Costume Review: Mad Max: Fury Road(2015)

Plot Summary:

In a post-apocalyptic wasteland, a woman rebels against a tyrannical ruler in search for her homeland with the aid of a group of female prisoners, a psychotic worshiper, and a drifter named Max.

Costume Relevance to the Story:

This movie is based on Post-apocalyptic era . It describes collapsed civilization, dystopian or horrorness. In simply, one can say that it is an era of crazyness or madnees. Draped costumes of 5 wives, plastic vest with patched of Immortan Joe,Convoluted costumes with so many stripes of rival bikers, female bikers costumes, metal work and accessories perfectly illustrate the story and the characters.

About the Designer:

Designing Facts:

The Mood Board and Research

Before diving into the costume design, Jenny Beavan created a mood board inspired by a book named “(un)Fashion” and made with old-fashioned cut-and-paste techniques from paper media. This unconventional approach set the tone for the creative process and helped establish a cohesive visual language for the film’s costumes. Beavan also conducted extensive research on post-apocalyptic imagery, gathering inspiration from various sources to inform her designs.

Collaborating with Local Artisans and Craftsmen

As the shooting took place in Namibia, Beavan assembled a team of local artisans and craftsmen to bring an authentic touch to the costumes. By involving the local community, she ensured that the costumes were rooted in the environment and culture of the filming location. This collaboration added a layer of realism and uniqueness to the costumes, elevating the overall aesthetic of the film.

Immersion in the Environment

To better understand the environment and landscapes of Namibia, Beavan visited the country before the shooting commenced. This firsthand experience allowed her to gather valuable insights that informed her creative decisions. By immersing herself in the surroundings, Beavan could effectively translate the essence of the desert wasteland into the costumes, creating a visually compelling connection between the characters and their environment.

Homage to the Original Mad Max Trilogy

One notable aspect of the costume design in Mad Max: Fury Road was the replication of Tom Hardy’s jacket, which was a replica of Mel Gibson’s jacket from the original trilogy. Beavan obtained the original Gibson jacket, which was stored at Kennedy-Miller, and heavily copied its design. This homage to the past added a sense of continuity and familiarity for fans of the franchise while also paying tribute to the iconic character of Max Rockatansky.

Utilizing Found Objects and Unconventional Materials

Jenny Beavan’s creativity extended beyond traditional costume design. She collected various discarded items such as old car parts, bits of cutlery, kitchen utensils, and goggles, which most people would consider trash. These items were repurposed and incorporated into the costumes, giving them a unique and weathered appearance. By using these found objects, Beavan added an extra layer of authenticity and detail to the costumes, showcasing her resourcefulness and ingenuity.

Custom-Made Breathing Mechanisms

Some of the characters in Mad Max: Fury Road required intricate breathing mechanisms as part of their costumes. To achieve this, Beavan collaborated with a metal worker named Marc Trunk, who skillfully crafted these intricate pieces. The attention to detail in the breathing mechanisms not only enhanced the visual appeal of the costumes but also contributed to the characters’ believability in the post-apocalyptic world.

A Departure from Previous Mad Max Films

Unlike the previous Mad Max movies, the costume design in Mad Max: Fury Road intentionally deviated from established styles. Jenny Beavan aimed to create something fresh and new for the film, departing from the intentional connections to the previous installments. This creative decision allowed her to explore new territories and push the boundaries of the Mad Max universe, while still maintaining the gritty and rugged aesthetic that fans have come to expect.

Creating Practical and Functional Costumes

Jenny Beavan wanted to ensure that the costumes not only looked visually striking but also served practical purposes. In revisiting the costumes from “Road Warrior,” she aimed to make them more practical and functional for the actors. The trousers and war boys’ outfits were redesigned to be heavier and more durable, while also incorporating pockets for storage. This attention to functionality added an extra layer of realism to the costumes, contributing to the immersive experience of the film.

The Immortan Joe and Rictus Erectus

Two iconic characters from Mad Max: Fury Road, Immortan Joe and Rictus Erectus, featured striking and memorable costumes. Immortan Joe’s design was inspired by a Japanese artist’s drawing, lending the character a slightly Japanese aesthetic. The clear, plastic carapace worn by Immortan Joe over his oozing sores and his skeletal-smile mask, hiding his breathing apparatus, emphasized his deteriorated state. Rictus Erectus, on the other hand, had a costume that took considerable time to create, with intricate details in his mask and breathing apparatus.

The Role of Charlize Theron

Charlize Theron, portraying Imperator Furiosa, brought a unique perspective to her character’s costume. Theron suggested modifying her costume to include a corset-like element to accommodate the harness she had to wear. This alteration not only added practicality but also enhanced the character’s physicality and the intensity of her performance. Theron’s input exemplified the collaborative nature of the costume design process, where the actors’ insights can contribute to the overall authenticity and effectiveness of the costumes.

Conclusion

The costume design of Mad Max: Fury Road played a pivotal role in establishing the film’s distinct post-apocalyptic world. Jenny Beavan’s creative vision, attention to detail, and collaborative approach resulted in costumes that were not only visually stunning but also integral to the storytelling. By immersing herself in the environment, utilizing found objects, and collaborating with local artisans, Beavan brought an unparalleled authenticity to the costumes. The costumes of Mad Max: Fury Road showcased the power of design in creating a captivating and immersive cinematic experience.

Cause Célèbre:

When Jenny Beavan announced as the winner of Academy Awards for the best costume designer, she was on her way to receive the award from Cate Blanchett but some notable director and actors did not clap for her. This video got 50+ Million loops in one day on Vine. Besides, she was extremely criticized for her Oscar Award ceremony costume as she weren’t wearing gowns or high heels but later she explained in many interviews that she wore biker costume which was a homage to Mad Max: Fury Road and she is not comfortable in heels or in gowns.

Awards and Nominations:

Awards: Oscar, BAFTA Awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, Costume Designers Guild Awards, Empire Awards, UK, Gold Derby Awards, Broadcast Film Critics Association Awards, Las Vegas Film Critics Society Awards, Phoenix Film Critics Society Awards, Seattle Film Critics Awards,

Nominations: Australian Academy of Cinema and Television Arts (AACTA) Awards, Awards Circuit Community Awards, International Online Cinema Awards (INOCA), Halfway Award, Online Film & Television Association,

Some Costumes from the movie:

FAQs

1. Q: How did Jenny Beavan create the costumes for Mad Max: Fury Road? A: Jenny Beavan meticulously designed the costumes by utilizing found objects, collaborating with local artisans, and immersing herself in the environment.
2. Q: Were the costumes in Mad Max: Fury Road inspired by the original trilogy? A: Yes, the costume designer replicated Mel Gibson’s jacket from the original Mad Max trilogy as an homage to the previous films.
3. Q: Did the costumes in Mad Max: Fury Road have practical functions? A: Yes, Jenny Beavan focused on creating practical and functional costumes that were durable and incorporated storage pockets for the actors’ convenience.
4. Q: How did Charlize Theron contribute to her character’s costume? A: Charlize Theron suggested adding a corset-like element to her costume to accommodate the harness she had to wear, enhancing both practicality and performance.
5. Q: What were some of the unique elements in the costume design of Mad Max: Fury Road? A: The costume design incorporated unconventional materials, custom-made breathing mechanisms, and repurposed found objects, adding depth and authenticity to the costumes.

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