Historic Replicas

While many people think of animated films when they hear the name Disney, they are actually a diverse company that has been smart enough to branch out of the children’s film market and into movies that are more accessible to the public market. This trend became increasingly smart for Disney as other companies such as Pixar began to dominate the animated genre. The best franchise that they have attached their name to, however, is by far the “Pirates of the Caribbean” series—which features A-list actors in pirate replicas, not animated creations.

Specifically, “Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Man’s Chest” pulled in the most box office revenue worldwide for Disney. This does exclude the sale of any merchandise or video sales. Total, the series has pulled in an impressive $2.6 billion. The Disney movies have proved exponentially more lucrative than the Pirates ride, which opened as early as 1967. Some of Hollywood’s biggest names, including Johnny Depp in the scene-stealing main role as well as Orlando Bloom and Keira Knightley, helped the trilogy along.

Although few of his writings have survived, Tiberius Claudius was one of the most influential historians of ancient Rome—not to mention the fact the he became Emperor. It can often be difficult to humanize these ancient figures who have reached mythical proportions, but that’s exactly what Robert Graves does in his fictional autobiography of Tiberius, “I, Claudius.”

The book, which is consistently voted as one of the best of the 20th century, gives a vivid, personalized picture of the miraculous rise to power of Tiberius Claudius. During the story, it’s often easy to forget that the book is an act of fiction due to its historical consistencies and distinct voice. Much of the book deals with the politics of the time—including the reigns of Julius Caesar, Augustus and Caligula—but there are also graphic accounts of soldiers and gladiators battling in Roman armour.

Long before Halloween rolls around, kids often get exciting about dressing up and already know what they want to be that year. Choices that are already popular include classic, creepy creatures, like witches, ghosts, vampires and goblins. Little girls gravitate to Disney princess outfits and popular movie and TV characters, like Hannah Montana and the girls from High School Musical. Boys like to be pirates, Power Rangers, Transformers and more.

But older kids may tire of those predictable costumes, and they may not want to look like everyone else in their class on Halloween. If your child is dying for something different this year, try getting them some authentic movie costumes. Unlike traditional costumes made from subpar materials, these costumes look like they’re straight off a Hollywood set. You can find an assortment of options, many of which are geared towards those who have grown out of the traditional “kids” costumes.

People conjure up a vast array of images when asked to contemplate Ancient Greece, and my thoughts inevitably land on their great thinkers and poets. When looking at Western Civilization, it is difficult to find many aspects of life that haven’t stemmed from the canonized writings and teachings of these thinkers. Despite their immense influence on our culture, it seems like few people outside of academia ever read the writings of Plato, Homer, Aristotle or other legendary Greeks.

One way to rekindle an interest in these writings is to turn them into theatrical productions, complete with Greek costumes and stage props. This is obviously difficult with many writings, such as the scientific and philosophical works of Aristotle, but others lend themselves quite well to the task. The Socratic Dialogues of Plato and the profusion of poetry from this era are just a few of the prime examples.

Since his iconic role in Gladiator, Russell Crowe has been cast in a variety of roles, none of which, however, have garnered the acclaim of his portrayal of Maximus. Many of these subsequent films have been more dramatic, putting Crowe into humanizing roles, which many feel are out of his range. However, Crowe has traded in the Roman helmet for a bow and quiver and teamed up with director Ridley Scott once again.

Their new version of Robin Hood opened to lukewarm reviews last weekend, and couldn’t even earn the top spot at the box office. While audiences showed a tepid reception for the film, many critics and moviegoers alike agreed that the role was more inline with Crowe’s personality than his recent theatrical endeavors. Although he may lack the thespian aptitude of more refined actors, when it comes it grit and guts, audiences tend to cast Crowe in an approving light.

During college, I lived a bit of a double life. There was the side that everyone saw – the friend who went out to bars on weekends and played pick-up games of basketball a few times a week. But then there was the gaming side. I would spend hours at a time playing videogames. You could name any role-playing game from the last five years on any platform, and I’ve probably played it and beat it.

Recently I’ve decided not to hide my passion for fantasy games any longer. I outfitted my apartment with an assortment of medieval replicas and dragon décor. My friends sometimes jokingly refer to me as the Dungeonmaster, but I couldn’t be more proud of the way the decorations turned out. Most guys my age lack any semblance of design sense, so who are they to judge?

For Halloween every year, my brother and I coordinate our costumes. A few years back we went as Tweedledee and Tweedledum, and last year we were the Blues Brothers. We have quite the backlog of innovative ideas, and every year there is some argument about what we should be.

At a renaissance fair I attended last week, I picked up a set of replica medieval armor. The Knights of the Round Table has been on the list for sometime, and I think that the armor will be perfect. My brother is campaigning to go as Tom and Jerry, but I have a feeling that I will be able to persuade him.

Every year the various families in my neighborhood organize an elaborate reenactment of some epic battle in history. Last year we did the infamous Battle of Waterloo, and this year we turned back the clock even further, endeavoring to recreate some of the battles of the Peloponnesian War. Although some of the most famous battles were fought on the sea, we made due.

Everyone was clad in replica uniforms and outfitted with traditional Greek weaponry. The battle lasted all day, and at the end, we had a feast featuring the typical fare of the era. Not only are the war-games an opportunity to build relationships in the community, but they also teach the children some valuable history lessons.

When people think of the ancient western world, the two societies that come to mind most often are Greece and Rome. This association makes sense, as much of the culture and traditions between the two civilizations were quite similar. While the Greeks are often considered the founders of modern thought thanks to Socrates, Plato and Aristotle, the Romans also contributed greatly to the world that we live in today.

From our art and literature to our vary language, much of what we take for granted today was made possible via these cultures. These societies also made significant advances in math, science and various other technologies and areas of study. Most of the original artifacts from these cultures have been destroyed, but there are still accurate Greek and Roman replicas to be found.

Have you ever taken the time to pinpoint the attributes that your favorite movies have in common? It’s rather vague to say that I like “comedies” or “dramas,” even if both those statements are technically true. After some serious consideration, I’d have to choose period pieces and war movies as my favorites – but only if they’re realistic and believable. And that means scrupulously authentic costumes.

When done right, a movie should make me forget that I’m in the theater and actually watching a film. Anything that draws me out of that engrossing experience is to be criticized. Movie costumes don’t have to be flashy; in fact, they should just look and feel right for a particular time and place. Subtlety and accuracy should be the two foremost goals for any historical costume designer.