Boomer style idealized in movies?
Tuesday, January 12, 2010
That depends! If you go back to 2002 and view Jack Nicholson and Kathy Bates (when she is wearing clothes!) in "About Schmidt" you see a costume designer's accurate representation of our-- too often-- bad style choices on an everyday to special occasion basis. But go forward to 2003 and "Something's Gotta Give"--Nancy Meyer's idealized aesthetic gives Jack a wonderful new look, as it does Diane Keaton. Both actors (Jack who is given to high end wild print shirts--and Diane who usually espouses high collars, and cinched-in wide belted waistlines and lady-like gloves) let go in favor of Ms Meyer's styized vision.Both are dressed in a gorgeous pallette of neutrals interrupted only by an occasional scarf or so in Robin egg's blue (perhaps Nancy's favorite color?). The clothes are in luxe linens, fine cottons, high end cotton knits and cashmeres. As only in the movies--they all coordinate with the incredible seaside home--and its beautiful decor. In the recent "It's Complicated" things get a bit more real with Meryl Streep's clothing (though the "palette" remains)--more inclusive of Meryl's penchant for more volume and layering (definitely favored by many boomer gals--and older), pendant earrings--and never looking "perfect". In either movie--the characters may have romantic problems--but it's obvious money is not an issue for anyone.
When I used to wear the stylist/costume designer's hat I always asked the director--are we doing reality--or the way we'd like reality to be?
How do you like it?
