The year 2019 witnessed the release of ‘Motherless Brooklyn,’ a neo-noir crime film penned, directed, and featuring Edward Norton. Showcasing a star-studded ensemble cast, the film set in the 1950s New York, offers a visual treat of period fashion, making it a must-watch for every style enthusiast. This article is an exploration of the film’s wardrobe, a detailed character analysis and style breakdown that will provide inspiration for those seeking a classic, timeless look.
Motherless Brooklyn’s aesthetic is significantly influenced by the mid-century New York charm. The costume design, handled adeptly by Amy Roth, is a testament to the era’s style, where each outfit tells a story and adds depth to the characters. Let’s dive into the world of Motherless Brooklyn and decode the style secrets of its characters.
The Aesthetic Overview of ‘Motherless Brooklyn (2019)’
The aesthetic of ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ is an ode to classic noir films. It is filled with an array of chic period costumes that perfectly capture the essence of the 1950s era. The clothes worn by the characters are not just outfits; they are a part of their personality, contributing to their character development, and highlighting their socio-economic status and personal style.
- Edward Norton as Lionel Essrog dons a series of well-tailored suits, reflecting his character’s meticulous nature.
- Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Laura Rose epitomizes elegance and sophistication in her feminine dresses and timeless accessories.
- Alec Baldwin as Moses Randolph consistently exudes power and authority through his opulent wardrobe.
- Willem Dafoe as Paul Randolph represents the intellectual with his simple, no-nonsense attire.
- Bruce Willis as Frank Minna embodies the quintessential detective with his smart trench coats and fedoras.
- Ethan Suplee as Gilbert Coney and Cherry Jones as Gabby Horowitz also don unique styles, reflecting their distinct personalities.
Understanding Character Analysis and Style Breakdown
This character analysis and style breakdown aims to dissect the wardrobes of the characters from ‘Motherless Brooklyn,’ providing a fresh perspective on how clothes can be used as an essential tool in storytelling. It is not merely about what they are wearing; it’s about the thought process behind each garment, how it is reflective of the character’s personality, and how it impacts the audience’s perception of the character.
Edward Norton as Lionel Essrog
Lionel Essrog, portrayed by Edward Norton, is a private detective with Tourette’s Syndrome. His wardrobe is a clear reflection of his character- meticulous, detail-oriented, and vintage.
- Norton’s Tailored Suits: These are the epitome of 1950s men’s fashion, with their broad shoulders, narrow waist, and straight-leg trousers.
- His Ties: Norton’s ties are always perfectly knotted, reflecting Lionel’s attention to detail.
- The Fedora: An essential accessory in Lionel’s wardrobe, adding a touch of mystery to his character.
Gugu Mbatha-Raw as Laura Rose
Laura Rose, played by Gugu Mbatha-Raw, is a strong, independent woman who fights for social justice. Her wardrobe is a mix of feminine dresses and practical pieces that reflect her character’s resilience and elegance.
- Laura’s Dresses: These are elegant, feminine, and sophisticated, with cinched waists and flared skirts.
- Her Accessories: Laura’s pearls and gloves add a touch of elegance and sophistication to her outfits.
Alec Baldwin as Moses Randolph
Moses Randolph, played by Alec Baldwin, is a powerful city planner. His wardrobe exudes authority, power, and wealth.
- Randolph’s Suits: These are luxurious and opulent, reflecting his high social status and power.
- His Accessories: Randolph’s gold cufflinks, tie pins, and pocket squares add a touch of luxury to his outfits.
Willem Dafoe as Paul Randolph
Paul Randolph, portrayed by Willem Dafoe, is an intellectual and Moses Randolph’s estranged brother. His wardrobe is simple and practical.
- Paul’s Outfits: These are simple, functional, and comfortable, reflecting his character’s practical nature.
- His Accessories: Paul’s glasses and hat are his signature accessories, adding a touch of intellectual charm to his character.
Bruce Willis as Frank Minna
Frank Minna, played by Bruce Willis, is a private detective and Lionel’s mentor. His wardrobe is smart, sleek, and stylish.
- Minna’s Trench Coats: These are classic, timeless, and practical, reflecting his character’s profession.
