Underworld Movie Costumes: An Eerie Glimpse into the Realm of Vampires and Lycans

The Underworld movie franchise has captivated audiences with its dark and captivating world of vampires and lycans. The costumes play a crucial role in bringing these supernatural creatures to life, adding an eerie and otherworldly element to the films. This article delves into the fascinating world of Underworld movie costumes, showcasing their intricate designs and exploring the symbolism they convey.

The Evolution of Vampire Costumes

Throughout the Underworld series, the vampire costumes have evolved to reflect the changing nature of the characters and their struggles.

Original Trilogy: Gothic Glamour and Ancient Heritage

The original Underworld trilogy (2003-2006) featured vampires with a classic gothic aesthetic. Their costumes were adorned with black leather and intricate lace, evoking a sense of mystery and ancient heritage. The iconic "Death Dealers," the vampire warriors, wore sleek black uniforms with metallic accents, conveying their deadly efficiency.

Prequels: Historical Roots and Tribal Intrigue

The prequel movies, Underworld: Rise of the Lycans (2009) and Underworld: Evolution (2006), explored the origins of the vampire and lycan conflict. The costumes in these films drew inspiration from different historical periods and cultures. The vampires of the Eastern Coven, for instance, wore flowing robes with Eastern motifs, while the lycan warriors donned tribal clothing, reflecting their connection to the natural world.

Lycan Transformations: Capturing the Beast Within

The lycans, the werewolf-like creatures in the Underworld universe, undergo dramatic transformations throughout the series. Their costumes play a vital role in showcasing these physical changes.

Pre-Transformation: Human Guise

Before their transformation, the lycans appear as ordinary humans. Their costumes focus on blending into society, often featuring casual clothing or formal attire. However, subtle hints may foreshadow their true nature, such as animalistic jewelry or markings.

Post-Transformation: Feral Rage

Once transformed, the lycans' costumes become more feral and intimidating. They wear torn clothing, their bodies covered in synthetic fur and makeup to create the illusion of a monstrous hybrid. The costumes accentuate the lycans' heightened senses and predatory instincts.

Symbolism and Meaning in Underworld Costumes

The costumes in the Underworld movies serve not only as visual representations but also as powerful symbols that convey the characters' motivations and identities.

Black and Red: A Tale of Opposites

Black and red are the dominant colors in Underworld costumes. Black represents the vampires' association with darkness and the supernatural, while red symbolizes the lycans' connection to blood and savagery. The contrast between these colors emphasizes the duality of the characters' nature.

Crosses and Religious Imagery: A Twist on Tradition

Despite being creatures of the night, the vampires in Underworld often wear crosses and other religious symbols. These adornments serve as an ironic twist on their traditional associations with evil and darkness, suggesting a more complex and conflicted inner world.

Designing for the Underworld: Collaboration and Innovation

Creating the costumes for Underworld required a collaborative effort between costume designers and other departments, including special effects and makeup.

Meticulous Detail: Bringing Characters to Life

The costume designers paid meticulous attention to detail, crafting each garment with precision and authenticity. They used a variety of materials, such as leather, lace, and metals, to achieve the desired aesthetic. The result was costumes that embodied the unique characteristics and personalities of the characters.

Technological Advancements: Enhancing the Supernatural

Special effects played a significant role in enhancing the costumes' supernatural elements. The use of prosthetics, makeup, and animatronics transformed the actors into convincing vampires and lycans, adding a layer of realism to the otherworldly creatures.

Beyond the Screen: The Impact of Underworld Costumes

The costumes from the Underworld movies have had a lasting impact beyond the big screen.

Fashion and Pop Culture: A Gothic Legacy

The gothic aesthetic of Underworld costumes has influenced fashion and pop culture. From Halloween costumes to high-end fashion designers, the influence of the films' visuals is evident in various forms of expression.

Cosplay: A Tribute to the Supernatural

Underworld has inspired a thriving cosplay community. Fans dress up as their favorite characters, meticulously recreating the costumes from the films. Cosplay events provide a platform for fans to celebrate their love for the franchise and engage in interactive experiences.

Tables

Table 1: Timeline of Vampire Costume Evolution in Underworld Movies
| Movie | Vampire Costume Style |
| ----------------- | ------------------- |
| Underworld | Gothic glamour with lace and leather |
| Underworld: Evolution | Historical inspiration with Eastern motifs |
| Underworld: Rise of the Lycans | Tribal influences with animalistic jewelry |

Table 2: Lycan Transformation Costume Progression
| Transformation Stage | Costume Description |
| ------------------ | ----------------------- |
| Human Guise | Casual or formal attire |
| Pre-Transformation | Hints of animalistic features |
| Post-Transformation | Torn clothing, synthetic fur, and makeup |

Table 3: Symbolism in Underworld Costumes
| Color | Symbolism |
| ------------------------------ | --------------------------------- |
| Black | Vampires, darkness, supernatural |
| Red | Lycans, blood, savagery |
| Crosses | Ironic twist on evil associations |

Table 4: Impact of Underworld Costumes Beyond the Screen
| Category | Impact |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------------------------------- |
| Fashion and Pop Culture | Influence on gothic aesthetics and design |
| Cosplay | Thriving community dedicated to recreating costumes |
| Merchandise | Official merchandise featuring iconic costume designs |
| Fan Art | Creative interpretations of costumes and characters |

Tips and Tricks for Creating Your Own Underworld Costume

If you're inspired to create your own Underworld costume, here are some tips:

Choose a Character:

Select a character you resonate with and whose costume you're excited to make.

Research the Film:

Study the movies and reference materials to accurately recreate the costume's details.

Select Materials Carefully:

Invest in high-quality materials like leather, lace, and metals to achieve an authentic look.

Pay Attention to Detail:

Meticulously craft each element, from the clothing to the accessories, to ensure a realistic result.

Consider Special Effects:

Incorporate makeup, prosthetics, or animatronics to enhance the supernatural elements of your costume.

Collaborate with Others:

Seek the help of friends, family, or fellow cosplayers to bring your vision to life.

Unleash Your Creativity:

While staying true to the film's design, don't be afraid to add your own creative touches.