In the cinematic universe, fashion is more than just an accessory – it’s a vital storytelling device that helps shape a character’s identity and underline their persona. In the 2020 film ‘Let Him Go,’ director Thomas Bezucha uses fashion as a powerful tool to reveal the souls of his characters, making their attire a vital part of the narrative. To understand this better, we’re going to delve into a Character Analysis and Style Breakdown of the film’s pivotal characters, examining how their aesthetics contribute to the story.
Set in the 1960s, ‘Let Him Go’ presents a gripping tale of loss, love, and the lengths someone would go to protect their family. The movie’s fashion aesthetics are deeply rooted in the era it portrays, offering a fascinating peek into the trends and styles of the time. The clothing is not just a mirror to the period but also a reflection of the characters’ personalities and their evolving journey throughout the film.
Before we delve into the character analysis, let’s first discuss the Overview of ‘Let Him Go (2020)’ Aesthetic to understand the fashion context better.
An Overview of ‘Let Him Go (2020)’ Aesthetic
‘Let Him Go’ is set in the Midwest during the 1960s, an era marked by a transitional phase in fashion. The film’s aesthetic can be described as a blend of traditional, utilitarian, and classic styles. The costumes are a true reflection of the characters’ lifestyle, their environment, and their emotional state.
- Simplicity and Functionality: The characters’ clothing is primarily functional, reflecting their rural lifestyle. The clothes are simple, practical, and durable, designed for daily chores and farm work.
- Traditional Elements: The movie’s aesthetics are deeply rooted in tradition. The characters’ outfits reflect their conservative beliefs and values.
- Classic Silhouettes: The film also features classic silhouettes typical of the 1960s, including structured dresses, tailored suits, and clean lines.
Diane Lane as Margaret Blackledge
Diane Lane, portraying Margaret Blackledge, is the heart of ‘Let Him Go.’ Her character is a fierce matriarch, determined, strong, and deeply caring. Her wardrobe reflects her resilience and determination, as well as her nurturing side.
- Practical and Comfortable: Margaret’s clothing is practical and comfortable, designed for her farm life. She is seen in simple dresses and skirts, paired with sensible shoes and aprons while working.
- Bold Colors: Despite her practical wardrobe, Margaret isn’t afraid to incorporate bold colors. Her use of vibrant colors reflects her strength and determination.
- Structured Silhouettes: Margaret’s outfits feature structured silhouettes, emphasizing her strong and resilient character.
If you wish to dress like Diane Lane as Margaret Blackledge and detail the key elements of her outfit, focus on practicality and comfort, balanced with bold colors and structured silhouettes.
- Simple Dresses: Choose simple, comfortable dresses in durable fabrics.
- Bold Colors: Don’t shy away from incorporating bright, bold colors into your wardrobe.
- Practical Shoes: Opt for sensible, comfortable shoes that can withstand long hours of standing or walking.
- Aprons: Add an apron when doing chores for an authentic Margaret Blackledge look.
Kevin Costner as George Blackledge
Kevin Costner’s portrayal of George Blackledge is a retired sheriff, a man of few words, but his actions speak volumes. His wardrobe mirrors his quiet strength and rugged masculinity.
- Utilitarian and Durable: George’s outfits are utilitarian and durable, designed for his outdoor lifestyle.
- Earthy Tones: George’s clothing features earthy tones, reflecting his connection to the land.
- Rugged Fabrics: George’s wardrobe includes rugged fabrics like denim and flannel, underlining his tough exterior.
If you fancy dressing like George Blackledge, focus on functional, rugged clothes in earthy tones.
- Functional Clothes: Choose clothes that are functional and durable, suitable for outdoor activities.
- Earthy Tones: Opt for earthy tones like browns, greens, and neutrals.
- Rugged Fabrics: Include rugged fabrics like denim and flannel in your wardrobe.
Character Analysis and Style Breakdown: Kayli Carter as Lorna Blackledge, Ryan Bruce as James Blackledge, Otto Hornung as Jimmy Blackledge, Bram Hornung as Jimmy Blackledge
The younger generation of the Blackledge family, portrayed by Kayli Carter, Ryan Bruce, Otto Hornung, and Bram Hornung, have a more modern, transitional style. Their outfits reflect the societal changes of the time and their youthful spirit.
