Greetings fashionistas, cinephiles, and those who straddle both realms with style and panache! Let’s talk about ‘Behind the Candelabra,’ the 2013 biographical drama film that takes us into the flamboyant world of famed pianist Liberace. Directed by the acclaimed Steven Soderbergh, this film is a veritable feast for the eyes, particularly for those of us with a keen interest in fashion and style.
‘Behind the Candelabra’ takes us through the life and times of Liberace, his romantic relationship with Scott Thorson, and the extravagant lifestyle that defined an era. The film’s costume designer, Ellen Mirojnick, deserves a standing ovation for the way she captured the essence of Liberace’s extravagant persona through his wardrobe. The outfits in this film are more than just clothes; they are essential components of the characters’ identities.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into a detailed character analysis and style breakdown of the film’s most noteworthy outfits. So buckle up, my fashion-forward friends, as we embark on this sartorial journey through the glitz and glamour of ‘Behind the Candelabra.’
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown: An Overview
The film’s characters, each with their unique quirks and personalities, are reflected in their choice of attire. Their outfits are bold expressions of their identities, setting the tone for their characters and their roles within the narrative.
- Liberace: As the central figure of the film, Liberace’s style is flamboyant and ostentatious, reflecting his larger-than-life personality. His outfits, dripping in sequins, furs, and rhinestones, are an expression of his extravagant lifestyle.
- Scott Thorson: As Liberace’s lover, Thorson’s style evolves throughout the film, starting as a young, naive boy, and gradually adopting Liberace’s glitz and glamour as he becomes more entwined in his world.
- Bob Black: As the man who introduced Thorson to Liberace, Bob Black’s style is a blend of the classic and the contemporary, reflecting his role as a bridge between Thorson’s ordinary world and Liberace’s extraordinary one.
- Lou and the film crew: Lou, the Assistant Director, Randy, the Director, Tom, the Stunt Actor, and Shamus, the Camera Assistant, each have their distinctive style, reflecting their roles within the film production industry.
Aesthetic Overview of ‘Behind the Candelabra (2013)’
The film’s aesthetic is a visual treat. The opulent sets and costumes transport us to Liberace’s world, where every surface glistens, and glamour is the order of the day. The film’s aesthetic can be broken down into three key elements:
- The Glamour: The film perfectly captures the glamour and extravagance of Liberace’s lifestyle, with his sequin-studded outfits, fur coats, and extravagant jewelry.
- The Authenticity: Despite the flamboyance, there is an authentic feel to the costumes and sets, reflecting the era and the characters’ personalities.
- The Details: The attention to detail in the costumes and sets is breathtaking. From the intricate embroidery on Liberace’s stage outfits to the authentic 70s style of the film crew’s attire, every detail contributes to the film’s overall aesthetic.
Matt Damon as Scott Thorson
For those who want to channel Scott Thorson’s style, here are the key elements of his outfits:
- Denim and Leather Jackets: Scott’s wardrobe in the early parts of the film consists of casual, everyday attire like denim and leather jackets, reflecting his ordinary upbringing.
- Matching Suits: As he becomes more involved with Liberace, Scott starts wearing matching suits, a reflection of Liberace’s influence on him.
- Extravagant Costumes: In the later parts of the film, we see Scott in extravagant costumes similar to Liberace’s, indicating his complete immersion in Liberace’s world.
Scott Bakula as Bob Black
Bob Black’s style is a blend of the classic and the contemporary. Here are a few key elements:
- Classic Suits: Bob is often seen in classic suits, reflecting his mature and sophisticated personality.
- Stylish Accessories: He also uses stylish accessories like pocket squares and cufflinks to enhance his outfits.
- Smart Casual Attire: When not in suits, Bob opts for smart casual attire, maintaining his stylish and put-together look.
Eric Zuckerman as Lou
Lou’s style is a reflection of his role as an Assistant Director. Here are a few key elements:
- Functional Clothing: As a part of the film crew, Lou opts for functional clothing like jeans and t-shirts.
