The Clothes Make the Cast

I am going to take the plunge and write about the fashion in this episode. First off, I am a huge fan (despite what Oscar Wilde says) of fashion and style. Aesthetics plays a huge role in this episode, and I confess that I reveled in the visual sumptuousness.

At the beginning of the episode, I noticed that Cordelia's place, full of furniture and cozy accents. Normally Angel episodes are very dark and shadowy, and the start of this one is sunny and evokes a sense of normalcy.

Then it segues to the hotel. It is introduced at night. It could partly have been the lighting in the classroom, but the hotel is dark and gloomy, which directly reflects the suspenseful tone Whedon is trying to develop. A dark rug, yellow or off-white lights, long hallways: all combine for an overall sense of mystery. Also, vintage furniture abounds to pull the viewer in, like the circular couch with the vertical back. (I love that couch).

Angel's wardrobe, as my estimable colleague Hannah Williams has pointed out, is reminiscent of James Dean's wardrobe in Rebel Without a Cause. Angel stands in stark contrast to the men around him, all dressed in ties and suits, some with hats. The open shirt and undershirt beneath--underwear as outerwear being the ultimate sartorial rebellion--demonstrates just how different and individual he is. His outward appearance is evidence of his ability to think for himself and make his own decisions (however disastrous) that is demonstrated in his actions later: he tries to help Judy, is the only one to question the ghostly voice that inhabits the hotel, and makes the choice to allow the demon to continue terrorizing the hotel patrons.

As for Judy, she is the very picture of the stylish fifties woman in a cinched-waist dress with a circle skirt. I'm not sure of the timeline of the story, but I noticed that she wears the same dress in every scene. It is probably the only one she owns, emphasizing that she doesn't own much because she is on the run.

Lastly, there's the bookshop guy. The "original hipster," I think Dr. H. called him. He wears a monochromatic ensemble and rimless rectangular glasses with a black arch and his attitude mirrors his clothing: pessimistic and condescending. I found his scenes to be among the most enjoyable. I think our clothing is an extension and expression of ourselves, and we often re-imagine our identity ever so often, just like Angel does decades later.

I admire the fact that Whedon (via the costume director) provides even the minor cast of characters with adequate clothing choices. Even though I am unable to recreate exactly what they are wearing, I recall gray suits, white dress shirts, roller-curled hair, and impeccable makeup. I respect, Mr. Whedon.