The Edge of Love

  A film I have always been attracted to especially production design wise has been "The Edge of Love" (2008) by John Maybury, to me it is a massive eyegasm with victory rolls, florals and other war-time lovelies. I am so into it that I have even decided to dress more in the style of the film's main two protagonists, Caitlin (wheyyyyyyy!) and Vera. Caitlin and Dylan Thomas were infamous for their relationship, their union suggested that a couple who drink together, stick together. Naturally this theme of alcoholism fits rather snugly into my current artistic practice. So I may even research more theoretically into Dylan Thomas' life.
   I am sure we have all been in a situation at some point in our lives in which you and your best friend like the same guy, and sometimes even in a sort of extreme situation, have ended up in some bizarre love triangle scenario. So this film focuses on the dynamic which is portrayed when two best friends have had/have a relationship with someone, and Cillian Murphy's character, Wiliam Killick states,

   "First love's all right as far as it goes; last love, that's what I'm interested in." which when you think about it, this quote could serve as the film's theme. 

   Also funnily enough, my mum being the lit nerd that she was in her younger years, saw the name of Dylan's wife when she was pregnant with me, and given the baby name specification she so desired which included Irish names only, actually named me after her. So in a bizarrely almost-narcissistic way, I probably feel I can relate more to her story due to our identical titles. 
   But aesthetically, some of the shots in this film are truly stunning. I spent a wonderful evening sipping tea and screen capping the shit out of this film.
   My personal favourites are the parts that pay close attention to small colourful details, i.e. a paint pallet, or a bright children's rattle. Or even the 5 second shot of Caitlin Thomas' son playing with a dead fish outside.

Not only that, the costume design is incredibly appropriate and accurate, particularly for day-to-day living in rural Wales, hats, long socks and wellies are the fitting uniform of convenience for harshly cold and rainy conditions.

Sorry for the shoddily out of focus quality of these photos. Just click to zoom. I just love that blue colour on her. 

Frolicking on the beach, seriously how skinny are they both? :/ In fact, when you look at photos of the real Caitlin MacNamara nee Thomas, you observe a massive chunk of historical inaccuracy. The real Caitlin definitely had more junk in the trunk...

I just want this jumper.. Caitlin wearing Dylan's chunky fair isle jumper in a time of crisis.

Sienna Miller looking like Emma Watson (???).

   Not only do the girls wear just day-clothes, on special occasions they don bright lipsticks, slickly rolled hair and pastel coloured suits. We see this in the court case at the end of the film, and when William returns from the war, Vera gussies herself up nicely. As much as I love their "formal" wear, I prefer the outfits they sport mucking round Wales, that is just a personal perspective though. I'm more of a dressed-down gal myself.

Wahhhhh how gorgeous is this shot?! Love the depth and sadness in it.

Sozzzz for the Play symbol. HER HAIR!!!

The story moves into the courtroom near the end of the film.

   Caitlin and Vera's emotional goodbye, even thought they were rivals, and one of their husband's ruined the other's quality of life, they were still "best friends" and vowed to write to each other.
   Also if anyone knows of any films that are similar in terms of costume design, give me a shout please.