FILM FRIDAY: Akira (1988)
Jul 09, 2010 - by Jason Chan, Señor
So technically Katsuhiro Ôtomo's 1988 anime isn't a "film". Worse still, it's an anime movie. But this cartoon's got it all: double-breasted suits, 1970s Tom Verlaine/Richard Hell get-ups, and lots of stuff for the leather daddies out there. This Film Friday, let's take a look at Akira.
The reason that Akira is such a killer nominee for this Friday feature is that it's probably the most detailed animated film ever made. It literally puts anything Disney has ever done to shame. Factor in that the movie takes place on such a massive scale (a re-imagining of post-World War III Tokyo) that there's a helluva lot of detail.
Based on Ôtomo's as of then yet-unfinished manga (it just gets nerdier and nerdier, doesn't it?) the film starts off extremely strong focusing on a group of teenage reprobates and secret military experiments but soon loses its way. Fortunately for those of us who like looking at beautiful things, however, it never loses its style. So, with that, on to the outfits!
As stated above: super-macro. The outfit that pops out most is the man in the yellow chinos. It's getting towards the end of pastel season (i.e. Spring is being burned to death) but it's always a good/super-preppy look when someone gets all Nantucket on their own ass with a basic blue oxford and some colored slacks. Then there's Mr. Punk I and Mr. Punk II to the left with looks reminiscent of the most recent Balmain men's collection. Leather jackets with a little bit of prep mixed in (a button down and olive green slouch neck sweater). Who knew cartoons could dress so damn well?
But Ôtomo can go super-micro too. If you want to look like a teenage derelict/leader of a futuristic bike gang, here's how you do it, from head to toe. Check the fit on all the items: slightly oversized polo to let the cool breeze in, cropped just-slim-enough chinos, killer mid-top white sneaks.
Second from the left, and the guy all the way towards the right. Neither of these characters plays a major role in the film. In fact, the rightmost character might not even have a line. Nevertheless, both of these guys have got it going on. Hello Joe Strummer, and hello sweet shearling collar overcoat. We'll refrain from commenting on the cutoff graphic tee on the left.
The girls get in on the action too, of course. From left to right, some real-world finds. Honestly, this movie's like a schizophrenic sketchbook come to life mixed with a lot of Mad Max, Max's Kansas City, and, uh...Max Fischer. It's totally max, basically.
Check the gallery and see if you can match the following with their pictures. It's like one of those quizzes on children's placemats at roadside diners. Or, you know, don't. Whatever you do, pick up Akira (or watch it on YouTube). Enjoy all the pretty pictures, pretend to soak up the philosophy and the Kubrick-ian 2001-style ending. When else can you say you're-a-learnin' while watchin' car-toons?
A. Burberry Prorsum Felted Military Coat
C. Marc Jacobs Gladiator Sandals
F. Patrik Ervell Collegiate Jacket
[gallery link="file" columns="2"]
Answers (pics numbered L-R): A-12, B-11, C-8, D-9, E-9, F-15








