15 Iconic Movie Looks That More or Less Happened By Accident
Some of the most recognizable movie looks were planned down to the last button. Others came from a shrunken sweatshirt, the wrong wig, an actor’s personal closet, or whatever happened to be sitting in someone’s car. Costume designers and makeup artists obviously deserve enormous credit for creating the characters we remember, but filmmaking also leaves plenty of room for strange little accidents. A last-minute idea can suddenly become the detail everyone copies for decades, while a tiny budget can force a solution that ends up looking far better than anything expensive. In a few cases, the actor simply showed up with an idea nobody had requested. Here are 15 iconic movie looks that more or less happened by accident.
Alex’s Outfit Started With a Cricket Bag
When Stanley Kubrick asked Malcolm McDowell what the droogs should wear, the actor only had cricket gear in his car. Kubrick moved the protective cup outside the trousers, creating the unforgettable look.
Jules Winnfield Got the Wrong Wig
Quentin Tarantino originally wanted Jules to have an Afro, but an assistant returned with a Jheri-curl wig instead. Samuel L. Jackson loved the mistake and convinced Tarantino to use it.
Rocky Basically Wore Stallone’s Own Clothes
There was little money for Rocky’s wardrobe, so Sylvester Stallone used his own coat, pants, and boots. A thrift-store porkpie hat completed a look that became inseparable from the character.
Flashdance’s Sweatshirt Shrunk in the Wash
Jennifer Beals said her famous off-the-shoulder sweatshirt began when one of her own sweatshirts shrank. She cut the neckline so she could keep wearing it, accidentally creating an ’80s fashion staple.
Don Corleone’s Cheeks Started With Tissue
During his Godfather screen test, Marlon Brando stuffed tissue into his cheeks because he wanted Vito Corleone to resemble a bulldog. The finished movie recreated the shape with a dental appliance.
Annie Hall Mostly Dressed Like Diane Keaton
Woody Allen essentially told Diane Keaton to wear whatever she wanted, so she pulled from her own style and clothes inspired by women she saw around New York.
The Dude Raided Jeff Bridges’ Closet
The Dude’s gloriously relaxed wardrobe was not entirely a costume department invention. Several pieces came straight from Jeff Bridges’ own closet, helping the character feel suspiciously natural on him.
The “Vote for Pedro” Shirt Was a Last-Minute Idea
Napoleon’s most famous shirt was not even in the script. Jerusha Hess thought of it shortly before filming, grabbed a simple shirt and iron-on letters, and made it herself.
Michael Myers Started as Captain Kirk
With almost no money for an elaborate mask, the Halloween team found a cheap Captain Kirk mask, painted it white, and widened the eye holes.
Lloyd Christmas Already Had That Tooth
Jim Carrey’s chipped front tooth was real, although it had been capped for years. He temporarily removed the cap for Dumb and Dumber, giving Lloyd an instantly sillier grin.
Indiana Jones Inherited Harrison Ford’s Real Scar
Indiana’s chin scar was not created by makeup. Harrison Ford got it in a real accident years earlier, and The Last Crusade eventually invented an onscreen origin involving a bullwhip.
Jack Sparrow Was Not Supposed to Look Like That
The original script did not specify Jack Sparrow’s gold teeth, decorated hair, or Keith Richards-inspired style. Johnny Depp developed much of the eccentric appearance himself, despite studio concerns about his choices.
Ghostface Was Found While Scouting a House
The Scream team did not originally design its famous mask. Producer Marianne Maddalena discovered a ghost mask while location scouting, Wes Craven loved it, and the production secured permission to use the design.
Sandy’s Famous Pants Had a Broken Zipper
Sandy’s final Grease transformation was planned, but Olivia Newton-John’s famous pants had a broken zipper. She had to be sewn into them before filming “You’re the One That I Want.”
The Tramp Was Assembled From Whatever Chaplin Found
Charlie Chaplin headed to wardrobe without knowing exactly what character he wanted. He combined baggy pants, oversized shoes, a tight coat, small hat, cane, and mustache, and the Tramp appeared.