Are you curious about how costume design can transform a character’s arc? Look no further than these two brilliant examples. In James Cameron’s action-romance-comedy, True Lies, Jamie Lee Curtis plays a dorky, bored housewife whose frumpy clothes reflect her lackluster life. But when she dons a ridiculous, lace-covered outfit to pose as a prostitute, she realizes something’s not right. By removing the excess frill, her outfit transforms into a sleek, beautiful dress, symbolizing her transformation from a bland housewife to a daring secret agent.
Similarly, in Die Hard, John McClane’s simple tank top and slacks costume acts as a canvas for his thrilling and death-defying actions. As he battles his way through the film, his shirt becomes “painted” with the scars of his trials. These examples show that costume design doesn’t have to be complicated to convey a character’s arc. So challenge yourself to find simple yet clever ways to modify a costume and create a new attitude in your leads.
