The Official Costume Thread - - - - - - - - - Part 18

[Lead Cenobite]

I'm wondering.. why is it that characters in a technologically advanced society are expected to dress "sciency"? There's no need for things to be so 1 dimensional that every aspect of their life has to reflect their technological advancement. Lord of the Rings characters running around in Star Trek uniforms wouldn't make sense because they live in a world of very primitive technology which relies heavily on magic. The functional looking uniforms just doesn't reflect their level of development. On the other hand, a long lived society such as Krypton's could hold on to certain traditions and even certain styles of formal wear even as their technology and intellect increases.

 

[Kirmit]

I'm wondering.. why is it that characters in a technologically advanced society are expected to dress "sciency"? There's no need for things to be so 1 dimensional that every aspect of their life has to reflect their technological advancement. Lord of the Rings characters running around in Star Trek uniforms wouldn't make sense because they live in a world of very primitive technology which relies heavily on magic. The functional looking uniforms just doesn't reflect their level of development. On the other hand, a long lived society such as Krypton's could hold on to certain traditions and even certain styles of formal wear even as their technology and intellect increases.

This is true, a good example of this IMO is the Harry Potter world. In this world they obviously could dress far more advanced given what their magic can do and coupled with the technology of the muggle world but they seemingly stick to their traditional clothing and traditional ways.

 

[Dark Sentinel]

Maybe Krypton has a deeply rich ancient history. Though one not as spread out as ours but more cohesive. Thus, due to being simpler yet grander than our ancient customs, they honor it. Maybe it is reactionary display from those who feel they've long lost their culture amidst such scientific leaps. Perhaps because everything has become too cold and rational thus a movement to restore culture and sentimentality.

Nuff said

 

[moviedoors]

I still don't understand what is wrong with Jor-El colours from the classic comics. The use of green actually subconsciously identifies him as a scientist, given its affiliation with nature (think of how much green is associated with environmentalism). Also, there is a reason why the science/medical branches in Star Trek have consistently had a blue/green uniforms.

I fin d that rather tenuous. If there's a color strongly associated with scientists, it's most certainly the white of a lab coat.

 

[DKDetective]

I fin d that rather tenuous. If there's a color strongly associated with scientists, it's most certainly the white of a lab coat.

That's not the same thing. A white lab coat is a singular item. The white colour does not say "science" or scientist unless it is in the form of a lab coat... a particular human custom. I'm talking about something that evokes science/environmentalism subconsciously. The connection is most certainly there... eg. GreenPeace, "Going Green", the Green Party, Green Energy, the fact that doctors/nurses most often wear blue or green scrubs, etc. There are definitely strong cultural associations between the colour green and science/environmentalism/medicine. Which is why I think it was most fitting that Krypton's greatest scientist, a man warning that the planet is doomed, traditionally wore green. If anything, the filmmakers should play up the connections between Jor-El and modern environmentalists warning about the dangers of climate change and being ignored. It gives the story contemporary significance.

 

[moviedoors]

That's not the same thing. A white lab coat is a singular item. The white colour does not say "science" or scientist unless it is in the form of a lab coat... a particular human custom. I'm talking about something that evokes science/environmentalism subconsciously. The connection is most certainly there... eg. GreenPeace, "Going Green", the Green Party, Green Energy, the fact that doctors/nurses most often wear blue or green scrubs, etc. There are definitely strong cultural associations between the colour green and science/environmentalism/medicine. Which is why I think it was most fitting that Krypton's greatest scientist, a man warning that the planet is doomed, traditionally wore green. If anything, the filmmakers should play up the connections between Jor-El and modern environmentalists warning about the dangers of climate change and being ignored. It gives the story contemporary significance.

Nope, still find it rather tenuous. It's just green. I'm all for something more alien anyway.

 

[KRIM]

That's not the same thing. A white lab coat is a singular item. The white colour does not say "science" or scientist unless it is in the form of a lab coat... a particular human custom. I'm talking about something that evokes science/environmentalism subconsciously. The connection is most certainly there... eg. GreenPeace, "Going Green", the Green Party, Green Energy, the fact that doctors/nurses most often wear blue or green scrubs, etc. There are definitely strong cultural associations between the colour green and science/environmentalism/medicine. Which is why I think it was most fitting that Krypton's greatest scientist, a man warning that the planet is doomed, traditionally wore green. If anything, the filmmakers should play up the connections between Jor-El and modern environmentalists warning about the dangers of climate change and being ignored. It gives the story contemporary significance.

