A Prayer Before Dawn (2017) is a film that seizes the essence of gritty reality and channels it into an unforgettable cinematic experience. It’s a story of determination, survival, and redemption set against the backdrop of a notorious Thai prison. It’s the raw, unfiltered portrayal of Billy Moore’s life that makes this film a narrative masterpiece. The characters, beautifully portrayed by an ensemble of talented actors, bring the narrative to life with their compelling performances and distinct aesthetics.
The film’s aesthetic is a significant part of its storytelling. It doesn’t merely set the scene; it embodies the desperation, determination, and resilience of the characters. The grimy prison walls, the harsh prison uniforms, and the grim realities of life inside the prison are all elements that contribute to the film’s aesthetic.
As a fashion enthusiast, I find the film fascinating. While it doesn’t fall under the conventional realm of fashion cinema, the film’s aesthetic and character costumes are incredibly compelling. The wardrobe is not just clothing; it’s an extension of the characters and the narrative. It’s an encapsulation of their journeys, struggles, and triumphs.
The ‘A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)’ Aesthetic: A Brief Overview
The aesthetic of A Prayer Before Dawn is raw, gritty, and unnervingly real. The film does not glorify prison life; instead, it presents it in all its grim reality. The aesthetics are stripped back, with no unnecessary embellishments. The characters, all inmates of a Thai prison, are donned in basic, faded prison uniforms that speak volumes about their bleak existence.
The film’s aesthetic is not about glamour or beauty; it’s about authenticity. The costumes are simple yet powerful, telling a story of hardship and resilience. They serve as a visual representation of the characters’ life within the prison walls and their struggle for survival.
In the following sections, we will delve into a detailed analysis of the characters and their aesthetics. We will break down their style elements and guide you on how to incorporate these elements into your own style.
Joe Cole as Billy Moore
Billy Moore, played by Joe Cole, is the central character of the film. His aesthetic is basic, functional, and unpretentious, in sync with his character. As an inmate, his clothing is limited to prison uniforms. But even within this restrictive wardrobe, Billy displays a unique style.
- The basic white vest: Billy is often seen in a basic white vest that becomes a symbol of his struggles and resilience. It’s simple, unadorned, and powerfully symbolic.
- The blue prison uniform: Billy’s blue prison uniform is another key element of his aesthetic. It’s a visual representation of his status as a prisoner and his constant struggle for survival.
- The boxing shorts: Billy’s boxing shorts represent his fighting spirit and his determination to survive. They are a symbol of his strength, resilience, and his will to fight back against the odds.
How to Dress Like Billy Moore: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
Dressing like Billy Moore is about embracing simplicity and authenticity. Here’s how you can incorporate elements of Billy’s style into your own:
- Start with a basic white vest. This is a versatile piece that can form the foundation of many outfits. You can find high-quality white vests at affordable prices from brands like H&M, Uniqlo, or ASOS.
- A blue workwear jumpsuit can serve as a modern interpretation of Billy’s prison uniform. You can find a wide range of jumpsuits on websites like Amazon, ASOS, or Nordstrom.
- For the boxing shorts, look for authentic Muay Thai shorts to reflect Billy’s passion for the sport. Brands like Fairtex and Yokkao offer a good selection of Muay Thai shorts.
Cherry Miko as Fame (as Pornchanok Mabklang)
Fame, played by Cherry Miko, is a character who brings a touch of femininity to the otherwise male-dominated narrative. Her aesthetic is a mix of femininity and resilience, reflecting her character’s duality.
- The long hair: Fame’s long hair is a key element of her aesthetic. It’s a symbol of her femininity in the harsh prison environment.
- The prison uniform: Like other characters, Fame is also seen in the prison uniform. However, she manages to subtly feminize it, reflecting her character’s individuality.
- The minimal makeup: Fame’s minimal makeup is another significant aspect of her aesthetic. It’s a nod to her femininity, but it also reflects the harsh realities of prison life.
