Oscar Anniversaries: Angels and Insects (1996)

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Gaudy overemphasized costumes are the main focus of this otherwise tepid film about a naturalist and avid entomologist, William (Mark Rylance) who becomes associated with, and marries into a British family in the 1800s. I say gaudy because they are connected to William's study of entomology in terms of alluding the characters to specific insects (bees and butterflies, e.g.). And I say tepid because the performances are just as bland as the acting, the characters, and the story. A period piece with little life and a "surprise twist" thrown in at the end for dramatic effect, which really isn't all that shocking.

I see why the costumes were Oscar-nominated, and the idea behind them is brilliant. But I think they would have worked better if they were more subtle, thus giving more reality to the film while also keeping their intended allegorical purpose.

**/*****

Nominations:

Oscars

Best Costume Design