INTRO
With the return of Superman in the aptly named 'Superman
Returns', his arch nemesis,
Lex Luthor, returns as well. This time around, the villain is played by Kevin
Spacey, who foregoes the wig Gene Hackman wore in 1978's 'Superman' to play
a slightly less campy, more evil version of the character.
BALD CAPS
Luthor's costume is relatively simple. A shaved head or bald cap and a tasteful dark suit with tie are all that's really necessary... that, and the ability to ooze malevolence. You can find bald caps, plus the items necessary to use them at these merchants:
Motion Picture F/X Company
Clown Antics
Make Up Mania
Mehron
Costumes4Less
BuyCostumes.com
Josie O'Kain has created an online tutorial that shows you how to apply a bald cap.
SUITS
Luthor goes through a number of costume changes in the film. Even if you're a
stickler for details, it shouldn't be too hard to find a close match for one
of his outfits at your local thrift store.
REFERENCE PHOTOS
The following photos are large and may take some time to load, depending on your connection speed:
Houndstooth Suit:
MovieWeb
FilmForce
Black Corduroy Suit:
MovieWeb
Brown Corduroy Suit:
MovieWeb
Pinstripe Suit And Driving Cap:
The
Daily Planet 1
The
Daily Planet 2
CAP
If you actually want to cover up Lex's wonderfully bald head, you can find a close match to his driving cap at these merchants, but be aware that there's a logo on the back. You may want to cover it:
F. L. Crooks & Co.
Berets.com
Aaron Hats
OVERCOAT
Herringbone Overcoat:
MovieWeb
White Overcoat:
The
Daily Planet 1
The
Daily Planet 2
For as close to a ready-made version of this coat as you can get, see Broadway Costumes and scroll down to 'Super Fly'.
Vogue has a mens
overcoat pattern that, although not identical, will work for both the herringbone
and white overcoats.
BOOTS
Cinema
Blend 1
Cinema
Blend 2
A match for Luthor's boots is virtually impossible to find. However, it's probably no coincidence that WWII German jack boots come close:
Military Tour.com
World Of Surplus
Dutchie's Militaria
EXACT REPRODUCTIONS
India is becoming the world's call center, and China, its factory. Similarly, Thailand and Vietnam are becoming the world's tailors. If you must have an exact replica of one of Lex Luthor's costume changes, these clothiers can work from photos, plus your measurements:
A Dong Silk
(Independent reviews of A Dong Silk:
Travel & Leisure
eHow )
New International Boutique House
Prince Henry
Ravistailor.com
CLOSING TIPS
Lastly, once you're suited up, you'll need to play the part. Check out our acting tutorials for inspiration.
Have fun being a meglomaniac! ;)
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