How to Dress Like Fame: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
To dress like Fame, focus on elements that blend femininity and strength:
- Long, flowing hair can be achieved with the right care and products. Brands like Pantene, TRESemmé, and L’Oréal offer a range of products targeted at long hair.
- A fitted jumpsuit can be a modern, feminine take on the prison uniform. Look for options in stores like Zara, ASOS, or H&M.
- For makeup, go for a minimal, natural look. Brands like Glossier, MAC, and Maybelline have a wide range of products that can help you achieve this look.
Vithaya Pansringarm as Officer Preecha
Officer Preecha, played by Vithaya Pansringarm, is a character that embodies authority and control. His aesthetic is simple, neat, and disciplined, reflecting his character’s professional role.
- The uniform: Preecha’s uniform is a key element of his aesthetic. It’s a symbol of his authority and his role as a prison officer.
- The clean-shaven look: Preecha’s clean-shaven look reflects his disciplined nature. It’s a significant aspect of his aesthetic, signifying his adherence to regulations and order.
- The baton: Preecha’s baton is not just a tool of his job; it’s also an element of his aesthetic. It’s a visual representation of his authority and his control over the inmates.
How to Dress Like Officer Preecha: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
To dress like Officer Preecha, focus on elements that reflect discipline and authority:
- A neat, crisp uniform can be emulated with a well-tailored suit. Brands like Hugo Boss, Zara, or ASOS offer a good selection of suits.
- A clean-shaven look can be achieved with a good razor and shaving cream. Brands like Gillette, Harry’s, and The Art of Shaving offer excellent shaving products.
- A baton can be replaced with a sleek, elegant cane for a modern, civilian interpretation of Preecha’s aesthetic.
Panya Yimmumphai as Keng
Keng, played by Panya Yimmumphai, is a character that exudes toughness and resilience. His aesthetic is rugged, raw, and unrefined, mirroring his character’s tough exterior and harsh life.
- The tattoos: Keng’s tattoos are a major element of his aesthetic. They represent his past, his experiences, and his identity.
- The shorts: Keng’s shorts are another significant aspect of his aesthetic. They are simple, functional, and reflective of his lifestyle.
- The bandages: Keng’s bandages, worn during his boxing matches, are a symbol of his toughness and resilience. They are a visual representation of his fighting spirit and his determination to survive.
How to Dress Like Keng: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
To dress like Keng, focus on elements that reflect toughness and resilience:
- Tattoos can be emulated with temporary tattoo stickers. Brands like Inkbox offer a wide range of temporary tattoos that look and feel like real tattoos.
- For shorts, look for simple, functional options. Brands like Nike, Adidas, and Under Armour offer a good selection of athletic shorts.
- Bandages can be replaced with wristbands or fingerless gloves for a modern interpretation of Keng’s aesthetic.
Nic Shake as Doctor (as Nicolas Shake)
The Doctor, played by Nic Shake, provides a touch of normalcy amid the chaos of prison life. His aesthetic is professional, neat, and clean, reflecting his role as a medical professional within the prison.
- The white coat: The Doctor’s white coat is a key element of his aesthetic. It’s a symbol of his profession and his role within the prison.
- The stethoscope: The Doctor’s stethoscope is not just a tool of his job; it’s also a part of his aesthetic. It’s a visual representation of his medical expertise and his importance within the prison.
- The neat hairstyle: The Doctor’s neat hairstyle reflects his professionalism and his orderly nature. It’s a significant aspect of his aesthetic, signifying his position as a medical professional.
How to Dress Like the Doctor: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
To dress like the Doctor, focus on elements that reflect professionalism and orderliness:
- A white coat can be emulated with a white blazer or jacket. Stores like Zara, Banana Republic, or ASOS offer a good selection of white jackets and blazers.
- A stethoscope can be replaced with a statement necklace for a modern, civilian interpretation of the Doctor’s aesthetic.
