuse the film with an enchanting quality, perfectly encapsulating the dreamy essence of a fairy tale that delicately blurs the boundaries between reality and the realm of the imaginary.
4. The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1975
The Rocky Horror Picture Show, 1975 © IMDb
'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' by Jim Sharman is a vibrant 'horror' film that defied the expectations of 1970s audiences and continues to be a celebrated cult classic in the modern age. The timeless picture unites catchy musical numbers and eccentric characters. Costume designer Sue Blane's bold designs, unconventional for the time, play a pivotal role in creating the film's distinct style.
The story follows Brad and Janet, portrayed by Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon, a couple whose journey takes a bizarre turn when a road incident leads them to the castle of the eccentric Frank-N-Furter, portrayed by Tim Curry. This adventure explores eccentric transformations that are vividly reflected in the costumes, serving as mirrors of individualism and expression within the narrative. The film's uniqueness owes much to its captivating costume designs, which contribute significantly to its charismatic essence.
5. Bram Stoker's Dracula, 1992
Bram Stoker's Dracula, 1992 © IMDb
When starting his new film, ‘Bram Stoker's Dracula’ Francis Ford Coppola decided to ‘let the costume be the jewel of the set’. He had a mission: to break away from the usual vampire clichés and to do that, he teamed up with the iconic Japanese artist Eiko Ishioka, who created one of the most remarkable, oscar-winning costumes for the film.
Ishioka's one-of-a-kind designs were surreal, taking inspiration from nature, animals, and insects. Each costume in the film carried a profound symbolic meaning, carefully chosen for every scene and appearance. Whether it was Dracula's bold red robe, his unique armor, or the Klimt-inspired ensemble for his death scene, 'Bram Stoker's Dracula' revolutionized how we saw vampires on the big screen.
Costumes in the film are powerful storytelling tools. They may conceal symbols, offer insights into characters, or even hint at tales yet to unfold. Through various designs, they can weave narratives, craft entirely new universes, and infuse metaphors into the storyline. A keen study of film costumes allows us to delve deeper than what meets the eye and uncover stories that often remain hidden until we peer through the designer's creative vision.
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Credits for the Main photo: © IMDb