Etsy

Blogging about a variety of things I enjoy. Also peddling my wares at Thicket and Thistle on Etsy.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

revolutionary design

This post title is perhaps a bit dramatic. Ever since I saw Revolutionary Road, I've wanted to post on the amazing set and costume design. For their work on the film, Kristi Zea and Debra Schutt were nominated in the Art Direction category at the Oscars (ultimately the gilded statue went to The Curious Case of Benjamin Button). No one had to guess at April Wheeler's quiet beauty or her home's muted, simple elegance. I was particularly taken with the little pale blue chair hanging out in one corner of the living room. A trim, tautly upholstered seat in a robin's egg tweed would look just as "in place" now as it does in the 1950s Connecticut home that is the scene of such love and loss in Revolutionary Road. The blue sofa and tri-legged table are almost cheery for a movie that in the end leaves us with such confusion and pain (see second image below...one of the best pictures I could find of my favorite chair, unfortunately caught amidst desperation).

Mid Century Modern can looked dated in the 21st Century if not properly integrated. But that little blue chair and its devil-may-care pillow...to me they call out for a flirtatious companion at a cocktail party. Someone, perhaps, like the young woman below. Albert Wolsky, also nominated for an Oscar. kept the costumes believable. April Wheeler is a housewife who owns the obligatory button-downs and chore-adaptable skirts as well as a few knock-your-socks-off shifts for special occasions (like drinks with the neighbors and visits to the travel agent). She's not a glamazon; she's not a model; she's a suburban housewife yearning for some glamour and adventure. If only she had reached Paris. Images: (1) casasugar.com; (2) blog.designrepublic.com; (3) elle.com; (4) bloomacious.com

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