Like the individualised armour in True History of the Kelly Gang, the dresses the outlaw Kelly Gang wear speak to their character’s inner selves. While the characters liken the dresses to a kind of warpaint to scare the enemy, costume designer Alice Babidge explained that “this was about finding a way for men or boys to wear dresses that didn’t feel camp – that felt strong or beautiful”. Bushranger Steve Hart’s (Louis Hewison) costumes draw the link between the armour and dresses, with both featuring a flower motif. To craft the dresses, Babidge used second-hand vintage fabrics, often sourced from markets.
Curator Notes
The opening of Justin Kurzel’s True History of the Kelly Gang (2020) promises ‘nothing you’re about to see is true’. Most films about legendary bushranger Ned Kelly aspire for truth but not this one. Instead of reweaving a well-worn story, Kurzel’s film – based on Peter Carey’s novel – aims for the heart under the iconic armour to unravel Australian mythmaking. When designing the costumes, Alice Babidge didn’t even reference past Ned Kelly films: she started with the script, consulted with Kurzel and collected images to inform the film’s palette, mood and energy. To match the film’s punk ethos and tone, Babidge infused the period costumes with looks and ideas from the 1930s, 70s and today, blending old and new aesthetics to give the film’s armour and dresses unique characteristics.
– Assistant Curator Jim Fishwick
True History of the Kelly Gang trailer from Stan
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Not in ACMI's collection
Previously on display
10 February 2022
ACMI: Gallery 1
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The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Worlds → MW-04. Costume Design → MW-04-C01