Today we take a look back at The Brothers Grimm (2005), Terry Gilliam’s film based extremely loosely on the lives of German brothers Jacob and Wilhelm who were responsible for chronicling the myths and legends of Western Europe in the early 19th century. In Gilliam’s version of the story, the brothers, Will (played by Matt Damon) and Jake (played by Heath Ledger) are basically itinerant con-artists, going from small town to small town in French-occupied Germany and preying upon the superstitious townsfolk in order to make a living. Will and Jake are swept into the investigation of missing young girls in and around the tiny village of Marbaden after falling afoul of the French General Delatombe, who gives them an ultimatum: Figure out who (or what) is taking the girls or be put to death for their crimes.
The film is two-parts very obvious fantasy and one-part very decent Napoleonic-era costume flick, with costumes designed by occasional Gilliam-collaborator, Gabriella Pescucci (Penny Dreadful, Cousin Bette, The Borgias, and Dangerous Beauty, among many others).
The Historical Costumes in The Brothers Grimm (2005)
The Fantasy Costumes in The Brothers Grimm (2005)
First and foremost, we will deal with the two costumes worn by Monica Bellucci as The Mirror Queen, since they’re probably the most recognizable outfits from the film. Remember how I mentioned that Pescucci costumed Dangerous Beauty? Well, the similarity between The Mirror Queen’s red dress and the “courtesan” gowns from Dangerous Beauty cannot be missed:
Did you see The Brothers Grimm? What did you think of the costumes? Share your thoughts with us in the comments!
FYI – the caption for Dangerous Beauty identifies the actress incorrectly. She is Catherine McCormack (and the always Man Candy Rufus Sewell).
I’m not sure what they were wearing in 5th century Germany but I am sure it wasn’t anything so fitted a structured. Tailoring techniques were definitely limited, everybody wore baggy. On the other hand decorative needlework definitely existed and bright colors.
According to Wikipedia Childeric’s wife Basina was remembered as a proactive wom6en who left the king of Thuringia for Childeric because he was the mightier king. She was Childeric’s only recorded wife and mother of Clovis I so apparently that worked out for her.
A sixth century Merovingian queen discovered in the crypts of St. Denis cathedral was well enough preserved for her costume to be reconstructed.
Queen Arnegunde was buried in a knee length tunic and cross gartered trousers under a long gown closed with brooches and a girdle, a veil covered her head. Her garments were of red silk bordered with gold embroidery and held together by richly decorated gold brooches and clasps. Basina was probably dressed in a similar fashion.