Costume
At its simplest costume clearly acts as a type of uniform, linking a character to a particular group and often to a rank or position within that group. But costume can also 'announce' a character, giving an insight into what this person is supposed to be like; for instance, shy or flamboyant.
Props
At their simplest, props work to give an authentic sense of place, but may also be used in more complex ways to suggest important characteristics of particular individuals or even key themes for the whole film.
Film makers have to consider carefully what type of costumes the actors should wear and what type of props need to be placed within a particular setting or used by a particular actor.
Film makers have to consider carefully what type of costumes the actors should wear and what type of props need to be placed within a particular setting or used by a particular actor.
In Se7en(1995), Mills and Somerset are dressed differently right from the start. What does the difference tell us about the 2 men?
Watch the following clip of Somerset getting ready for work.
How would you describe this? What does this tell us about his character?
There is a relationship between performance and the objects / clothing used in a scene.
These are highlighted by the camera work and the editing and together they create meaning.
Watch the following clip from Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Mans Chest (2006). How are props and costume used in this sequence to convey information to the audience?
Watch the following clip of Somerset getting ready for work.
How would you describe this? What does this tell us about his character?
There is a relationship between performance and the objects / clothing used in a scene.
These are highlighted by the camera work and the editing and together they create meaning.
Watch the following clip from Pirates of the Carribean: Dead Mans Chest (2006). How are props and costume used in this sequence to convey information to the audience?
Dress Code and Character
In film a dress code will be used to announce a particular character.
What is character?
What can a particular dress code tell us about a character?
Can you think of an instance where a dress code has been used to fool the viewer?
What is character?
What can a particular dress code tell us about a character?
Can you think of an instance where a dress code has been used to fool the viewer?
Props & Character
We can sometimes analyse the use of props to help us understand the character.
In Se7en(1995) Somerset studies the original texts in the calmness of the library, whereas Mills tries to read student guides but gets frustrated. He then resorts to knife throwing at the dartboard.
What does this tell us about their respective characters?
In Psycho(1960) the reception of the Bates motels has stuffed birds on the wall.
Does this give us any insight into Norman Bates?
In Se7en(1995) Somerset studies the original texts in the calmness of the library, whereas Mills tries to read student guides but gets frustrated. He then resorts to knife throwing at the dartboard.
What does this tell us about their respective characters?
In Psycho(1960) the reception of the Bates motels has stuffed birds on the wall.
Does this give us any insight into Norman Bates?
Props as a Symbol
Sometimes props or costumes can be a symbol for something else.
In East is East(1999) Sanjid wears a parka coat with his hood pulled up throughout the whole film. It's almost like it's his comfort blanket or shield, to keep the pain of the world away from him.
Can you think of an example where a prop or costume can be considered a symbol?
Task:
In East is East(1999) Sanjid wears a parka coat with his hood pulled up throughout the whole film. It's almost like it's his comfort blanket or shield, to keep the pain of the world away from him.
Can you think of an example where a prop or costume can be considered a symbol?
Task:
- Open a new drawing document and label it Effective use of Costume/Props in Film.
- Find 2 examples from a film or film that show effective use of costume or props.
- Make a poster with screen grabs and text information.
- Talk the class through your poster.