The National Film and Sound Archive (NFSA) has announced a short season on the role of fashion and costumes in film.
The Friday, 12 October, Curator at NFSA, Jenny Gall will discuss how costumes help actors and filmmakers create unforgettable characters.
The talk will be followed by a screening of A Knight’s Tale, the 2001 comedy starring Heath Ledger (pictured).
According to the NFSA, A Knight’s Tale cemented Mr Ledger’s international stardom.
The film is a hugely enjoyable jousting adventure from the Middle Ages with a contemporary rock soundtrack featuring the likes of Queen and David Bowie.
On Saturday 13 October, Peter McNeil, who curated the Reigning Men: Fashion in Menswear, 1715 to 2015 exhibition at Sydney’s Powerhouse Museum, will give a talk.
Dr McNeil, who is also Professor of Design History at University of Technology Sydney, will explore men’s fashion and costume in cinema.
His talk will be followed by a screening of Casanova where Mr Ledger plays the legendary 18th century lover.
This movie is a romantic romp from director Lasse Hallström, who also made What’s Eating Gilbert Grape in 1993 and Chocolat in 2000. It has the notorious Venetian adventurer and author, Giacomo Casanova, finally meeting his match in Sienna Miller’s fiery feminist Francesca.
Also available for viewing at the NFSA are the original costumes worn by Mr Ledger and many of his co-stars, currently on display at the free Heath Ledger: A Life in Pictures exhibition.
