Style, my lovely readers, is not merely the clothes that drape our bodies, but a language, a subtle dialogue between the self and the world. It is a potent tool in the hands of filmmakers, a visual narrative that enhances character development and plot progression. This is precisely why a character analysis and style breakdown can provide a unique perspective on a film. Today, I’m going to dive into a stellar example of cinematic brilliance where style speaks volumes – the 2017 gem, “Disobedience.”
“Disobedience” (2017): An Overview of the Film’s Aesthetic
“Disobedience” (2017) is a film that masterfully blends aesthetic and narrative. The storyline, set in a strict Orthodox Jewish community in London, presents a rich tapestry of emotional complexities and societal pressures. The film’s aesthetic is deeply rooted in this backdrop – modest, muted, yet profoundly expressive. The characters’ outfits are less about trends and more about their identities, their struggles, their obedience, and, indeed, their disobedience.
- Color Palette: The film predominantly uses a subdued color palette, emphasizing the community’s conservatism and the characters’ internal conflicts.
- Silhouettes: The silhouettes are modest, reflecting the community’s stringent standards of dress.
- Textures and Patterns: The textures and patterns used are minimalistic, allowing the characters’ emotional journeys to take center stage.
Anton Lesser as Rav Krushka
Now, let’s delve into the characters and their outfits, starting with Anton Lesser’s portrayal of Rav Krushka. As the spiritual leader of the community, his attire is steeped in tradition.
- Traditional Attire: Rav Krushka predominantly wears traditional Jewish attire, including a tallit (prayer shawl) and kippah (skullcap), signifying his deep-rooted faith.
- Color Choice: His color choice is mostly black and white, mirroring his rigid worldview.
- Accessories: His glasses are a constant, symbolizing his wisdom and age.
Alessandro Nivola as Dovid Kuperman
Alessandro Nivola’s character, Dovid Kuperman, is a study in contrasts. His outfit is a reflection of his internal struggle between duty and desire.
- Formal Attire: Dovid’s wardrobe is dominated by formal attire – suits and ties – reflecting his role as the community’s future leader.
- Color Palette: The color palette leans towards darker shades, symbolizing his internal turmoil.
- Accessories: His wedding band is prominently displayed, indicating his commitment to his wife and community.
Allan Corduner as Moshe Hartog
Allan Corduner, as Moshe Hartog, embodies the community’s patriarchal authority. His outfit is a testament to his status and power.
- Traditional Attire: Moshe’s attire is strictly traditional, including a black hat and coat, reinforcing his status within the community.
- Color Choice: His outfits are almost entirely black, symbolizing his authority and power.
- Accessories: His pocket watch, a symbol of his wealth and status, is often visible.
Rabbi Goldfarb as Nicholas Woodeson
Nicholas Woodeson’s Rabbi Goldfarb is an interesting character whose style is as complex as his persona.
- Mix of Traditional and Modern: Goldfarb’s style is a blend of traditional and modern attire. While he dons a tallit and kippah, he also sports contemporary suits.
- Color Choice: His color choice is more varied, reflecting his more liberal mindset.
- Accessories: His reading glasses are a constant, symbolizing his intellect.
Yosef Kirschbaum as David Fleeshman
David Fleeshman, as Yosef Kirschbaum, personifies the community’s collective conscience. His outfit is simple, yet significant.
- Simple Attire: Yosef’s outfit is straightforward – a black suit and white shirt, symbolizing his straightforward nature.
- Color Choice: His color choice, like his character, is unambiguous – black and white.
- Accessories: He is often seen with a prayer book, indicating his faith.
Dr. Gideon Rigler as Steve Furst
Steve Furst’s Dr. Gideon Rigler is an outsider in the community. His style is distinct, yet subtly aligned with the community’s aesthetics.
- Casual Attire: Gideon’s attire is more casual, reflecting his outsider status.
- Color Palette: His color palette is more varied, symbolizing his more open worldview.
- Accessories: His medical bag is a constant, symbolizing his profession.
Rachel Weisz as Ronit Krushka
Rachel Weisz’s Ronit Krushka is the rebellious heart of the film. Her style is a bold statement of her individuality and defiance.
- Modern Attire: Ronit’s outfit is markedly modern, reflecting her life outside the community.
- Color Palette: Her color palette includes brighter hues, symbolizing her vibrant personality.
- Accessories: Her camera is a constant, symbolizing her creative spirit.
Styling Tips for Different Occasions: Inspired by “Disobedience”
Watching “Disobedience,” one can glean several styling tips that can be adapted for different occasions. For formal events, Dovid Kuperman’s sharp suits and ties can serve as inspiration. For a more casual look, Dr. Gideon Rigler’s laid-back style is a perfect reference. And for those who dare to be different, Ronit Krushka’s modern, eclectic style is a treasure trove of ideas.
How to Include Elements from “Disobedience” into Your Wardrobe
Incorporating elements from “Disobedience” into your wardrobe can be an exciting experiment. You could try adding a traditional element to a modern outfit, like a kippah with a contemporary suit, or a tallit-inspired scarf with a casual outfit. Or, you could play with color symbolism, using darker shades for a more dramatic look, or brighter hues to express your individuality.
Summary of Outfits and Where to Buy Them
While the outfits from “Disobedience” may be specific to the Orthodox Jewish community, similar items can be found in various stores and online platforms. Traditional attire like tallits and kippahs can be purchased from Judaica stores. For modern outfits inspired by the film, check out brands like ‘Zara,’ ‘H&M,’ and ‘ASOS.’ Accessories like glasses and scarves can be found in most fashion outlets.
Conclusion: The Impact of Style on Storytelling
Through this character analysis and style breakdown, we see how integral style is to storytelling. In “Disobedience,” the characters’ outfits are not mere costumes, but visual narratives that enrich our understanding of their journeys. Style, thus, is not just about looking good, it’s about expressing who we are, and in the case of films, it’s about enhancing the narrative and deepening character development.
So, dear readers, let’s not just dress up, let’s dress to tell our stories. And while you’re at it, why not share your unique style tips in the comments and revisit us for the latest updates on fashion advice and exclusive deals!
