As a fashion blogger with a penchant for dissecting the art of character analysis and style breakdown, I find it impossible to ignore the sartorial choices made in ‘The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)’. This political thriller, directed by Dee Rees, is a treasure trove of character-driven fashion, and I’m here to help you decode it all.
The film, based on Joan Didion’s novel, boasts a stellar cast that includes Anne Hathaway, Ben Affleck, Rosie Perez, Willem Dafoe, Edi Gathegi, Mel Rodriguez, and Onata Aprile. Each character has their own unique style, which I believe, parallels their distinctive personality traits. This blog post will not only dissect the character analysis and style breakdown of each key player but also provide tips on how to incorporate these elements into your daily outfits.
Before I delve into the nitty-gritty of the aesthetics, let’s briefly introduce our characters. Anne Hathaway plays the protagonist, Elena McMahon, a tenacious journalist with a keen eye for detail. Ben Affleck’s Treat Morrison is a suave government official, while Rosie Perez’s Alma Guerrero adds a touch of sass and spirit. Willem Dafoe as Dick McMahon, Edi Gathegi as Jones, Mel Rodriguez as Barry Sedlow, and Onata Aprile as Cat McMahon, each bring their unique style to the table.
The Art of Character Analysis and Style Breakdown
When it comes to character analysis and style breakdown, it’s essential to remember that fashion is more than just clothes. It’s a visual representation of a character’s personality, their history, and their current circumstances. A character’s wardrobe can reveal their socio-economic status, their profession, their personal taste, and even their state of mind.
- Observation: The first step is to observe. Take note of the color palettes, the types of fabrics, the cuts and silhouettes, the patterns and prints.
- Analysis: The next step is to analyze the choices. Why does a character wear what they wear? How does their outfit reflect their personality or their story?
- Interpretation: Lastly, interpret the style. How can you incorporate elements of it into your own wardrobe?
Overview of ‘The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)’ Aesthetic
‘The Last Thing He Wanted (2020)’ has an aesthetic that can be best described as ‘practical chic’. The movie’s fashion is understated yet impactful, with a focus on functional pieces that subtly convey each character’s persona.
- Elena McMahon (Anne Hathaway): Her style is professional yet feminine, with a penchant for classic, tailored pieces.
- Treat Morrison (Ben Affleck): His wardrobe is all about the power suits – sleek, sharp, and commanding.
- Alma Guerrero (Rosie Perez): She brings a pop of color and prints, reflecting her spirited personality.
- Dick McMahon (Willem Dafoe): His outfits are a mix of casual and formal, indicative of a man who is both a family person and a businessman.
- Jones (Edi Gathegi): His clothes are functional and unassuming, a reflection of his role as a supportive character.
- Barry Sedlow (Mel Rodriguez): His wardrobe exudes a laid-back vibe, with a love for relaxed fits and earthy tones.
- Cat McMahon (Onata Aprile): Her outfits are youthful and innocent, perfectly capturing the essence of her character.
Anne Hathaway as Elena McMahon
Anne Hathaway, portraying the role of Elena McMahon, encapsulates a unique blend of courage and style. Her character’s wardrobe screams practicality, yet doesn’t compromise on elegance. Here are some key elements of her outfit:
- Silk Blouses: Silk blouses are a staple in Elena’s wardrobe. They give her a put-together look without compromising on comfort. You can find similar styles at stores like Zara or online on ASOS.
- Wide-leg Trousers: Elena’s preference for wide-leg trousers adds a touch of sophistication to her outfits. Brands like Mango and H&M offer similar designs.
- Structured Blazers: To complete her look, Elena often sports a structured blazer. For similar styles, consider shopping at Massimo Dutti or Nordstrom.
Ben Affleck as Treat Morrison
Ben Affleck’s character, Treat Morrison, channels a sharp and polished look. Here are a few tips to get his look:
- Tailored Suits: Treat Morrison is rarely seen without a crisp, tailored suit. For similar styles, consider brands like Hugo Boss or Brooks Brothers.