- Professional Attire: For more formal occasions, he wears professional attire like suits and ties.
- Minimal Accessories: Lou’s style is minimalistic, with few accessories, reflecting his practical personality.
Randy Lowell as Director
Randy’s style is a blend of the professional and the casual. Here are a few fashion highlights:
- Casual Shirts and Jeans: Randy opts for a casual look with shirts and jeans, reflecting his laid-back personality.
- Layering: He often layers his outfits with jackets or sweaters, adding depth to his looks.
- Comfortable Footwear: Randy opts for comfortable footwear like sneakers, reflecting his need for comfort during long shooting hours.
Tom Roach as Stunt Actor
Tom’s style reflects his role as a stunt actor. Here are a few key elements:
- Athletic Wear: Tom opts for athletic wear like tracksuits and sneakers, reflecting his active profession.
- Layered Outfits: He often layers his outfits with jackets or hoodies, adding a cool and casual vibe to his looks.
- Practical Accessories: Tom uses practical accessories like caps and sports watches, enhancing his athletic style.
Shamus Cooley as Camera Assistant
Shamus’ style is casual and comfortable. Here are a few style tips:
- Comfortable Clothing: Shamus opts for comfortable clothing like t-shirts and jeans, reflecting his need for comfort during long shooting hours.
- Casual Footwear: He opts for casual footwear like sneakers, adding a laid-back vibe to his looks.
- Minimal Accessories: Shamus’ style is minimalistic, with few accessories, reflecting his practical personality.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired from ‘Behind the Candelabra’
Whether you’re attending a glamorous event or hanging out with friends, here are a few styling tips inspired by ‘Behind the Candelabra’:
- Glamorous Events: Channel Liberace’s glamour with sequin-studded outfits, extravagant jewelry, and luxurious furs.
- Casual Outings: Opt for Scott Thorson’s early style with denim or leather jackets, paired with jeans and casual footwear.
- Professional Settings: Channel Bob Black’s style with classic suits, stylish accessories, and smart casual attire.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
Want to recreate the looks from ‘Behind the Candelabra’? Here’s a summary of outfits and where to buy them:
- Liberace’s Outfits: Look for sequin-studded outfits and extravagant jewelry at vintage stores or online retailers like ASOS and Boohoo.
- Scott Thorson’s Outfits: Check out stores like Levi’s and Zara for denim and leather jackets. For matching suits, check out brands like Hugo Boss and Armani.
- Bob Black’s Outfits: Opt for classic suits from brands like Brooks Brothers and Ralph Lauren. For stylish accessories, check out stores like The Tie Bar and Cufflinks.com.
How to Include ‘Behind the Candelabra’ Elements in Daily Outfits
Incorporating elements from ‘Behind the Candelabra’ into your daily outfits can add a touch of glamour and personality to your style. Here are a few tips:
- Extravagant Jewelry: Add a touch of Liberace’s style to your outfits with extravagant jewelry like oversized rings or statement necklaces.
- Sequin-studded Pieces: Incorporate sequin-studded pieces into your wardrobe for an added touch of glamour.
- Classic Suits: Channel Bob Black’s style with classic suits and stylish accessories.
Concluding Style Tips and Takeaways from ‘Behind the Candelabra (2013)’
‘Behind the Candelabra’ serves not just as a cinematic delight but also a treasure trove of style inspiration. From Liberace’s extravagant glamour to Scott Thorson’s evolving style, each character offers unique style lessons that we can incorporate into our own wardrobes.
Whether it’s the opulence of sequins and furs, the elegance of classic suits, or the casual cool of denim and leather jackets, there’s something for everyone in this film. So why not take a leaf out of ‘Behind the Candelabra’ and add a touch of glamour, authenticity, and individuality to your style?
That’s all for now, my stylish comrades. Remember, fashion is not just about wearing clothes; it’s about expressing your unique personality and making a statement. So, go forth and conquer the world with your style!
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