Guillermo del Toro is a master of visual storytelling, known for his intricate attention to detail in films like Pan’s Labyrinth and The Shape of Water. With a keen eye for evocative lighting and cool fantasy effects, his films always look gorgeous. And Pacific Rim—a high-octane disaster movie—is no different, combining flashy action scenes with a heartfelt story and thoughtful visual worldbuilding. This week on Behind the Seams, we dig into the film’s brilliant costume design.
The costume choices in Pacific Rim are far more interesting than your average action blockbuster. For one thing, they’re extraordinarily distinctive. Each character has their own specific style, making them memorable from their very first scenes. Their clothes truly tell a story, from Idris Elba’s rigid military uniform to Rinko Kikuchi’s chic-yet-practical tailored wardrobe. There’s a lot going on under the surface of costume and visual choices in Pacific Rim, as we explain in this video essay:
Each week on Behind the Seams, we examine a different element of movie costume design, whether it’s an in-depth analysis of Mad Max: Fury Road, or a look at the concept of historical accuracy. Click here to subscribe now!