As a seasoned movie buff and fashion enthusiast, I can’t help but get excited when a movie comes along that perfectly marries these two passions. ‘Munich: The Edge of War (2021)’ is one such movie. Set in the volatile era of 1930s Europe, it offers a rich tapestry of characters, each with their unique style that speaks volumes about their personalities. This blog post is my take on the character analysis and style breakdown from this captivating movie. So, grab your popcorn and let’s dive in.
An Overview of ‘Munich: The Edge of War (2021)’ Aesthetic
The cinematic aesthetic of ‘Munich: The Edge of War’ is as compelling as its gripping narrative. The film transports you to a world on the brink of war, with its stark landscape contrasted by ripples of high society glamour and a distinct 1930s fashion style. The characters, each with their unique fashion choices, enhance the visual narrative and provide a rich canvas for style analysis.
- Period Authenticity: The costume designers have gone to great lengths to maintain the authenticity of the period, with a keen focus on detail. There’s a stark contrast between the formal, restrained attire of the diplomats and the more flamboyant, bold style of the socialites.
- Color Palette: The dominant color palette of the film is muted and earthy, with pops of bold colors used strategically to highlight the characters’ emotional states.
- Accessories: The accessories used in the movie, from hats to brooches, play a significant role in defining the characters and their social standing.
Liv Lisa Fries as Lenya
Playing the role of the enigmatic Lenya, Liv Lisa Fries brings to life a character who is both vulnerable and bold. Her style is a reflection of her personality, with a mix of feminine and masculine elements that lend her an air of mystery.
- Smart Casuals: Lenya’s wardrobe consists mainly of smart casuals, with a preference for trousers over skirts. Her outfits are simple yet stylish, reflecting her practical nature.
- Bold Colors: Lenya is often seen in bold colors, which contrast with the more muted tones worn by the other characters. This could be seen as a reflection of her fiery spirit and her refusal to blend into the background.
- Minimal Accessories: Lenya’s style is minimalist when it comes to accessories. She favors functionality over extravagance, with her choice of simple, practical handbags and shoes.
Detail the Key Elements of Lenya’s Outfit
Lenya’s signature outfit in the movie is a simple yet stylish ensemble. It consists of a pair of tailored trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a fitted blazer. The key elements of her outfit are:
- Tailored Trousers: Lenya’s tailored trousers are a staple in her wardrobe. They’re practical and comfortable yet exude a sense of effortless style.
- White Shirt: The crisp white shirt is a classic piece that adds a touch of sophistication to her outfit. It’s a versatile piece that can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion.
- Fitted Blazer: The fitted blazer is the piece de resistance of her outfit. It adds structure and formality to her look, making her stand out in any crowd.
George MacKay as Hugh Legat
Hugh Legat, played by George MacKay, is a British civil servant with a strong sense of duty. His character is composed, restrained, and exudes an aura of quiet strength. His wardrobe mirrors these traits, consisting primarily of well-tailored suits, crisp shirts, and classic ties.
- Classic suits: Hugh’s suits are usually in solid, dark colors like navy or black, signifying his serious and responsible nature. The suits fit him impeccably, highlighting his disciplined and meticulous character.
- Crisp shirts: The shirts are often in lighter hues, creating a pleasing contrast with the darker suits. The crisp, ironed look of the shirts further emphasizes Hugh’s neat and orderly personality.
- Classic ties: Hugh’s ties are typically in solid colors or simple patterns, complementing his overall subdued and understated style.
Jannis Niewí¶hner as Paul von Hartmann
Paul von Hartmann, portrayed by Jannis Niewí¶hner, is a German diplomat with a rebellious spirit. His style is more casual and relaxed compared to Hugh’s, reflecting his more easy-going and unconventional personality.
- Casual jackets: Paul is often seen in casual, earth-toned jackets, symbolizing his down-to-earth nature and practical approach.
- Loose shirts: Unlike Hugh’s crisp shirts, Paul’s shirts are looser and more relaxed, mirroring his free-spirited personality.
- Bold accessories: Paul’s accessories, such as his eye-catching scarves and unique hats, are a testament to his bold and adventurous character.
Paul Flanagan as Foreman Frank Wright (as Paul Ernest Flanagan)
Foreman Frank Wright, played by Paul Flanagan, is a working-class character with a strong sense of determination. His wardrobe is functional and straightforward, reflecting his practical and no-nonsense attitude.
