The One Armed Man
by Horton Foote
This series is my take on an already-produced short film, costumed by a former design teacher, based on Horton Foote's one-act play "The One-Armed Man." Setting is a cotton gin in late 1920's central Texas. Research was culled from Dust Bowl photographs by Dorothea Lang from the period and plates from Sears catalogues. Aesthetically, I wanted to emphasize texture and distressing in these designs.
Here is McHenry, the eponymous one-armed man. To achieve the illusion of an amputated arm, I designed a rigging using a shoulder sling and cotton batting, while the performer's arm tucks under an oversized shirt and chore coat.
This series is my take on an already-produced short film, costumed by a former design teacher, based on Horton Foote's one-act play "The One-Armed Man." Setting is a cotton gin in late 1920's central Texas. Research was culled from Dust Bowl photographs by Dorothea Lang from the period and plates from Sears catalogues. Aesthetically, I wanted to emphasize texture and distressing in these designs.
Here is Pinky, a subservient underling of the cotton gin's boss. I paid specific attention to the historical cut of late '20's overalls, including pocket placement and hardware details. Custom overalls would use ticking strip fabric that would be overdyed for a more complex color.
This series is my take on an already-produced short film, costumed by a former design teacher, based on Horton Foote's one-act play "The One-Armed Man." Setting is a cotton gin in late 1920's central Texas. Research was culled from Dust Bowl photographs by Dorothea Lang from the period and plates from Sears catalogues. Aesthetically, I wanted to emphasize texture and distressing in these designs.
Here is C.W., the cotton gin's well-to-do boss. I wanted his suiting to reflect his status, as well as provide the most color. Trousers would be constructed of taupe wool tweed with orange slubs, while his blazer would be a tropical weight chocolate brown. A custom tie would be sewn in burgundy & black printed silk. A sourced straw hat would be retrimmed in a vintage hat ribbon.