Monday, November 3, 2014

Pirate Costumes in the Movies

I’ve written quite a bit about pirate clothing, but have not yet touched on what makes pirate costumes so special when they’re in the movies.



When we’re looking at a picture of a historical pirate in a book, or making our own costumes to wear for events, the largest consideration is whether or not this looks like pirate clothing. Movie costumes must meet a number of requirements.

In a movie, costumes must meet budget requirements, clearly identify the wearer as star or walk-on, provide a flavor of long-ago-and-far-away, and match the theme of the movie. Keeping the star happy is another consideration, which comes into the story of several pirate movies.



We’ll look first at The Black Pirate (1926) starring Douglas Fairbanks. Fairbanks was one of the earliest of the great Hollywood stars. He was the sexiest man on the screen, a dashing figure who did all his own stunts and swept the ladies off their feet, both on screen and off – kind of like a combination of George Clooney and Jason Statham. He was one of the three stars who created the United Artists studio.

When he set out to do a pirate film, he threw all historical accuracy out the window. After all, who knew what pirates looked like anyway? Fairbanks wanted to show off his (for the time) outstanding physique. At home he exercised in the nude, and his costume for this movie was as close to nudity as he could get in the mid 1920’s. In fact, it looks like nothing so much as a pair of running shorts and a tank top.



If you look closely at the group picture, you will see that the rest of the pirates are in standard pirate gear, baggy shirts, baggy pants and boots, though a few striped shirts show up as well.

The difference is star power. Very often, even today, stars are let loose a room full of assorted costume pieces to “create” their character in front of a mirror. Fairbanks in The Black Pirate is probably the most exaggerated version of this. He dressed himself so scantily that the posters don’t even show his costume as it really was… Notice how they modestly cut him off at the legs. Apparently the public wasn’t ready for such sex appeal. (At least in certain cities. Other posters were more explicit.)



Another very early pirate whose costuming dates back to the silent age is the infamous Captain Hook. Barry, Hook’s creator, was very specific in his description of the pirate. Hook looked like – and dressed like – Charles II, king of England from 1660 to 1685, a career as a ruler that runs almost exactly parallel with Captain Henry Morgan’s career pillaging the Spanish Main.



Hook’s costume of long coat, fancy buckled shoes and extravagant wig remain largely consistent throughout his many appearances, from 1904 (the original play Peter Pan) to the present.   Hook’s extravagant dress is only limited by the constraints of the film’s budget and the requirement of the character to move.



For over a hundred years, Hook wore a flamboyant cavalier hat with an extravagant plume, a long coat covered with gold trim, tight breeches that ended at the knee and buckled shoes. It’s a pretty close approximation to what Charles himself wore, but Hook’s coat was red, always. Why? It could be just the image of the thing, a pirate captain in a red coat. Or it may hark back to Captain Morgan, who, famously, raised a navy in Jamaica by putting on his best red coat and going from tavern to tavern all night long, making speeches about patriotism and gold.



Only with the most recent incarnation of Hook has he lost his trademark look. In the current TV series, Once Upon a Time, Hook has a new coat, in dark brown leather and – for the first time, boots. The red remains only in his vest.



Why the change? Partially to update the character, making it possible for him to become a love interest. The traditional Hook regalia appeared too “swish” for the 21st century. Indeed, Dustin Hoffman and Bob Hoskins decided between themselves that Hook and Smee were lovers. In order to meet the requirements of the storyline, Hook had to modernize. The leather coat transforms a historic figure into a modern bad-boy, just like that.

Hook also sports guy-liner nowadays, and that can only refer back to the 21st century’s most all-pervading pirate, Jack Sparrow. Jack changed the pirate costume game. We’ll analyze him later.

Come back next week for more Pirate Costumes in the Movies.

28 comments:

  1. What about the finest Hook of all - Jason Isaacs in the 2003 film? He has a *lot* of women slavering over him, whether in his superb burgundy velvet battle-coat (apparently blue was his default in the book, red was for battle) or sitting shirtless at his desk.

    I look at Fairbanks's belt in that poster and hope he never had to bend down. That buckle covers his whole midriff!