- Functional clothing: Frank’s clothes are simple and functional, typically consisting of a durable work jacket and sturdy trousers.
- Neutral colors: The color palette of Frank’s wardrobe is mostly neutral, comprising of browns, blacks, and grays, indicating his grounded and humble personality.
- Practical accessories: Frank’s accessories, such as his practical work boots and simple cap, further accentuate his utilitarian style.
Nick Wymer as Maitre D’
Maitre D’, portrayed by Nick Wymer, is a character full of charm and sophistication. His wardrobe is elegant and polished, a perfect reflection of his refined and cultured persona.
- Formal attire: Maitre D’s attire is always formal, usually a sleek black tuxedo, signifying his professional and sophisticated demeanor.
- White gloves: His white gloves are not just a part of his uniform but also symbolize his meticulous nature and attention to detail.
- Bow ties: The bow ties add a touch of classic elegance to his outfit, underlining his refined personality.
Jessica Brown Findlay as Pamela Legat
Pamela Legat, played by Jessica Brown Findlay, is a character that exudes femininity, grace, and resilience. Her wardrobe consists of elegant dresses, feminine blouses, and delicate accessories, mirroring her gentle yet strong character.
- Elegant dresses: Pamela’s dresses are often in soft, pastel hues, reflecting her gentle and compassionate nature. The dresses are generally flowy and delicate, adding to her feminine charm.
- Feminine blouses: Her blouses are usually adorned with delicate details like lace or ruffles, further enhancing her feminine aura.
- Delicate accessories: Pamela’s accessories, such as her dainty pearl necklace or elegant gloves, perfectly complement her overall graceful style.
Raphael Sowole as Cecil Syers
Cecil Syers, portrayed by Raphael Sowole, is a character that exudes power, determination, and integrity. His wardrobe is sophisticated and commanding, reflecting his strong and influential personality.
- Tailored suits: Cecil’s suits are impeccably tailored, usually in dark, bold colors, signifying his powerful and authoritative character.
- Crisp shirts: His shirts are often white, creating a sharp contrast with his dark suits and highlighting his clear-cut and decisive nature.
- Commanding accessories: Cecil’s accessories, such as his power ties and sturdy leather shoes, further underline his commanding style.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired by the Movie Characters
Drawing inspiration from the characters in ‘Munich: The Edge of War’, here are some styling tips for different occasions:
- Workwear Inspiration from Lenya: Emulate Lenya’s smart casual style for your workwear. Opt for tailored trousers, a crisp white shirt, and a fitted blazer. Keep accessories to a minimum for a clean, professional look.
- Dinner Party Glam from Pamela Legat: Channel Pamela’s glamorous style for your next dinner party. Opt for a flowing gown in a bold color and accessorize with statement jewelry.
- Casual Chic from Hugh Legat: Take cues from Hugh’s casual style for your relaxed weekends. Opt for a comfortable sweater and pair it with well-fitted jeans. Don’t forget the signature cap for that extra touch of style.
Get the Look: Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
To help you recreate the style of your favorite characters from ‘Munich: The Edge of War’, here’s a summary of their outfits and where you can buy them:
- Lenya’s Smart Casual Look: This look can be recreated with a pair of tailored trousers from Zara, a white shirt from H&M, and a fitted blazer from ASOS. For the accessories, opt for a minimalist handbag from Mango and a pair of practical shoes from Clarks.
- Pamela’s Glamorous Look: You can recreate Pamela’s look with a bold gown from Nordstrom and statement jewelry from Swarovski.
- Hugh’s Casual Look: Get Hugh’s casual style with a comfortable sweater from Uniqlo, well-fitted jeans from Levi’s, and a stylish cap from New Era.
Conclusion
Movies like ‘Munich: The Edge of War’ offer a treasure trove of style inspiration, providing an insight into the fashion sensibilities of different characters and eras. Whether you’re a movie buff, a fashion enthusiast, or both, dissecting the style choices of characters can be an interesting and fun exercise. So, the next time you watch a movie, don’t just follow the plot. Pay attention to the characters’ style and you might just find your next fashion inspiration.
And remember, fashion is not just about following trends. It’s about expressing your unique personality and style. So, take inspiration from these characters but don’t forget to add your own twist to it. Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
