Following the success of one-off Victorian drama The Suspicions of Mr Whicher, aka The Murder at Road Hill House, shown on British television in 2011, a follow up was commissioned. Again it stars Paddy Considine as the title character and again it’s based on a book by Kate Summerscale, but unlike the infamous story of Constance Kent, The Murder in Angel Lane is entirely fictitious. Angel Lane is set several years after the 1860 case that ruined Jack Whicher’s career in the Police force. Whicher is now working as an occasional private detective and living in modest, if not squalid conditions. He is a different character now, a paranoid, broken…

The UK trailer for Lovelace has debuted with all the grainy razzmatazz you would expect of a film set in the world of 1970s porn. However, although Linda Lovelace’s oral talents are drawing most grasps in this footage, we were more impressed by the costumes. Every single dress gorgeous Amanda Seyfried wears is gorgeous. Forget Anna Karenina, Catching Fire, The Great Gatsby, this is the film we want to see spark a fashion revolution/revival. The 70’s is generally considered a joke as far as style is concerned, but surely this kneejerk opinion is on the wane? Tell us Seyfried as Linda Lovelace does not look amazing in every single outfit…

One of the most famous costumes in Grease (1978) comes from Cha-Cha DiGregorio, a minor, but totally vital character, in her ‘hot mama’ ruffled Flamenco-style dress at the dance-off. So called because she is “the best dancer at St. Bernadette’s”, Cha-Cha brings a spicy ‘Latina’ flavour to proceedings. Ironically the actress Annette Cardona, of Mexican-Sicilian descent, was advised by her agent to change her name to Annette Charles, the former being considered “too ethnic”. Other than her dress, Cha-Cha has two further costumes. Her first is barely seen by the audience as she pulls up with her arm protectively around Leo, leader of ‘T-Bird’ rivals ‘The Scorpions’, as he mocks…

Starring: Michael Caine, Jude Law Directed by: Kenneth Branagh The filmed stageplay is often just avant-garde cinema for the masses; this new version (2007) of Anthony Shaffer’s mystery play Sleuth, here rendered so post-modern by director Kenneth Branagh it was practically dated the moment it was shot, is no exception. Strictly speaking this is a remake of the 1972 movie of the same name starring Michael Caine and Laurence Olivier; Caine remains on board (now playing Olivier’s part with Jude Law taking his original role) and bolstered by a screenplay from renowned playwright Harold Pinter. The plot is similar to seventies version, though Pinter, who hadn’t seen the previous film…

Starring: Jack Nicholson, Faye Dunaway, John Huston Directed by: Roman Polanski This bleak detective noir follows luxuriously suited P.I. or ‘snoop’ J.J. ‘Jake’ Gittes (Jack Nicolson) as he investigates corrupt water rights and Evelyn Mulwray’s (Faye Dunaway) dark family secrets in 1930s Los Angeles. It’s an exquisite piece, based on Robert Towne’s technically flawless screenplay and directed with knowing panache by Roman Polanski. Note how Gittes appears in every single scene, a difficult cinematic device akin to the novels of Raymond Chandler from which the film draws heavy inspiration. Towne and Polanski may have quarrelled over the ending, but their creative synergy is undeniable. Anthea Sylbert’s costume design remains memorable…

A new trailer for Jane Campion’s Bright Star has hit the web. Due for release in the UK on 6th November, the film looks to be a refashioned view of period romance and meticulous showcase for early 19th century dress. Watch the trailer HERE Bright star is based on the last three years in the life of poet John Keats (Ben Whislaw), specifically his secret love affair with muse Fanny Brawne (Abbie Cornish). Keats was only twenty-five when he died so this isn’t an upbeat tale by any stretch. Though director/screenwriter Jane Campion’s most celebrated picture The Piano (1993) was an emotional gut-wrencher too, and all the more perfect because…

Maleficent is a nasty piece of work. She curses a princess, Aurora, to prick her finger on a spinning wheel and die before her 16th birthday. She wears black, has horns on her hat. She is sensational. Disney’s live action interpretation of Maleficent, based on their own adaptation of the Wicked Fairy Godmother in Sleeping Beauty (1959), has just released a teaser trailer. The film follows the story of how Maleficent (played by Angelina Jolie) came to be, from a beautiful kind-hearted girl to the twisted Mistress of Evil, similar in some respects to the Wicked Witch in The Wizard of Oz. Basically a good gal gone bad, and who…

After her flimsy pink slip on Skull Island, this is the second most significant outfit Naomi Watts wears as Ann Darrow in King Kong (2005). As simple as evening wear gets (though strictly in the context of the film it is stage wear), Ann’s white gown is authentically period accurate; 1930s was the couture decade to introduce evening dresses in their now familiar form. That a plain cut-on-the-bias dress such as Ann’s could be worn at any formal party function today without raising so much as a martini glass demonstrates the far-reaching influence of thirties designers; major names such as Gilbert Adrian and Edward Molyneux; those who prioritised simplicity and…

Costume your life. Caroline Harris Fleming costume designer talks about getting into the business, and if she’d be up for Bond… Pitch Perfect 2 The Mindy Project’s Salvador Perez set to design for Elizabeth Banks’ directional debut. He already collaborated with Banks on Zack and Miri Make a Porno. The Invisible Woman Michael O’Connor chats briefly about his Oscar nominated contribution to the film. The Grandmaster Even more briefly, though no less welcome, William Chang Suk Ping talks about his work on The Grandmaster. Ray Holman Broadchurch, Silk, Doctor Who…have a browse around this always excellent costume designer’s website. Downton Abbey The costumes travel to the U.S. We predict this’ll…

Oi! Costume! The Fifth Element Jean Paul Gaultier’s original costume for when Prince was cast as outrageous Ruby Rhod. The Hunger Games: Catching Fire A few more words with Trish Summerville about one of the most anticipated costume films of the year. Downton Abbey Caroline McCall discusses challenges of working on the show. Noticed all the purples and blacks worn by Lady Mary this season? That’s because she is still in mourning. Catching Fire Jennifer Lawrence wanted to wear “everything” apparently. Understandable from what we’ve seen of the costumes so far. Video: Ms Summerville explaining even more about those Katniss and co costumes. Exciting, exciting… Costume Cafe Podcast Lauren Delany…