The Devil is in the Details of Glass Onion

The Devil is in the Details of Glass Onion

By: Kate Kimberlin 

Rian Johnson’s latest installment to the Knives Out universe arrived on December 23rd in the form of Glass Onion. The film, where the famed Benoit Blanc is mysteriously invited to a Greek island to solve a mystery among an eclectic group of high rollers, is well executed down to the last detail. In true tradition of the film’s universe, each distinctly different character has their own wardrobe that gives depth to their story. 

Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc 

We find the returning character in the midst of the pandemic, but still looking as sharp as ever. Even in the change of the weather from the East Coast of the U.S to Greek Islands, Blanc is still dressed in crisp button downs and slacks. His southern charm and personality is ever-present in the appearance of colorful neckerchiefs, patterned Keds, and a bright blue striped matching swim-set. 

Kate Hudson as Birdie Jay 

The lovable yet problematic, aging fashion designer takes form in Kate Hudson’s Birdie Jay. When first introduced, she is seen partying in a lavish penthouse despite the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, and that seems to give away much of her character. In her later appearances dressed in bright colors, big accessories, and overall eye-catching designs, her story seems to change to a woman who craves the spotlight. 

Dave Bautista as Duke Cody 

Known as “the loose canon,” the character of Duke Cody is loud, unpredictable, and still lives with his mother. This is reflected the most in the viral Twitch streamer’s style, or lack thereof. When he’s not streaming in a basic black tank to reflect his “manly” disinterest in fashion, he’s seen in large designer sunglasses and a speedo to match. Cody’s style is almost as easy to read as his personality: trying so hard to be something he clearly is not. 

Madeline Cline as Whiskey 

First appearing on the arm of Bautista’s Duke Cody, Cline’s Whiskey is clueless arm candy on the surface. She is the picture of natural “it” girl beauty with a distinctly bohemian Gen Z sense of style in flowy cover ups, piles of minimalist jewelry, and earth tones that compliment her skin. She will also do and say whatever Cody wants, including showing off her body for nefarious gain. Later in the film viewers learn that while she appears to be an effortless “it” girl, she is a struggling influencer using Cody to gain what any influencer wants — a larger audience. 

Kathryn Hahn as Claire Debella 

Straight edge state governor Claire Debella is the picture of no-nonsense, down to her sense of style. She is all beige, practicality, and slightly ill-fitting garments.. Director Rian Johnson even commented in an interview how bad she felt for Hahn, since she mentioned how excited she was for the fun costuming she felt in the film, but got the exact opposite.  Even despite the dullness of her character’s clothes, she proves in the end that she can be just as ruthless as anyone in the group.    

Leslie Odom Jr. as Lionel Toussaint 

Renowned scientist Lionel Toussaint is introduced as the group’s resident genius, solving the puzzle sent to the group at the beginning of the film. But, despite the picture of sophistication he paints, Toussaint has his own sense of style. Seen in many jewel tones, notably green, he always appears in eye-catching suits with a matching hat. Hee is a man sure of himself, and never forgets the proper pandemic protection with his N95 mask. 

Janelle Monáe as Andi and Helen Brand

Arguably the most important use of costuming, Monáe plays twin sisters in the film who are polar opposites. Helen is a bland school teacher from Alabama, with conservative and dull ensembles. Andi is a New York executive, with bright colors and tailoring that exude confidence. Helen transforms and poses as Andi for the trip to Greece after the mysterious death of her sister. The onscreen transformation is incredible, seeing Monáe change on a dime just through clothes alone is a wonderful example of the power the clothes have in telling a story. 

Rian Johnson said in an interview that it was important that the style of these characters felt like the film Clue. Taking that idea into account, Glass Onion feels like a fresh take on the 1985 film, with costumes that make the characters feel more familiar to a new generation. Not only is the film a fresh take on a well-loved genre, it also proves what costuming and fashion analysis can do to take a story to new heights. 

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