A bit moot when everything you've written thus far is specifically from the viewpoint of human culture. No one can speak for alien customs for the very fact that they have no idea what that is and are biased by nature.

Also, the color white has more associations with the medical/science field than a simple lab coat. It evokes cleanliness, perfection, sterility, and purity. That is why much of the clothing worn in hospitals, dental offices, psych wards, etc. are dominated by white. It offers its inhabitants a sense of security, order, and serenity.

 

[ArmsHeldOut]

I have to admit, I agree with Kurosawa - the whole use of the S shield on Krypton is overdone - it's too Donnerverse. Also, a headband would improve that costume a lot. Something needs to balance out those shoulder pads. My problem with the shoulder pads is they contrast too strongly with Crowe's fatness. It just makes him look odd.

To be honest, having the Superman shield represent the House of El on Krypton is one of the things I liked best from the Donnerverse. Having said that, I agree that it's time to get away from certain elements associated with that universe, such as Krypton being an ice planet. The shield explanation, however, is great to me, and I'm glad this is being incorporated into the new film. Every Kryptonian, of course, shouldn't have an S shield -- just the House of El in my opinion. I was never crazy about Birthright's perception of it being a symbol of hope on Krypton.

Re: Crowe's fatness, I think they will do something about his belly during filming -- maybe have him wear a girdle.

 

[Dr.]

I still don't understand what is wrong with Jor-El colours from the classic comics. The use of green actually subconsciously identifies him as a scientist, given its affiliation with nature (think of how much green is associated with environmentalism).

I don't think green is the problem, per se. It's the garish combination of green, red and yellow. Those are Christmas tree colors.

 

[Kurosawa]

That's not the same thing. A white lab coat is a singular item. The white colour does not say "science" or scientist unless it is in the form of a lab coat... a particular human custom. I'm talking about something that evokes science/environmentalism subconsciously. The connection is most certainly there... eg. GreenPeace, "Going Green", the Green Party, Green Energy, the fact that doctors/nurses most often wear blue or green scrubs, etc. There are definitely strong cultural associations between the colour green and science/environmentalism/medicine. Which is why I think it was most fitting that Krypton's greatest scientist, a man warning that the planet is doomed, traditionally wore green. If anything, the filmmakers should play up the connections between Jor-El and modern environmentalists warning about the dangers of climate change and being ignored. It gives the story contemporary significance.

Exactly.

 

[DKDetective]

Exactly.

So it seems we can agree on some things.

I wonder if the choice of costuming was possibly partly forced by Crowe's inability to lose weight. I mean the whole trunkless, alien look of the new suit was acceptable to me because I thought other Kryptonians would end up wearing some similar. A single colour unitard made out of a strange fabric screams advanced scifi fashion, which is why I liked it. Although there appears to be connections between Cavill's suit and Jor-El's costume, it now seems like Superman will be wearing Kryptonian underwear quite literally.

However, I really like Crowe's bearded look. I never liked how Jor-El looked too much like Kal-El pre-Crisis right down to the same haircut. Anyone with photochop skills willing to chop Crowe's head onto a green version of Cavill's suit and add a headband? That's more what I was expecting to see from this film.

 

[TheDragonator]

Another one I whipped up.

 

[DKDetective]

A bit moot when everything you've written thus far is specifically from the viewpoint of human culture. No one can speak for alien customs for the very fact that they have no idea what that is and are biased by nature.

Also, the color white has more associations with the medical/science field than a simple lab coat. It evokes cleanliness, perfection, sterility, and purity. That is why much of the clothing worn in hospitals, dental offices, psych wards, etc. are dominated by white. It offers its inhabitants a sense of security, order, and serenity.

Of course, I'm talking about human culture because we are talking about a work of fiction. The whole point of my argument is that the colour green has strong cultural connections to science and the environment in the minds of the audience. I'm simply saying that the main colour of Jor-El's traditional depictions can have thematic significance in a new adaptation. Who cares about the legitimacy of an alien culture. We're talking about a comic book mythology where the aliens look identical to human beings. Your point is moot if anything. :P However, your point about the colour white is true. But we aren't talking about a white Jor-El costume. I'm simply trying to suggest that the classic costume has certain elements that are very thematically fitting for the character which could have also been a nice nod to the comics.

