Kym Barrett is a world-renowned costume designer, known for her groundbreaking work in film that spans various genres but is particularly recognized for her innovative and creative approach to costume design in action, fantasy, and horror films. Her career has been marked by collaborations with highly talented directors, and her costumes have significantly contributed to the aesthetics and success of many films. Although she is most famous for her work on films such as The Matrix and Romeo + Juliet, Barrett has also made a remarkable impact in the horror genre, where her distinctive style has helped create unique and memorable atmospheres.
The Early Years and the Innovative Approach
Born in Australia, Kym Barrett studied set design at the National Institute of Dramatic Art (NIDA) in Sydney. Her theatrical training profoundly influenced her approach to costume design, leading her to view each costume not just as an outfit but as an essential element in building a character and the atmosphere of a film. Her ability to blend different stylistic concepts and her attention to detail allowed her to quickly rise in the film industry.
The Matrix (1999) and Its Influence on the Horror Genre
Although The Matrix (1999) is not a horror film, its impact on the genre cannot be ignored. Kym Barrett created one of the most iconic and influential aesthetics of recent decades for this film. The protagonists’ shiny black costumes, combined with cyberpunk and gothic elements, influenced not only fashion but also the aesthetics of many subsequent horror films, especially those related to themes of dystopia and the fear of technology. The costume design in The Matrix paved the way for a new way of thinking about the role of costumes in films exploring dark and unsettling themes, which has become a visual reference in many later productions.
Collaboration with Gore Verbinski: The Ring (2002)
One of Kym Barrett’s first forays into the horror genre was her collaboration with director Gore Verbinski for The Ring (2002), the American remake of the Japanese film of the same name. The Ring was an international success and introduced Western audiences to a new form of horror that was more psychological and visually disturbing.
Barrett’s contribution to the film was crucial in creating the oppressive and unsettling atmosphere that characterizes it. Although the costume design in The Ring may seem simple at first glance, Barrett used faded colors, raw fabrics, and a minimalist aesthetic to emphasize the film’s spectral tone. The look of the protagonist Rachel Keller (played by Naomi Watts) is dominated by casual, muted neutral-toned clothing that reflects her gradual descent into mystery and horror. However, it is Samara’s costume, the central and frightening figure of the film, that has remained etched in the memories of viewers. The long, dirty white dress, paired with black wet hair covering her face, has become an icon of modern horror, representing the visual manifestation of the psychological terror that permeates the film.
The Matrix Reloaded (2003) and The Matrix Revolutions (2003): Continuing the Evolution
In 2003, Barrett continued her work on the Matrix trilogy with The Matrix Reloaded and The Matrix Revolutions. Although these films primarily focus on action and science fiction themes, the influence of their visual style has had a lasting impact on how horror and other genres have utilized aesthetic elements to explore fear and alienation.
Barrett expanded the visual language of the costumes created in the first film, adding new elements that reflected the evolution of characters and deepening themes of control, freedom, and identity. The use of technological materials and the contrast between digital and physical reality continued to inspire productions in the horror genre, especially in films that explore the boundary between the human and the inhuman, between the real and the virtual.
The Ice Road (2021): Horror in the Natural Context
Another notable film in which Kym Barrett demonstrated her ability to work in the horror genre, albeit in an unconventional way, is The Ice Road (2021). This thriller, set against the harsh, icy landscapes of Canada, is not horror in the traditional sense but features elements of tension and survival that come very close to psychological horror.
Barrett worked to create costumes that were not only practical for the extreme conditions faced by the characters but also helped to emphasize the sense of isolation and danger. The heavy winter clothing, padded jackets, and accessories like hats and gloves were designed to appear worn and lived-in, adding an extra layer of authenticity and tension to the story. In an environment where nature itself is the primary threat, Barrett’s costumes play an essential role in conveying the characters’ constant state of alertness and vulnerability.
Nightmare Alley (2021): The Allure of Deception and the Grotesque
One of Kym Barrett’s latest projects was Nightmare Alley (2021), directed by Guillermo del Toro. Although Nightmare Alley is a film noir with elements of psychological thriller, the presence of grotesque and unsettling elements brings it very close to the horror genre. The film tells the story of an ambitious con artist who infiltrates the world of traveling carnivals, characterized by dark atmospheres and sinister characters.
In Nightmare Alley, Barrett had the opportunity to create costumes that reflected the historical period of the 1940s, combining elegance and decadence with a sense of latent danger. The costumes of the main characters, played by Bradley Cooper, Cate Blanchett, and Rooney Mara, are rich in details that express their psychological complexity. The color palette ranges from the dark and sophisticated tones of urban environments to the more faded and worn tones of the carnivals, creating a visual contrast that accentuates the sense of duality and deception that permeates the film. Barrett’s work here once again demonstrates her ability to use costumes to tell a story not only through dialogue and action but also through visual language.
The Legacy of Kym Barrett in the Horror Genre
Kym Barrett has left a lasting mark in horror cinema and related genres through her ability to transform costume design into an essential element for building atmosphere and character. Even when her work extends beyond pure horror, Barrett has managed to bring a sense of unease and complexity to the characters and stories she has helped create.
Her style, which blends contemporary, historical, and futuristic influences, has given life to costumes that not only dress the characters but define them, helping to build visual worlds that remain etched in viewers’ minds. Whether it’s the spectral simplicity of The Ring or the cyber-gothic aesthetic of The Matrix, Kym Barrett’s costumes continue to influence the way horror and thriller films are made, affirming her status as one of the most innovative and influential costume designers of her generation.
Don’t miss reading the articles about other costume designers who have helped horror cinema scare us… they have not only improved the films they worked on but have also elevated the horror genre to new artistic heights. Their costumes are not just clothes but narrative tools that amplify suspense, express complex themes, and enrich the viewer’s visual experience.
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