I have a weird relationship to a lot of films. Often it takes me quite a bit of time to work up the fucks to watch something, as well as the fact that I typically don’t like watching stuff in theaters (not really a problem these days, obviously), so there’s a lot of costuming flicks that have come and gone but I’ve never committed to sitting down and watching them. Of course, now that we suddenly find a lot more time around the house, that means there are a lot more films I could be catching up on. The thing is, the list is so deep I really have no idea where to start. So, here’s a brief poll, and the winning throwback film will be the subject of my upcoming deep-dive on the costumes!
And as always, feel free to elaborate on your choice in the comments! Get me excited about watching your frock flick pick!
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I mean…the Slipper and the Rose was a favourite as a kid…?
The Frock Flicks ladies did an in-depth look at that fine film a couple of years ago. Great choice, though! :)
Lady & Highwayman please…if only for Hugh Grant’s fabulous muller.
Whoops make that mullet
I know you plan on getting to the rest of the Duchess deep dive, but what about a deep dive for Marie Antoinette?
Those would be in Kendra’s purview — this is Sarah’s poll ;)
The Lady and the Highwayman – Aside from the multiple costume changes, the cast is a Shakespeare fest – Oliver Reed, Claire Bloom, Michael York, John Mills…etc.
It’s an awesomely bad movie that needs awesome snark thrown at it.
I love Cyrano, it’s a worthy choice. As for the others, The New World is dreck, Witchfinder General is 60’s horror and I prefer The Wicked Lady to Lady & the Highwayman. Sure, Faye Dunaway chews the scenery, but the costumes and visuals are great.
We do have a full review of The Wicked Lady, so could maybe compare the two?
I know that Gerard Depardieu is not your favourite person and I agree with you totally, but I remember seeing “Cyrano” in the old Leeds picture house, sitting in the faded gilt and velvet interior and weeping at the last scene.
I suspect there’s a lot more joy to be had in shredding “The Witchfinder General,” which is based on real history — except for the ending, which I found more satisfying than history. Did you know there is a Toshiro Mifune version of Cyrano?
The New World automatically gets my vote because it’s the only one I’ve seen, but I do also think it would make for a good review. It’s a good movie overall (IMO), but there’s also lots of room to criticize the way it perpetuates the same old myths and cliches of Pocahontas’ life rather than the actual facts. (The Pocahontas/John Smith romance being the most obvious example, but far from the only issue.)
I voted for Cyrano de Bergerac. 1. This movie has life to it. 2. Gerard Depardieu–I know he’s not a favorite, but he shines in this role. 3. Vincent Perez. 4. Vincent Perez. 5.This movie has life to it. The only other film I’ve seen from your poll is The New World which is a beautiful-looking movie, but very S-L-O-W.
The New World felt like 900 hours I’ll never get back. I never knew one movie could have so many lingering shots of water dripping off plants where NOTHING HAPPENS.
Cyrano and Witchfinder general.
I own The Lady and the Highwayman and still haven’t watched it, even though I suspect it’s hilarious.
Now do Jean-Pierre Cassell.
I’m throwing a vote in the ring for the miniseries The Devil’s Whore, which has mish-marshy costumes, both great and awful takes on the history, and a fantastic cast. It’s compellingly watchable, very fem-centric (sometimes in a jam fisted way), and provokes discussion aplenty.
Hope you’ll still get to Cyrano someday. I really love Roxane’s dresses in that movie.
It’s such a classic, we really have to do it.