Films aren’t just a wonderful pastime on a rainy day, it is also a source for style inspiration. We look closer at three classic films from the 70’s, 80’s and 90’s, films which we think supports the style of the time.
Text: sebastian frank
photos: alamy
Published
2022-08-06
Hollywood have long spoken about “The era of non-original ideas”. What is meant by this is that the majority of what is produced today is repeats or sequels of classic films that once were ground breaking. In the production companies' search for another cash cow, they therefore choose to invest safely, and hope to gauge a nostalgia trip for the audience. The films that we are going to take a closer look at today have, as far as we know, have no sequels, but still stand out in their very own original way. Films that define their eras, and which are also sources of wonderful style inspiration.
Serpico, 1973
This reality based film is about New York policeman Frank Serpico, played by Al Pacino, and his pursuit of justice in a city ruled by a corrupt police force. His revelation later led to a massive investigation carried out by the Knapp Commission, at a time that the NYPD probably most wants to forget. In the film, we see Pacino in a series of 60s and 70s outfit styles, where we have chosen to focus on the M65 field jacket that many veterans brought home from the then impending Vietnam War.
Fletch, 1985
In Fletch, we see a journalist with aspiring basketball dreams trying to get to the bottom of the widespread drug trade that is spreading along the shores of Los Angeles. Chevy Chase, who plays the main character: Irwin M. “Fletch” Fletcher, makes here perhaps one of his best acting contributions in his career. The film is filled with everything you wish from an 80’s film, with typical car chase scenes and a soundtrack from Harold Faltermeyer. Chevy Chases’ style in the film varies from suits in front of the typewriter, to get-ready-for-tennis at the country club.
Se7en, 1995
In this psychological thriller, directed by David Fincher, we follow Detective Inspector William Somerset (Morgan Freeman) and his work partner David Mills (Brad Pit) in their pursuit of a serial killer who uses the seven deadly sins as a motive in a series of violent murders. The outfit styles in this nerve-wracking film is what you can expect from two 90s guys, with chunky, rolled-up shirts and carelessly tied ties - a style we embrace with joy.