As a fashion blogger and movie buff, I find great pleasure in dissecting characters and their styles from films that have left a lasting impact on pop culture. One such film is the 2015 biographical drama, “The Man Who Knew Infinity”, which tells the story of the Indian mathematical genius S. Ramanujan. The film not only captivates the audience with its riveting storyline but also through its distinct aesthetics, which is a blend of early 20th-century English and traditional Indian styles.
The film’s costume design is a masterclass in visual storytelling, with each character’s wardrobe reflecting their personality, position, and the time they lived in. The variety in outfits worn by the leading and supporting characters adds layers to their personas and helps the audience understand them better.
In this blog post, we’ll delve into a detailed character analysis and style breakdown of the main characters in ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)’, providing an overview of the film’s aesthetic and offering styling tips for different occasions.
Character Analysis and Their Style
The film’s characters, each with their distinct personalities, are mirrored perfectly in their wardrobe choices. Let’s discuss each one in detail:
- Jeremy Irons as G.H. Hardy: Known for his stern demeanor and strong beliefs, Hardy’s character is clad in the traditional English academic dress – a three-piece suit, a tie, and a hat. His style exudes authority and intellectual charm.
- Dev Patel as S. Ramanujan: As the protagonist, Ramanujan’s style evolution is fascinating, starting from traditional Indian attire to slowly adopting the English academic dress while maintaining his ethnic roots. His wardrobe perfectly encapsulates his journey.
- Malcolm Sinclair as Professor Cartwright: Professor Cartwright’s style is the epitome of the early 20th-century English professor look – tweed suits, bow ties, and round glasses. His wardrobe reflects his scholarly aura.
- Raghuvir Joshi as Narasimha: Narasimha’s style is a typical representation of a middle-class Indian during the early 20th century – simple, functional, and traditional.
- Dhritiman Chatterjee as Narayana Iyer: Iyer’s style is a blend of Indian and Western, with him often seen in dhoti and shirt, symbolizing his educated status and progressive mindset.
- Stephen Fry as Sir Francis Spring: Sir Spring’s style is grand and pompous, reflecting his high-ranking position and the British Raj’s opulence.
- Arundathi Nag as Komalatammal: Komalatammal’s style is traditional and conservative, reflecting her adherence to her cultural roots.
The Aesthetic of ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)’
The aesthetic of ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)’ is a beautiful blend of Eastern and Western cultures. The film’s palette is a mix of earthy tones representing India and the muted colors of the UK, creating a visually compelling experience. The film’s aesthetic is not just a mere backdrop but a character itself, influencing the characters’ styles and choices.
The aesthetic also mirrors the contrasting cultures – the warmth and vibrancy of India and the restrained, intellectual atmosphere of Trinity College, Cambridge. This contrast is also seen in the characters’ wardrobes, further enhancing the visual narrative of the film.
Through a meticulous character analysis and style breakdown, we can see how the film’s aesthetic has influenced the characters’ wardrobe, with each outfit telling a story of its own.
Jeremy Irons as G.H. Hardy
To dress like Jeremy Irons’ character, G.H. Hardy, the key elements to focus on are:
- Three-Piece Suit: A well-tailored three-piece in neutral colors like black, grey, or navy is a must.
- Tie: A tie, preferably in a darker shade than the suit, adds to the scholarly charm.
- Hat: A felt hat is essential to complete the Hardy look.
- Pocket Watch: A vintage pocket watch adds a touch of authenticity.
- Shoes: Oxford or brogue shoes in black or brown are the perfect finishing touch.
Dev Patel as S. Ramanujan
To emulate Dev Patel’s character, S. Ramanujan, you need to blend traditional Indian attire with a touch of English sophistication. Here are the key elements:
- Traditional Indian Attire: A white dhoti-kurta set is a must-have.
- Three-Piece Suit: A well-fitted three-piece suit in earthy tones like beige or brown symbolizes Ramanujan’s transition.
- Round Glasses: A pair of round glasses is crucial to get Ramanujan’s intellectual look.
- Pocket Watch: Like Hardy, a pocket watch adds authenticity to the Ramanujan look.
Malcolm Sinclair as Professor Cartwright
Professor Cartwright’s style is quintessentially English. To dress like him, you need:
- Tweed Suit: A tweed suit in earthy tones is a must.
- Bow Tie: A bow tie adds a touch of vintage charm.
- Round Glasses: A pair of round glasses to complete the scholarly look.
Raghuvir Joshi as Narasimha
Narasimha’s style is simple and traditional. To emulate his style, you need:
- Traditional Indian Attire: A simple dhoti-kurta set in earthy tones.
- Sandals: Traditional Indian sandals to complete the look.
Dhritiman Chatterjee as Narayana Iyer
Narayana Iyer’s style is a blend of Indian and Western. To dress like him, you need:
- Dhoti and Shirt: This combination symbolizes his educated status and progressive mindset.
- Round Glasses: A pair of round glasses for the intellectual look.
Stephen Fry as Sir Francis Spring
To dress like Sir Francis Spring, you need:
- Three-Piece Suit: A grand three-piece suit in darker tones.
- Tie: A tie, preferably in a contrasting color to the suit.
- Hat: A felt hat for the English charm.
- Pocket Watch: A vintage pocket watch for authenticity.
- Shoes: Polished Oxford or brogue shoes.
Arundathi Nag as Komalatammal
Komalatammal’s style is traditional and conservative. To dress like her, you need:
- Saree: A traditional Indian saree in earthy tones.
- Jewelry: Traditional Indian jewelry like bangles and earrings.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions
- Casual Wear: Opt for simpler versions of the characters’ outfits. For example, a kurta-pajama set for men or a simple saree for women.
- Formal Wear: A three-piece suit or a grand saree would work perfectly.
- Festive Wear: Add a touch of grandeur with heavy jewelry or a grand suit.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
To get the look of your favorite character from ‘The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)’, here are some places to shop:
- Traditional Indian Attire: Local markets or online platforms like Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart.
- Three-Piece Suits: Brands like Raymond, Blackberrys, or online platforms like Amazon and Myntra.
- Accessories: Local markets or online platforms like Amazon, Myntra, and Flipkart.
Conclusion
‘The Man Who Knew Infinity (2015)’ is a treasure trove of distinct styles and aesthetics. By decoding the wardrobe of its characters, we get a deeper understanding of their personalities and the film’s overall aesthetic. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Indian attire or early 20th-century English academic dress, there’s something for everyone in this film.
Remember, fashion is a form of self-expression. So, whether you’re dressing up for an occasion or just trying to emulate your favorite character’s style, make sure to add your unique touch to it. And don’t forget to share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