- Silk Ties: Morrison’s look is often accentuated with a sleek silk tie. You can find an array of options at stores like The Tie Bar or online at Amazon.
- Leather Shoes: To complete his look, Morrison opts for classic leather shoes. Brands like Allen Edmonds or Johnston & Murphy offer a wide range of options.
Rosie Perez as Alma Guerrero
Rosie Perez, who plays Alma Guerrero, stands out with her vibrant and bold style. Here’s how to emulate her look:
- Bold Prints: Alma is not afraid to embrace bold prints. Brands like Desigual or Zara offer a variety of vibrant patterns.
- Statement Jewelry: Alma often pairs her outfits with statement jewelry. You can find similar pieces at stores like BaubleBar or online at Etsy.
- Heeled Boots: To add some height, Alma often wears heeled boots. Brands like Steve Madden or DSW offer a wide range of styles.
Willem Dafoe as Dick McMahon
Willem Dafoe’s character, Dick McMahon, embodies an effortless, casual style. Here’s how you can get his look:
- Denim Shirts: Dick often wears denim shirts for a casual, laid-back look. Brands like Levi’s or Gap offer a wide variety.
- Khaki Pants: To complete his outfit, Dick opts for comfortable khaki pants. Brands like Dockers or Old Navy have similar styles.
- Sneakers: For footwear, Dick prefers classic sneakers. You can find a plethora of options at stores like Nike or Adidas.
Edi Gathegi as Jones
Edi Gathegi’s character, Jones, is a perfect blend of style and comfort. Here’s how to incorporate elements of his style into your everyday outfits:
- Hoodies: Jones often sports comfortable hoodies. Brands like Uniqlo or H&M offer a variety of options.
- Cargo Pants: To pair with his hoodies, Jones opts for cargo pants. You can find similar styles at stores like Zara or online at ASOS.
- Running Shoes: Jones completes his look with running shoes. Brands like New Balance or Nike offer a wide range of options.
Mel Rodriguez as Barry Sedlow
Mel Rodriguez’s character, Barry Sedlow, exudes a unique, casual-chic style. Here are some tips to get his look:
- Printed Shirts: Sedlow often sports printed shirts. Brands like ASOS or Topman offer a variety of quirky prints.
- Chinos: To pair with his shirts, Sedlow opts for chinos. You can find similar styles at stores like Uniqlo or online at Gap.
- Loafers: Sedlow completes his look with classic loafers. Brands like Cole Haan or Johnston & Murphy offer a wide range of options.
Onata Aprile as Cat McMahon
Onata Aprile’s character, Cat McMahon, embraces a cute, youthful style. Here’s how you can get her look:
- Peter Pan Collar Dresses: Cat often sports dresses with Peter Pan collars. Brands like Zara or H&M offer similar styles.
- Mary Jane Shoes: To complete her outfit, Cat opts for Mary Jane shoes. You can find similar styles at stores like DSW or online at Zappos.
Styling tips for different occasions inspired by ‘The Last Thing He Wanted’
Drawing inspiration from ‘The Last Thing He Wanted’, here are some styling tips for different occasions:
- For a Business Meeting: Emulate Elena McMahon’s style with a silk blouse, wide-leg trousers, and a structured blazer.
- For a Formal Event: Channel Treat Morrison’s elegance with a tailored suit, silk tie, and leather shoes.
- For a Casual Outing: Take cues from Alma Guerrero’s vibrant style with a bold print dress, statement jewelry, and heeled boots.
- For a Comfortable Day at Home: Dress like Jones with a comfy hoodie, cargo pants, and running shoes.
Conclusion: Embracing your inner ‘The Last Thing He Wanted’ character.
Fashion is a personal statement, an extension of oneself. By drawing inspiration from ‘The Last Thing He Wanted’, you can experiment with different styles and find what best suits your personality. Remember, it’s not just about emulating these characters, but understanding their style and making it your own.
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