    ReplyDelete
  2. i read this story then feel very good then me more about for this paige
    myessaymakers

    ReplyDelete
  3. I found this is an informative and interesting post so i think so it is very useful and knowledgeable. I would like to thank you for the efforts you have made in writing this article. buy dvd black lightning season 1

    ReplyDelete
  4. This is my first time visit here. From the tons of comments on your articles,I guess I am not only one having all the enjoyment right here! buy dvd superstore season 2

    ReplyDelete
  5. Very rarely do I come across a blog that's both informative and entertaining, Human Skulls for Sale and let me tell you, you've hit the nail on the head.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Nice information, valuable and excellent design, as share good stuff with good ideas and concepts, lots of great information and inspiration, both of which I need, thanks to offer such a helpful information here. Automobile Engineering Subjects

    ReplyDelete
  7. Interesting Article. Hoping that you will continue posting an article having a useful information.ED Singapore

    ReplyDelete
  8. Image looking for quite some time with regard to information on this specific theme and no uncertainty your blog saved my personal occasion and I obtained my personal preferred details. Chimakurthy granite factory

    ReplyDelete
  9. This is such a great information for me, because i do an online job that's why i need fast Internet connection, i search how to bots internet speed then i reach at a right place. Best ganja mail order BC

    ReplyDelete
  10. Only to increase, we could actually aid write about the content along with your internet site further. Inform us in the event that we could be connected with aid. digital signage for healthcare

    ReplyDelete
  11. When i trust your blog joined with in addition The bureau is usually fresh particular person ought to be verify a large party far more at some point quickly and so be sure to purchase alone remedy. Paint correction

    ReplyDelete
  12. I enjoy this beloved details an individual deliver as part of your articles or blog posts. I'm able to bookmark your blog and display your kids have a look at up below generally. My spouse and i meters pretty positive these are apt to be advised lots of new material below compared to someone else! 1938 California License Plate custom text

    ReplyDelete
  13. This is a really informative knowledge, Thanks for posting this informative Information. Healthy Skin Care Products

    ReplyDelete
  14. Good article! I really love how it is easy on my eyes and the data are well written. Farm fresh - Naturessoulshop.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I‘d mention that most of us visitors are really endowed to exist in a fabulous place with very many wonderful individuals with very helpful things. 4-HYDROXYBENZYL ALCOHOL

    ReplyDelete
  16. I haven’t any word to appreciate this post.....Really i am from this post....the person who create this post it was a great human..such a nice blog i like it so much. Super foods - Naturessoulshop.com

    ReplyDelete
  17. Wow i like the sea side and i have haired that Hawaii is a must visit place because of long waves that move from height and talk to skies. Auriculoterapia chile

    ReplyDelete
  18. Thanks for your post. I’ve been thinking about writing a very comparable post over the last couple of weeks, I’ll probably keep it short and sweet and link to this instead if that's cool. Thanks! nature soul shop

    ReplyDelete
  19. To find information about this topic, the students buy research paper and custom writing at the writing service. The numbers of term paper writing services furnish the essay writing just about this post. TRIFLIC ANHYDRIDE

    ReplyDelete
  20. At this point I won’t promise anything. The project is not dead, let’s call it a transition period. It’s not just word play. Women's Premium Hoodie

    ReplyDelete
  21. Excellent information on your blog, thank you for taking the time to share with us. Amazing insight you have on this, it's nice to find a website that details so much information about different artists. relocation companies dubai

    ReplyDelete
  22. To find information about this topic, the students buy research paper and custom writing at the writing service. The numbers of term paper writing services furnish the essay writing just about this post. wedges online australia

    ReplyDelete
  23. First You got a great blog. I will be interested in more similar topics. i see you got really very useful topics, i will be always checking your blog thanks.. newborn girl pram suit

    ReplyDelete
  24. Thank you because you have been willing to share information with us. we will always appreciate all you have done here because I know you are very concerned with our.
    Hair and Beauty Salon in Abu Dhabi

    ReplyDelete
  25. Nice Post for move and packers business. Thanks for sharing Movers in Dubai

    ReplyDelete
  26. Your blogs are really good and interesting. In a movie, costumes must meet budget requirements divorce lawyers in northern virginia, clearly identify the wearer as star or walk-on, provide a flavor of long-ago-and-far-away, and match the theme of the movie. Keeping the star happy is another consideration, which comes into the story of several pirate movies. It is very great and informative. I got a lots of useful information in your blog. Keeps sharing more useful blogs...

    ReplyDelete