 

[ArmsHeldOut]

Another one I whipped up.

Put a wreath on his head and you've got Father Christmas!

 

[tomk]

The whole point of my argument is that the colour green has strong cultural connections to science and the environment in the minds of the audience.

A small minority of the audience may pick up the environment connection but science? I doubt it. I'll need to see some evidence before I'll buy this.

 

[Krumm]

I don't think it's something that is supposed to be consciously recognized. Also, green is the color of knowledge so it fits.

 

[tomk]

I don't think it's something that is supposed to be consciously recognized. Also, green is the color of knowledge so it fits.

Well there you go. Do you have a link please? I've had a highly scientific education and career and it's the first time I've heard that.

 

[Mad Love]

Green is the color of knowledge/science. LOL, what's all this ridiculousness?

Is this because of the MYTH that geniuses prefer the color green?

It's amazing how some people justify their preferences.

 

[Krumm]

Is this because of the MYTH that geniuses prefer the color green?

You know what? I think I was confusing it with that. However, in my searches, it turns out Yellow is the color of intellect, which is in Jor-El's original costume. So combined with Green for nature it makes sense.

It's amazing how some people justify their preferences.

FYI, I actually have no preference.

Well there you go. Do you have a link please? I've had a highly scientific education and career and it's the first time I've heard that.

But not smart enough to use Google?

 

[Kurosawa]

I'm pretty sure the classic Jor-El costume was colored green because it felt right...because those comics were done to a certain degree by feel and with heart. But this production is not from the heart...it is not art, it is product. And product says black costumes and the latest movie trends are kewl, so you get a sold-out Superman.

This is why I don't expect a giant key or an alien zoo and why I didn't expect trunks on the costume, and why no glasses on Clark and shots of him with a beard looking all emo in Alaska don't surprise me...this is product. It is not art. These people don't give a damn about Siegel and Shuster or Curt Swan or Mort Weisinger or Superman himself, because if they did then then would actually try to learn about the character-particularly when the character was big.

 

[maenalus]

I'm wondering.. why is it that characters in a technologically advanced society are expected to dress "sciency"? There's no need for things to be so 1 dimensional that every aspect of their life has to reflect their technological advancement. Lord of the Rings characters running around in Star Trek uniforms wouldn't make sense because they live in a world of very primitive technology which relies heavily on magic. The functional looking uniforms just doesn't reflect their level of development. On the other hand, a long lived society such as Krypton's could hold on to certain traditions and even certain styles of formal wear even as their technology and intellect increases.

For me anyway, classic sci-fi Krypton has an old world feel to it with an art deco interpretation. The clothe, with the tights and bright colors, evokes Medieval Europe, while the architecture tended to be more eastern, with onion-like domes, Babylonian temples and Arabic minarets.

 

[Krypto]

It's still good... and iconic...

 

[Krypto]

The more i look the Suit... The more i Love it...!!!

 

[moviedoors]

Exactly.

Of course you agree. Any excuse to make it as close to the source as possible.

 

[moviedoors]

You know what? I think I was confusing it with that. However, in my searches, it turns out Yellow is the color of intellect, which is in Jor-El's original costume. So combined with Green for nature it makes sense.



FYI, I actually have no preference.



But not smart enough to use Google?

Maybe you should read your link.

"Green is the color of nature. It symbolizes growth, harmony, freshness, and fertility. Green has strong emotional correspondence with safety. Dark green is also commonly associated with money.

Green has great healing power. It is the most restful color for the human eye; it can improve vision. Green suggests stability and endurance. Sometimes green denotes lack of experience; for example, a 'greenhorn' is a novice. In heraldry, green indicates growth and hope. Green, as opposed to red, means safety; it is the color of free passage in road traffic.

Use green to indicate safety when advertising drugs and medical products. Green is directly related to nature, so you can use it to promote 'green' products. Dull, darker green is commonly associated with money, the financial world, banking, and Wall Street.

Dark green is associated with ambition, greed, and jealousy.
Yellow-green can indicate sickness, cowardice, discord, and jealousy.
Aqua is associated with emotional healing and protection.
Olive green is the traditional color of peace."

Not one word about scientists. Or knowledge.