Character: Charles Darwin
Actor: Leo Bill
Film: Tarsem Singh's The Fall (2006)
What is Darwin wearing?
- Red/Black/White fur coat (a.k.a. Darwin's Hide)
- Black bowler hat
- White collarless dress shirt
- White suspenders
- White jodhpurs tucked into...
- Black riding boots
The bowler hat (or Derby) is quintessentially British. Being created in 1849 by London based hat-makers Thomas & William Bowler, the bowler hat was popular among English horse-back riders, Charlie Chaplin's "The Tramp," persona, and western-outlaws like Butch Cassidy & Billy the Kid. It was also iconically wore in Stanley Kubrick's A Clockwork Orange by Alex & his goons, forever locking it as a "staple" in punk's & skinhead's wardrobes. This could be why Eiko Ishioka decided to put Darwin in one, as well as pairing it with white undergarments and riding boots, such a Clockwork homage! Darwin is a "British outlaw," so of course he'd wear a bowler. He is one of the 5 characters in this band of merry misfits. Thank god he doesn't rape anyone to "Singing in the Rain" a la Alex.
Fit? Styled?
Darwin's fur coat is over-sized and overpowers his small/weak frame. Strength is not Darwin's power; brains are, so he has to appear to be stronger and more threatening to his enemies via his coat/size, similar to what a butterfly does with its wings (fake eye spots) to scare off potential predators. He looks bigger than he really is. Also red is such a bold color and paired with the contrasting black and white, he demands your attention. He's eye catching. Your eyes go directly toward him in ever shot, similar to how his friends look to him in a time of need. He is the go to guy.
Where is he wearing it?
Darwin wears this outfit the entire film, kind of like a cartoon character, his outfit doesn't change from day to day. This is his look.
Overall The Fall is a breathtaking film which doesn't sacrifice its story for visuals. It has mind-blowing production & wardrobe design, so much in fact, I could spend numerous posts analyzing each individual outfit and look, yet that would drive me to the brink of insanity, so instead, I've just decided to post various screen shots that left me speechless, like literally I told this film to "shut the fuck up" when I saw these. I hope you enjoy this pure eye candy and treat your eyes to The Fall today; it's currently on "instant watch" on Netflixs.
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