Carbon Costume Movies
Thelma the Cigarette Girl
In The Aviator, Howard Hughes has a brief flirtation with Thelma (Josie Maran), the cigarette girl in a supper club. Cigarette girls worked in speakeasies and clubs during the 1920’s, offering cigarettes, cigars, or other novelties from a tray they carried around their neck. Similar to a cocktail waitress, this tipped position was given to young, attractive women who were typically dressed similar to saloon girls, flappers, or burlesque dancers. Due to their portrayal in film, cigarette girls became a staple and grew in popularity until the end of Prohibition, when they moved to public nightclubs. Thelma’s outfit is similar to a belly dancer and can be achieved with similar clothing, though the belly dance skirt will need to be cut to the appropriate length. Cigarette trays are an expensive vintage item now, but they can be easily made with a shallow box and some ribbon.
Jake Chambers
A young boy with powerful psychic abilities, Jake Chambers (Tom Taylor) follows his visions to a portal to another dimension called Mid-World in the 2017 adaption of Stephen King’s novel the Dark Tower. In this western-style parallel universe he befriends Roland Deschain, the last Gunslinger, and comes up against the Man in Black. The Man in Black wants to use Jake’s powers to destroy the Tower that links all universes; Jake and Roland set out to stop him. Jake dresses like all other boys his age do, in a casual hoodie, jeans and plaid shirt.
Pin-Up Girl
Pin-Up Girl (Laura Margolis) is the classy looking second female killer from The Strangers franchise alongside The Man in The Mask and Dollface. She is recognized by her 40’s female mask, her orange blouse, and large knife she swings.
Barbara Maitland from Beetlejuice
Barbara Maitland (Geena Davis) is the wife of Adam Maitland in the 1988 Tim Burton film Beetlejuice. After the two die, they enlist the help of bio-exorcist Betelgeuse to get the family who moved into their home out. For her monster form, remember to get a long brown curly wig and attach it to the mask, since for some reason it is made bald.
Olivia Wenscombe
In the Prestige, Olivia Wenscombe (Scarlet Johansson) is the assistant and the lover of magician, Robert Angier. She is sent to spy on his rival, Alfred Borden, but only serves to fuel the feud by playing both magicians against each other. Set in 19th century London, Olivia’s costumes include bustiers and corsets with embellishments, stockings, and other accessories commonly found on burlesque dancers.
Noah Dietrich
In The Aviator, Noah Dietrich (John C. Reilly) is Howard Hughes‘ chief executive officer for his business empire. He served Hughes from 1925 to 1957, before they had a falling out over Dietrich’s capital gains income. Though the portrayal is accurate in terms of style, personality, and mannerisms, one criticism is that the film downplayed his role in Hughes’ success.
Dollface
Dollface (Gemma Ward) is the leading female killer from The Strangers, most notable for her big-eyed baby doll mask and knocking at the door asking if Tamara is home, along side The Man in the Mask.
Errol Flynn
In The Aviator, Errol Flynn (Jude Law) is a 1930’s actor known for his romantic swashbuckler and action roles. He was known for his charm, good looks, and off-screen scandals. He crossed paths with Howard Hughes many times during their respective careers.
Alfred Borden
In The Prestige, Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) is a working-class magician who is engaged in a dangerous rivalry with another magician, Robert Angier. Based on the real-life magicians, Borden’s clothing reflects a modest lifestyle in Victorian England.
Flash Slothmore
In Zootopia, Flash Slothmore is one of the fastest and quick-witted sloths working at the DMV. Unfortunately, that still is extremely slow, which wastes a lot of time for Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde when Flash starts telling them a joke.
