Film aesthetics: 10 of the most stylish British films

In the not-so-expressive Victorian era, Oscar Wilde, a noted dandy, developed a philosophy of aestheticism and became a respected critic of theatrical productions. In his opinion, the performance of the actors could be fake, but the costume should never fail. Since then, any British-made movie has been compared to an encyclopedia on the trends of a bygone real era. We offer to admire the closet of the heroes of the bigger movie.

• “Photo Zoom” or “Blowup” (1966).

The main character of the glamorous movie parable “Photo Amplification” – a young photographer Thomas, in front of the lens of which every day posing long-limbed models. Brightly colored tights, shorttrapeze cut sundresses, turtlenecks and vinyl miniskirts – all these items of the 60’s closet kaleidoscope in front of the young man’s eyesand bring a terrible boredom, as if he works in a factory producing plastic dolls. Even supermodel Verushka (who, incidentally, played herself in the movie) is unable to cure him of his apathy. But one spontaneous walk in Marion Park in southeast London makes Thomas complicit in the drama between the couple. A couple clicks of a professional camera– and now he’s got dirt on this elegant stranger in a plaid shirt and pencil skirt. The plot is as interesting to follow as the fashions of the “swinging” decade.

• “Easy Virtue” or “Easy Virtue” (2008).

The turbulent romance of young Englishman John Whitaker and sexy American racecar driver Larita doomed to defeat. Raised in hothouse conditions British young man did not know that in the ocean women have long abandoned corsets, and instead of traditional tea dresses wear shirts with stand-up collar and long pants with arrows. Despite the difference in tastes, the lovers nevertheless announce their engagement and go on honeymoon to the family estate Whitaker, in the quiet English countryside. While the groom passionately shoos away foxes in a needlepoint tweed suit, his beloved shocks her mother-in-law with an “embarrassing masculine closet.” Here costume designer Charlotte Walter has tried her best – it is simply impossible to portray a 30s feminist better.

• “Bel Ami” or “Bel Ami” (2012).

The screen adaptation of the novel of the same name by French writer Guy de Maupassant was discussed more because of the actor who was chosen for the role of Georges Duroy. Ex-vampire Robert Pattinson as a seductive heartthrob in a tuxedo… Is that a good idea? Nevertheless, British director Declan Donnellan, as well as a team of the best theatrical costumers managed to convey the atmosphere, manners and manners of the high society of the late 19th century. Uma Thurman’s plunging neckline, Christina Ricci’s flirty silk draperies and curls. any, even the most insignificant detail of the heroines’ costume helps to predict their behavior towards the protagonist. Watching the dialog between a woman’s dress and a man’s surtout is extremely entertaining.

 

• “A Versailles Romance” or “A Little Chaos” (2014).

The plot is set in XVII century France, when the state was ruled by King Louis XIV. British actor Alak Rickman has stepped in as director this time around, making the construction of the palace and park ensemble at Versailles directed by a strong woman played by Kate Winslet. A modest girl architect strikes up a friendship with the cream of society. As a true rebel, instead of openwork dresses with crinolines and powdered wigs, she chooses a comfortable style (a kind of court casual) – a canvas peasant dress and a shawl with author’s embroidery. With the help of her modesty, charm and innate industriousness, Sabine de Barra not only gains the respect of the “Sun King”, but also falls in love with the court architect Lenotre. but also falls in love with the court architect Lenôtre. One day, tired of contrived luxury and groundless gossip, the lovers run away and seclude themselves in a hut near scaffolding, where the only barrier to paradise for two is a lace shirt…. A touching love story and a real gift for those who enjoy looking at the details of historical costume.

• “The Other Boleyn Girl” (2008).

