Fashion In Film DVD Review

At one point in the Starz Inside Documentary Fashion In Film, it is observed that the goal of fashion is to make money. A fair and astute observation, and one that could be leveled at this DVD. While not entirely without informative content, it does seem designed, on the whole, as an advertising campaign for the labels and names within.

This is not a documentary about the use of clothing in film, either from a historical or a practical perspective. A small amount of time is devoted to the way that clothing can develop a character, and to some of the iconic (a word used far too freely and inaccurately in the production) costumes, such as the wardrobe from Breakfast at Tiffany’s, but the main thrust is devoted to Hollywood’s impact on the fashion industry. From the skull and crossbones craze which followed the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise’s success, to the inspiration drawn from red carpet events, the DVD focuses on the ways in which Hollywood fuels the fashion industry.

Of the talking heads that make up the majority of the documentary, some have interesting things to say. Deborah Landis is particularly insightful in (briefly) explaining the role of costume in supporting the story of a film. Sadly underused is Michael Kaplan, the costume designer for Blade Runner – I’d have loved to have heard more from him. Some, like Amanda Bynes, rarely come out with anything interesting. They are simply there to fill space with trite interjections.

The documentary touches on some of the obvious points of fashion film crossover. The Devil Wear’s Prada and Sex and the City (it’s all about the fashion and the clothes, claims one commentator – apparently the relationships between and of the four leads are no longer important!) both garner some attention, as well as the aforementioned Breakfast at Tiffany’s and American Gigolo, but no time is spent explaining why particular clothing choices were made or what message they were intended to deliver. Instead we get straight back to the fashion industry and the way they use the films – either for advertising purposes or to exploit people’s fascination with their stars by pumping out knock-offs of their looks. Occasionally, almost accidentally, the film does deliver a pearl of wisdom. It’s all about chasing that ‘tween’ audience, getting their money, we are told. Fascinating, but disturbing.

I was hoping for something from this DVD that it simply didn’t deliver. On the one hand, I am very interested in the mise-en-scene of films. I was looking forward to hearing about the choices made by costume designers to illustrate wordlessly the characters and personalities that inhabit Hollywood’s movies. I didn’t get that. On the other hand, my fashion sense may be somewhat underdeveloped, as anyone who has experienced my monochrome (it makes wash day so much less complicated!) wardrobe can attest, but the film didn’t explore the world of Hollywood inspired fashion in enough depth to inform even me. If the documentary had explored either side in more detail then it would have had more worth. As it is, its 56 minutes don’t do anything justice. Combined with its complete lack of extras, it can’t be recommended.