What's Keeping Me Up?
Menswear Escapism Through The Silver Screen
WORDS BY DOUGLAS HENRY LEWIS
IMAGE COURTESY OF LIONSGATE
Dressing up has always been more than just an act; it is a ritual of self-expression and confidence. The allure of a finely tailored suit, polished loafers, and carefully curated ensembles has long been an essential element of personal style. And while fashion evolves, the silver screen remains a timeless inspiration, where great costume design creates characters that imprint themselves in our minds. Through the decades, cinema has provided a showcase of sartorial elegance, transporting us to a world where style endures.
The desire to dress up and step out in style is a timeless pursuit. These films serve as more than just entertainment; they are visual love letters to fashion, self-expression, and the enduring elegance that transcends generations. Until the next moment calls for a refined ensemble, I will continue to take solace in these cinematic masterpieces, knowing that great style, like great storytelling, never fades.
The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999)
Jude Law’s Italian Summer Elegance
IMAGE COURTESY OF PARAMOUNT PICTURES
The first film to reignite my appreciation for sartorial excellence was The Talented Mr. Ripley. Set against the picturesque backdrop of 1950s Italy, the film is a masterclass in effortless style. Matt Damon’s preppy ensembles and iconic frames had their charm, but it was Jude Law’s Dickie Greenleaf who truly stole the show. His lightweight retro polos, white linen trousers, and leisurely yet refined summer wardrobe exuded an enviable ease. Watching him, I almost reached for my passport, longing for an escape to sun-drenched Amalfi. However, beneath the glamour, the film weaves a haunting tale of identity and ambition, reminding us that true style is more than mere appearances—it is an expression of self.
The Man Who Fell to Earth (1976)
David Bowie’s Otherworldly Elegance
IMAGE COURTESY OF Vic Fair artwork for Nicolas Roeg film starring David Bowie
David Bowie’s portrayal of Thomas Newton in The Man Who Fell to Earth introduced me to a fashion icon I never knew I needed. Clad in sharply tailored black suits, platform boots, and his signature wide-brim fedora, Bowie’s extraterrestrial character was the epitome of 1970s sleek. His final scene—where he pairs a tweed coat with a monochrome look, tinted sunglasses, and his fiery red ombré hair—solidified his place in cinematic style history. While the film explores themes of isolation, corruption, and the fragility of power, Bowie’s wardrobe remains timeless, proving that style transcends both time and space.
A Single Man (2009)
Tom Ford’s Sartorial Perfection
IMAGE COURTESY OF IM GLOBAL
It comes as no surprise that Tom Ford’s Single Man is a visual feast of sartorial refinement. Every frame of the film is imbued with Ford’s meticulous attention to detail, from the freshly starched shirts to the immaculately polished Oxfords. Nicholas Hoult’s all-white mohair sweater ensemble and Jon Kortajarena’s classic white tee, denim, and black boots combination serve as a testament to the power of simplicity. Beyond its aesthetic allure, the film tells a poignant story of loss, resilience, and the transformative power of human connection—a message that resonates deeply through time.
Ocean’s Eleven (2001)
George Clooney’s Suave Reinvention
IMAGE COURTESY OF WARNER BROS. PICTURES
Few films capture early 2000s sophistication quite like Ocean’s Eleven. George Clooney’s Danny Ocean emerges from prison unshaven and unkempt, only to transform into a polished gentleman with the help of a crisp haircut and a perfectly tailored suit. His charm is rivaled only by Brad Pitt’s effortlessly cool wardrobe—think fitted button-downs, well-cut suits, and an air of nonchalance. As the film unfolds, Clooney orchestrates an elaborate heist, not only to claim millions but to reclaim the love of Julia Roberts. PROVING THAT CONFIDENCE AND A WELL-FITTED SUIT CAN CONQUER ALL, IT IS A STORY OF PRECISION, STYLE, AND ULTIMATE FINESSE.
American Gigolo (1980)
Richard Gere’s Sartorial Mastery
IMAGE COURTESY OF POSTERITATI
Richard Gere in American Gigolo is nothing short of a style revelation. The film, renowned for its influence on men’s fashion, showcases an array of impeccable looks—from lightweight Armani suits to perfectly tailored blazers. One standout moment features Gere in a navy blazer paired with the most exquisite linen grey trousers, topped off with a pair of black boots that exude quiet luxury. Beyond the aesthetics, the film delves into themes of indulgence, vulnerability, and the pursuit of redemption, proving that true elegance is about more than just appearances.
A Hard Day’s Night (1964)
The Beatles’ Mod Revival
IMAGE COURTESY OF UNITED ARTISTS
No conversation about cinematic style is complete without A Hard Day’s Night. This black-and-white classic captures The Beatles in their prime, dashing through 1960s London in impeccably tailored suits. The film, part documentary, and part stylized fiction, subtly delivers a timeless lesson: amidst the chaos of life, taking a moment for oneself is invaluable. Paul McCartney’s ‘grandfather’ serves as a voice of wisdom, reminding us that even the most glamorous figures must find balance—a sentiment relevant in any era.