Maybe it’s all this spring weather we’re having here in Texas, but lately I’ve had plants on the brain. Which is why I keep noticing them in the movies I’m watching… What strikes me as particularly interesting is the way that films about outsiders integrate unusual plant life into the homes of the main characters. These are characters who defy the rules of their oppressive societies, go against the wishes of their employers, and spend their off hours engaged in illegal activities for the greater good. They barely have time to shower. But boy, do they have amazing plants in their apartments!
1980s Film Fun
Happy Wednesday, Everyone! Here in beautiful Austin, TX, the South by Southwest Music, Film and Interactive Conferences and Festivals are well underway. I’m a sucker for the SXSW Film Festival, not only because this is always Austin’s most beautiful weather week of the year, but because seeing amazing film after film is absolutely addictive. You may remember that last year I saw and reviewed a great documentary called Beauty Is Embarrassing, featuring artist Wayne White (who designed sets and puppets for the hit ’80s children’s show Pee-wee’s Playhouse). This year the festival has put me in the mood to take a look back at some fun Mirror80 posts featuring some key 1980s films!
Friday Video Pick: Blade Runner Original Theatrical Trailer
How long has it been since you’ve seen the original Blade Runner theatrical trailer? I mean really watched it, observing how it manages to take a beautifully-shot film and fit it into the standard preview formula. I am a true child of the ’80s, but I must admit I was a bit too young in 1982 to take note of this trailer. In fact, I didn’t see the film until high school, and when I finally did, it was the Director’s Cut. You can imagine my shock when I eventually saw the original version of the movie, complete with Harrison Ford’s gumshoe narrative voice-over, which (surprise!) both he and Ridley Scott opposed. Get ready for the narrative voice-over in this trailer…
Blade Runner Fashion
This week Mirror80 celebrates the cinematic wonder that is Ridley Scott’s Blade Runner. Today we explore the film’s amazing costume design by Michael Kaplan and Charles Knode, as well as its fashion-forward possibilities! With at least part of Blade Runner’s inspiration rooted in 1940s film noir, it makes sense that the film’s leads would be decked out in detective- and ’40s-inspired fashion. With a modern twist, of course.
Mid-Week Match-Up: A Blade Runner-Inspired Room
For today’s interior design-themed post, we immerse ourselves in the world of Blade Runner, Ridley Scott’s 1982 science fiction masterpiece. In preparation, I went over scene after scene with a fine-toothed comb, watching for decor details in a way I’d never before attempted. In fact, I felt a bit like Harrison Ford’s Deckard, using his photo-enhancing ESPER machine to search for clues!
Pic Fix: Blade Runner
This week has been a long time coming… Those who’ve known me for awhile are well aware of my obsession with the 1982 film Blade Runner. Ridley Scott’s vision of the future was a cinematic breakthrough, and many agree that no film since has matched its layered, detailed depiction of a breathtaking, cluttered dystopia. This week at Mirror80, we’ll delve into the world of this sci-fi masterpiece, exploring its look, including the costume and set design (and ways to incorporate its style into fashion and interior design). Get ready to revel in the cyberpunk, tech noir wonder that is Blade Runner!
