Costume as a Narrative and Psychological Tool in Pedro Almodóvar's Tacones lejanos: an Analysis of the Protagonists

Abstract

Dressing not only involves covering the body, but also constitutes a form of expression and, above all, a way of seeing the world. From a fictional, narrative, and psychological perspective, clothing is part of the film’s discourse and, therefore, a key tool for telling the story. In this sense, the costume designer is a fundamental figure in cinematic narrative.

This study observes and analyzes the use of fashion in Almodóvar’s universe, focusing specifically on the 1991 film Tacones lejanos. A film that marked a turning point in the director's filmography for costume design, as it internationalized his work in the world of fashion through his collaboration with two important haute couture firms: Chanel and Armani.

To this end, the work will focus on specifically analyzing the film’s opening sequence, a key moment in which the color, textures, and costume design of the protagonists play an important role, operating as another narrative element within the plot. It is at this moment that the viewer is subliminally informed that the choice is not a coincidence or meaningless one, but rather corresponds to something predetermined, revealing from this point onward two distinct women, with two different ways of navigating the world, living from two disparate personalities and managing different levels of power.

From this perspective, costumes are a fundamental tool for imbuing the performance with character and a special essence to the performers’ physical appearance. Through a visual analysis, this work examines the airport sequence, focusing on the audiovisual language and comparing the costumes and accessories of the two protagonists, Becky and Rebeca, as well as their relationship to the performance and construction of the characters.