MovieChat Forums > Only Lovers Left Alive (2013) Discussion > Okay, I have one major nitpicky issue wi...

Okay, I have one major nitpicky issue with this film...


The clothes!

Not the regular clothes, but when Eve tells Adam his robe is 200 years old, and Marlowe says he was given his waistcoat in the 1580's.

I have actually examined a range of men and wonen's regency era clothing (1811 to 1820) and even using cotton gloves (because the oils on our hands are so damaging) I wasn't allowed to handle the clothes because I hadn't been trained, they are that delicate. Even with the best care, kept in temperature and moisture controlled environments, away from the sun, these clothes are not wearable.

I have also examined replicas (that I was allowed to touch) and the difference between the recreations and the originals (due to the degradation of the fabric and stitching) is startling.

The only items older than regency that usually survive, are things like ceremonial garments, which were used infrequently and stored well in between uses. Even so, they are in no condition to be worn regularly (or at all).

To suggest that a 200 year old garment was wearable, let alone a waistcoat that had been worn for 400 years, is laughable. Both would be threadbare rags by now.

Perhaps our modern, artificial clothing like rayon, lycra and nylon might last a few hundred years (although I doubt it) but clothing then was made from natural fibres, like cotton, wool, silk and flax.

I know it's nitpicky but every time I hear those lines, I just think that they're trying so hard to be cool, and falling flat on their face with such blatantly ridiculous claims. And as if once wasn't bad enough, they had to do it twice!

reply

That is a good point but I don't think the audience is suppose to think to hard about it. The director is doing some artistic license for atmosphere to show these creatures being out of place and out of time. Sort of like how Tom Cruise can fall dozens of meters and not break his legs or back or being able to hear explosions in Star Wars battles in a vacuum. Though they are vampires and maybe their magical immortal essence protects their clothes as much as human oils destroy them.

reply

I don't think the audience is suppose to think to hard about it.


I believe you're right.

It's called "suspension of disbelief," for better or for worse.









Only Lovers Left Alive: 8
Oculus: 7
Joe: 10
Locke: 10
Blue Ruin: 9
Belle: 8
Ida: 9

reply

I don't think the audience is suppose to think to hard about it.

I believe you're right.

It's called "suspension of disbelief," for better or for worse.


I get that, but I didn't think hard about it, it's just something I know. I know a lot of useless *beep* But I'm great at pub quiz nights.

reply

It's called "suspension of disbelief," for better or for worse.



The OP has a point, but we just have to go with it.

Erik Lehnsherr: You want society to accept you, but you can't even accept yourself.

reply

[deleted]

I agree! I immediately thought that when she was telling him that his robe was made over a century ago.....? and the only part deteriorating was a small part of the velvet sleeve had worn down. Very unrealistic, but then again it IS movie about vampires.

reply

Very unrealistic, but then again it IS movie about vampires.


Yes, I appreciate that you recognize that a film about vampires isn't realistic. I'm not sure that everyone does.

reply

Yes, I appreciate that you recognize that a film about vampires isn't realistic.

Vampires and magic fabric.

reply

PLUS what everyone here is forgetting is that you have to factor in that it's a vampire wearing those pieces of clothing: if it was a human then they'd perspire and have body oils that would ruin the fabric, a vampire doesnt have those (note the super dry hair they all have). Who knows maybe that also means that their clothes get washed much less as well, so it does actually make sense.

reply

Except that in many ways Jarmusch seemed to be trying to make it realistic within the genre. Like, if vampires were real, what might be some of their logistical issues in the 21st century?

--------
My top 250: http://www.flickchart.com/Charts.aspx?user=SlackerInc&perpage=250

reply

OMG this screams plot hole... yes the old clothes

reply

I had the same thought, but I suppose if they only wear them very occasionally they might be able to keep them in decent condition. It was a very obviously odd claim though. Not sure why he did that.

reply

I agree but keep in mind the garments may have NEVER been exposed to sunlight.

reply