​FILMS

women he's undressed

2015 review number 109:

Women He's Undressed: (Documentary/Biography): 84 out of 100: With such a provocative title, you would expect this to be some sort of porn film. That's definitely not the case! If you are after an informative yet entertaining documentary, then you can't go past this. For movie buffs especially, this is a trip down memory lane where not only do you discover the life of Australian costume designer Orry-Kelly, but also the secrets of Hollywood stars like Cary Grant and Randolph Scott. 

 

Born Orry George Kelly, Orry-Kelly (Darren Gilshenan) was born in Kiama, New South Wales, in 1897. From a young age, he was interested in dressing dolls. He had aspirations to become a costume designer so he left his home and mother Florence (Deborah Kennedy) to pursue his ambitions in the United States. Starting out in the chorus line, he had some initial success on Broadway in New York before striking it rich as a costume designer in Hollywood, California. 

 

What a fascinating documentary this is. Even though Kelly designed the costumes of close to 300 movies and received the Academy Award three times for his creations, little is known about his life. What this documentary does well is present this information in an entertaining way. Actors play the key figures and speak directly to the camera. Interspersed with these monologues are interviews with people associated with Hollywood such as actors, critics and costume designers.  Orry-Kelly communicates with his mother through letters and it's so convincing that you believe them to be real although this is a fictional device. There are also scenes from many movies of yesteryear which showcase the designs of Orry-Kelly.

 

The actors do well in their re-enactment scenes, although hamming it up occasionally. This approach actually helps with providing a fair bit of humour. Most of the interview subjects have interesting stories to tell which also promotes a steady pace. Gillian Armstrong is the director and her films are usually slow-going so it was a pleasant change for me to not have to look at my watch during an Armstrong film.

 

The bouncy, vibrant music score by Cezary Skubiszewski complements the flashy costumes seen on the screen. With so many films in his filmography, it gives the viewer the chance to reminisce about some classic Hollywood movies that feature his costume designs. There's never a dull moment when snippets of these films are shown. 

 

There's not much footage of the real Orry-Kelly but that is actually a positive as it meant that the filmmakers had to find alternative ways to make this documentary. They have produced an entertaining film that doesn't simply resort to talking heads. It's one that all genuine movie buffs must see. Even the occasional documentary viewer will be fascinated with what they learn from this film.

 

Starring Darren Gilshenan and Deborah Kennedy

(100 minutes)

Parental advice: Nudity, coarse language and adult themes

Additional scene during or after credits: Yes, during the credits we see Orry-Kelly's grand niece holding a copy of his memoirs and talking briefly about them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gG0qVIE9i1E (Movie trailer)

(Reviewed on Saturday 1st August, 2015)

 

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