- Modern Silhouettes: The younger Blackledges’ outfits have more modern silhouettes, reflecting their youth and the changing fashion trends of the 1960s.
- Casual and Comfortable: Their clothes are casual and comfortable, suitable for their active lifestyles.
- Brighter Colors: The younger Blackledges’ wardrobe features brighter colors, reflecting their youth and spirit.
The Blackledge family’s style is a mix of traditional and modern elements, reflecting their generational differences and their rural lifestyle.
- Traditional Elements: The family’s style is deeply rooted in tradition, with practical, durable clothes suitable for farm life.
- Modern Touches: The younger generation adds a modern touch with more current silhouettes and brighter colors.
Lesley Manville as Blanche Weboy
Lesley Manville, portraying the manipulative and menacing Blanche Weboy, is the film’s primary antagonist. Her wardrobe is a stark contrast to the Blackledges’, reflecting her domineering personality and her desire for control.
- Formal and Imposing: Blanche’s outfits are formal and imposing, underlining her domineering character.
- Dark Colors: Blanche’s clothing predominantly features dark colors, reflecting her sinister nature.
- Ornate Details: Her outfits feature ornate details, emphasizing her desire for control and power.
Styling Tips Inspired by ‘Let Him Go (2020)’ for Different Occasions
‘Let Him Go’ offers a wealth of styling inspiration for different occasions, whether you’re looking for a casual, comfortable outfit or a formal, imposing look.
Casual Occasions:
- Comfort is Key: Opt for comfortable, practical clothes like simple dresses, skirts, or durable pants.
- Bold Colors: Don’t shy away from incorporating bold colors into your outfit.
- Functional Accessories: Choose functional accessories like practical shoes and aprons.
Formal Occasions:
- Formal and Structured: Choose structured dresses or suits for a formal, imposing look.
- Dark Colors: Opt for dark colors for an added touch of drama and sophistication.
- Ornate Details: Incorporate ornate details into your outfit to make a statement.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
If you’re inspired by the fashion in ‘Let Him Go’ and want to get the look and summary of outfits and where to buy them, here are some suggestions:
- Simple Dresses: Stores like Uniqlo, Gap, and H&M offer a wide range of simple, comfortable dresses.
- Bold Colors: Stores like Zara, ASOS, and Mango are known for their vibrant, bold-colored clothing.
- Functional Clothes: Outdoor and workwear stores like Carhartt, LL Bean, and Columbia offer functional, durable clothing.
- Formal Clothes: For formal, structured clothing, check out brands like Banana Republic, Brooks Brothers, and Ann Taylor.
How to Include Elements from ‘Let Him Go (2020)’ in Your Own Style
Incorporating elements from ‘Let Him Go’ into your own style is all about balancing practicality and comfort with bold colors and structured silhouettes.
- Choose Functional Clothes: Opt for clothes that are functional and comfortable.
- Incorporate Bold Colors: Don’t be afraid to incorporate bold colors into your wardrobe.
- Opt for Structured Silhouettes: Choose structured silhouettes for a strong, resilient look.
- Include Ornate Details: For a touch of drama, include ornate details in your outfits.
Conclusion
‘Let Him Go (2020)’ offers a rich tapestry of fashion aesthetics that serves as a window into the characters’ souls and the era. The film beautifully illustrates how fashion can be used as a powerful storytelling device to underline a character’s persona and development. Whether it’s the practical clothing of Margaret and George Blackledge, the modern style of the younger Blackledges, or the imposing wardrobe of Blanche Weboy, each character’s attire contributes significantly to the narrative.
So, whether you’re a movie buff or a fashion enthusiast, ‘Let Him Go’ offers a wealth of inspiration for your wardrobe. Embrace the simplicity and functionality of the Blackledges’ style, add a touch of drama with Blanche Weboy’s ornate outfits, or incorporate the youthful spirit of the younger Blackledges into your look. Remember, fashion is a form of self-expression, so don’t be afraid to make it your own!
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