John Carter, inspired by Edgar Rice Burrough’s novel John Carter of Mars, was a refreshing departure from Hollywood's usual less-than-flattering portrayal of all things Confederate. The novel's protagonist is John Carter, a Captain in the 1st Virginia Cavalry. The film stayed true to the novel, presenting him in a positive manner.
It is an occupational hazard that I am unable to view some films without training a keen eye to historical accuracy, particularly in material history. I am surprised and pleased to announce that John Carter did a nice job with the Civil War era costumes. In the past, the American film industry has not enjoyed a stellar reputation for proper costuming. However, more recently, at least in regards to the Civil War era, they have made progress. They are beginning to approach the level of the British, who remain the acknowledged gold standard for costuming accuracy in films.
In John Carter, Captain Carter’s 1st Virginia Cavalry uniform is perfect. It essentially mirrors everything we know about the regiment’s 1861 uniforms. The Union uniforms were also spot on for 1868. My only complaint is that one cavalryman rolled his forage cap visor, like a modern day baseball cap. However, that is a small flaw, and one that was even seen on some versions of M1858 forage caps with shallow-scalloped visors.
I admit that I approached this film with a familiar sense of trepidation. However, after viewing John Carter, I recommend it as an entertaining movie with lots of 3D special effects, an uplifting message, and accurate period costuming. To my own surprise, I say "Well done!" to the Disney|Pixar costume designers for John Carter.
It is an occupational hazard that I am unable to view some films without training a keen eye to historical accuracy, particularly in material history. I am surprised and pleased to announce that John Carter did a nice job with the Civil War era costumes. In the past, the American film industry has not enjoyed a stellar reputation for proper costuming. However, more recently, at least in regards to the Civil War era, they have made progress. They are beginning to approach the level of the British, who remain the acknowledged gold standard for costuming accuracy in films.
In John Carter, Captain Carter’s 1st Virginia Cavalry uniform is perfect. It essentially mirrors everything we know about the regiment’s 1861 uniforms. The Union uniforms were also spot on for 1868. My only complaint is that one cavalryman rolled his forage cap visor, like a modern day baseball cap. However, that is a small flaw, and one that was even seen on some versions of M1858 forage caps with shallow-scalloped visors.
I admit that I approached this film with a familiar sense of trepidation. However, after viewing John Carter, I recommend it as an entertaining movie with lots of 3D special effects, an uplifting message, and accurate period costuming. To my own surprise, I say "Well done!" to the Disney|Pixar costume designers for John Carter.
Click to view the source for this Walt Disney Pictures image of Captain John Carter in his 1st Virginia Cavalry uniform.
RSS Feed