- A neat hairstyle can be achieved with the right hair products. Brands like American Crew, Bumble and bumble, and Redken offer a range of products targeted at different hair types and styles.
Billy Moore as Billy Moore’s Father
Billy Moore’s Father, played by Billy Moore himself, is a character who represents the familial tie and the outside world. His aesthetic is simple, casual, and unpretentious, reflecting his character’s ordinary life outside the prison.
- The casual shirt: Billy’s Father’s casual shirt is a key element of his aesthetic. It’s a symbol of his simple, ordinary life outside the prison.
- The jeans: Billy’s Father’s jeans are another significant aspect of his aesthetic. They are functional, comfortable, and reflective of his casual lifestyle.
- The hat: Billy’s Father’s hat is a unique element of his aesthetic. It adds a touch of personality to his otherwise simple outfit.
How to Dress Like Billy Moore’s Father: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
To dress like Billy Moore’s Father, focus on elements that reflect simplicity and comfort:
- A casual shirt can be found in stores like Gap, Uniqlo, or Banana Republic.
- For jeans, look for comfortable, durable options. Brands like Levi’s, Wrangler, and Lee offer a good selection of jeans.
- A hat adds a unique touch to the outfit. Stores like ASOS, Nordstrom, or Zappos offer a wide range of hats to choose from.
Sura Sirmalai as Chanachol
Chanachol, played by Sura Sirmalai, is a character who brings a touch of wisdom and spirituality to the narrative. His aesthetic is humble, simple, and reflective of his character’s spiritual journey.
- The monk robes: Chanachol’s monk robes are a key element of his aesthetic. They represent his spiritual journey and his search for peace and wisdom.
- The shaved head: Chanachol’s shaved head is a significant aspect of his aesthetic. It signifies his commitment to his spiritual path and his detachment from worldly desires.
- The prayer beads: Chanachol’s prayer beads are not just a tool of his spiritual practices; they are also a part of his aesthetic. They are a visual representation of his spirituality and his devotion to his faith.
How to Dress Like Chanachol: Key Elements and Where to Buy Them
To dress like Chanachol, focus on elements that reflect humility and spirituality:
- A simple, loose robe can be a modern interpretation of Chanachol’s monk robes. Stores like ASOS, Zara, or Uniqlo offer a wide range of loose, comfortable robes.
- A shaved head can be emulated with a closely cropped haircut. Salons like Supercuts, Great Clips, or your local barber can help you achieve this look.
- Prayer beads can be replaced with a simple, elegant bracelet for a modern interpretation of Chanachol’s aesthetic.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions Inspired by ‘A Prayer Before Dawn’ Characters
The characters of ‘A Prayer Before Dawn’ may not be traditional fashion icons, but their aesthetics can provide valuable styling inspiration for different occasions:
- Casual outing: Dress like Billy Moore’s Father with a casual shirt, jeans, and a hat for a relaxed, laid-back look.
- Workout session: Emulate Keng’s style with athletic shorts and wristbands for a tough, resilient look.
- Professional setting: Dress like Officer Preecha with a well-tailored suit for a disciplined, authoritative look.
- Spiritual retreat: Emulate Chanachol’s style with a loose robe, closely cropped hair, and a simple bracelet for a humble, spiritual look.
Conclusion: Incorporating ‘A Prayer Before Dawn (2017)’ Aesthetic into Your Own Style
The film ‘A Prayer Before Dawn’ offers a raw, authentic aesthetic that is both compelling and unique. While it may not align with traditional fashion norms, it provides valuable insights into the power of clothing as a narrative tool and a reflection of character. By incorporating elements of the film’s aesthetic into your own style, you can create outfits that are not just visually appealing but also deeply symbolic and personal.
Remember, fashion is not just about following trends; it’s about expressing your individuality and telling your own story. So, don’t be afraid to experiment and to draw inspiration from unconventional sources. In the end, it’s all about creating a style that reflects your personality and your journey.
Finally, we would love to hear your thoughts on this article. Share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