- His Fedora: Like Lionel, Minna also dons a fedora, adding a touch of detective charm to his character.
Ethan Suplee as Gilbert Coney
Gilbert Coney, portrayed by Ethan Suplee, is Lionel’s colleague. His wardrobe is casual, comfortable, and functional.
- Coney’s Outfits: These are comfortable, practical, and straightforward, reflecting his character’s down-to-earth nature.
- His Accessories: Coney’s cap is his signature accessory, adding a touch of casual charm to his character.
Cherry Jones as Gabby Horowitz
Gabby Horowitz, played by Cherry Jones, is a community activist. Her wardrobe is modest, comfortable, and practical.
- Horowitz’s Outfits: These are modest, comfortable, and practical, reflecting her character’s social activist nature.
- Her Accessories: Horowitz’s glasses and scarf are her signature accessories, adding a touch of intellectual charm to her character.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions inspired by ‘Motherless Brooklyn (2019)’
Incorporating ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ style into your wardrobe can be a fantastic way to add a touch of vintage charm to your outfits. Here are some styling tips for different occasions:
- For a formal occasion: Take inspiration from Lionel Essrog and Moses Randolph’s suits. Opt for a well-tailored suit, a crisp white shirt, a classic tie, and don’t forget the accessories- a pocket square, cufflinks, and a tie pin.
- For a casual occasion: Look at Gilbert Coney’s wardrobe. Choose comfortable trousers, a simple shirt, and add a cap for a touch of casual charm.
- For a feminine, sophisticated look: Laura Rose’s outfits are your go-to inspiration. Choose a feminine dress, pearls, and gloves for a touch of elegance.
- For a smart, practical look: Paul Randolph and Gabby Horowitz’s wardrobes offer excellent inspiration. Opt for comfortable, functional clothes, and don’t forget the signature accessories- glasses, a hat, or a scarf.
How to get the ‘Motherless Brooklyn (2019)’ look
Getting the ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ look is all about incorporating vintage elements into your wardrobe. Here are some tips:
- Start with the basics: Invest in classic pieces like a well-tailored suit, a trench coat, a fedora, a simple dress, and practical trousers.
- Play with accessories: Add vintage charm to your outfits with accessories like pearls, gloves, glasses, hats, and scarves.
- Add a touch of luxury: Invest in luxurious accessories like gold cufflinks, tie pins, and pocket squares.
- Don’t forget the shoes: Complete your look with classic shoes like brogues, loafers, or heels.
Summary of outfits and where to buy them
Here is a summary of the outfits from ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ and where you can buy them:
- Well-tailored suits: Check out brands like Brooks Brothers, Ralph Lauren, and Hugo Boss.
- Trench coats and fedoras: Look at Burberry, Aquascutum, and Borsalino.
- Feminine dresses: Brands like Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, and Chanel offer beautiful vintage-inspired dresses.
- Practical trousers and shirts: Brands like Levi’s, Gap, and Uniqlo are great for these.
- Accessories: Look at vintage or thrift shops for unique, vintage accessories.
Incorporating ‘Motherless Brooklyn (2019)’ elements in your daily outfit
Incorporating ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ elements in your daily outfit can be a fun way to add a touch of vintage charm to your look. Here are some tips:
- For work: Opt for a well-tailored suit, a crisp white shirt, and a classic tie. Don’t forget the accessories- a pocket square, cufflinks, and a tie pin.
- For a casual day out: Choose comfortable trousers, a simple shirt, and add a cap or a scarf for a touch of casual charm.
- For a date: Choose a feminine dress, pearls, and gloves for a touch of elegance.
- For a day of running errands: Opt for comfortable, functional clothes, and don’t forget the glasses or the hat.
Conclusion
From well-tailored suits to feminine dresses, from smart trench coats to practical trousers, ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ offers a plethora of style inspiration. The film’s wardrobe is a testament to the power of clothes in storytelling, where each outfit adds depth to the characters and enhances the narrative. So, why not take a leaf out of ‘Motherless Brooklyn’ and add a touch of vintage charm to your wardrobe? Remember, fashion is not just about following trends; it’s about expressing your unique style and personality.
Do you have styling tips inspired by ‘Motherless Brooklyn’? Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
