A Killer in Heels: Costume Design in My Film Opening

In psychological horror, every detail matters, especially what a character wears. Christina, the main character of my film opening, is a 36-year-old woman who looks completely put together, but under the surface, she's hiding something dark. Her outfit isn't just about fashion, it helps tell the story of who she is.

Here's the costume my partner and I decided on:

• Jeans- Simple but stylish, jeans make her look casual enough to blend in but not sloppy. They also make sense for someone who needs to move comfortably, even if she's up to something wrong.
• Black Top- Black is one of the most powerful colors in film. It represents mystery, control, and even danger. Christina's black top makes her look sleek and confident, but it also hints that she's hiding something. Black is often linked to villains, but it's also a symbol of power, showing that she's completely in control of what she's doing.
• Black Blazer- A blazer makes her look professional and sharp. This helps her blend into normal life, she could be on her way to work, grabbing coffee, or, in her case, buying supplies for something much worse.
• Heels- Most people wouldn't wear heels if they were panicking or rushing. Christina however, isn't panicking. The fact she can walk so confidently in heels, even while she's doing something so disturbing, shows just how in control she is.
• Short Blonde Hair- A clean, well-kept haircut makes her look responsible and put together. Blonde hair is often associated with warmth and innocence, as well as stupidity. This makes it more unsettling when she does something horrible. It tricks the audience into thinking she's someone they can trust.
• Neutral Makeup (Browns & Golds)- Christina's makeup is natural and put together not over the top. The browns and golds make her look mature and fitting for her age and personality. She's the kind of person that looks put together when she's doing something horrifying.
• Black Leather Bag- A high-quality bag shows that she has money and taste. It's also practical, it's big enough to carry small supplies, adding to the idea that she's always prepared.
• Jewelry- Christina's jewelry is subtle but meaningful. It includes her wedding ring which is key to the plot. She throws it into the hole she dug, symbolizing her marriage's end.

How Her Outfit Adds To The Story

Christina's outfit is meant to trick the audience. She doesn't look like someone who would commit a crime, she seems like a normal, successful woman. That's what makes her scarier. She isn't dressed as a typical scary villain but like a normal woman making her blend in.

The color black plays a huge role in how she's seen. It's a color of power, elegance, and mystery, but also linked to danger. As stated in lafilm.edu, "Black signifies grief, fear, mystery, and evil, but it also evokes thoughts of simplicity, tradition, and sophistication." This shows how powerful the color black can be.

Source:

            The Los Angeles Film School. “The Psychology of Color - the Los Angeles Film School.” The Los Angeles Film School, 12 June 2017, www.lafilm.edu/blog/the-psychology-of-color/.