The reign of Henry VIII was jokingly called the “Little Ice Age” – the king had a great weakness for expensive overseas furs. However, at the center of this historical drama unfolds not a costume ball, but the story of the rivalry between sisters Anne and Mary Boleyn for the heart of the monarch. The dresses of the main heroines were deliberately depersonalized, devoid of eye-catching details and precious saturas: in this way the costume designers emphasized that each heroine had the same chances of seducing her lover. However, the robes with draped plumes and the gabels with pearls (the second name of the “Tudor bonnet”) are recreated with a with the utmost fidelity. The movie will be a great study of fashion from a time of palace coups and blind ambition.

• “Only Lovers Left Alive” or “Only Lovers Left Alive” (2013).

The love story of the ancient vampires Adam and Eve is as interesting as the costume history of the different nations and eras they lived through. Eva was born in Shakespearean times and still retains a passion for historical quotes in her clothing. She can revel in reading in a Windsor Pranksters shirt with wing sleeves or drink blood from a cut glass in a buta patterned robe bought at a flea market in Morocco. Her lover Adam is a rocker from Detroit who plays underground music. At any time of day, he does not part with tight leather pants and amulets from the evil eye. The fantasy drama directed by Jim Jarmusch and featuring the best British actors will allow you to enjoy wise quotes, talent of costumers and forget about the existence of other people for two whole hours.

• “The Limehouse Golem” or “The Limehouse Golem” (2016)

In 2017, fans of the Jack the Ripper legend were in for a pleasant surprise: no longer did they have to go to the museum named after the bloodthirsty maniac in Docklands to tickle their nerves. In the mystical movie “The Golem,” you’ll take a walk through Victorian London and find yourself in a the Limehouse neighborhood, which is rocked by a series of brutal murders. The townspeople claim the golem was responsible for the mass bloodshed. a clay creature from mythology that is animated by magic. Inspector Kildare is taking over the investigation of the case. He’s sure the killer is hiding behind the makeup of an actor from a local theater. From time to time the gloomy panorama of the capital is replaced by a cancan in pompous tutus, buffoonish and lots of red lipstick and blush. British director Juan Carlos Medina found a balance between Gothic and theatrical styles. This story will attract all lovers of unconventional movies to the screen.

• “The Riot Club” and “The Riot Club” (2014).

When the intelligent Oxford students become unbearably bored, they put aside sweaters with the university emblem and flannel pants in the far drawer of the closet and put on a tailcoat. The main characters of the drama by British director Lone Scherfig decided not just to change their image. They remembered the good old tradition of closed English clubs and created their own. The main rule there is “have fun and don’t regret it”. So, every week, dressed in white-tie tails, they gather in rented halls of country restaurants, where they drink years of wine, abuse drugs, abuse the priestesses of love and little by little bring each other to the climax of pleasure. The attentive viewer will notice how in the movie, along with the character’s personality, his costume degrades.

• “Bohemian Rhapsody” or “Bohemian Rhapsody” (2018)

A biographical film about the British rock band Queen, focusing on the life of lead singer Freddie Mercury. Freddie’s love for extravagance was evident in his youth, so that he could easily spend some of his pocket money and earnings on fashionable jeans, hippie shirt with hibiscus and liquid eyeliner from Biba store. After the release of Queen’s first single, the lead singer became unrecognizable: he experimented enthusiastically not only with the notes, but also with stage costumes. This movie will give you much more than just a portion of pleasant nostalgia. Costume designer Julian Day has done her best: inspired by the painting, you will surely add at least one piece from the 70s, 80s or 90s to your closet.

• “The Gentlemen” or “The Gentlemen” ( 2019 )

For British director Guy Ritchie to shoot bloody scenes and dress the actors in elegant costumes– equally important tasks. In the story, the central character, played by Matthew McConaughey . a clever American. He has been dealing drugs since his student years, and now he has invented a scheme of illegal enrichment using the estates of the impoverished English aristocracy and got very well on it. And thanks to his partner and right-hand man, Rhea adopted the habits of the inhabitants of Foggy Albion without expecting it himself. He only orders suits from Savile Row, eats eggs or oatmeal for breakfast, and always apologizes, even if he’s shot someone. “Gentlemen”- a chance to admire real dandies and learn some manners.