In the opening scene of Picnic at Hanging Rock (2018), we see Mrs Appleyard (Natalie Dormer) standing in a window. The shot is slightly unfocussed. Beyond the sense of the statuesque, which is conveyed by her dark clothes, wide hat and veil – and the intimidating silhouette of her highly structured gown – the details are hard to pin down. Quickly, we learn that Mrs Appleyard, the mysterious teacher who oversees Appleyard college, deals in impressions: “people always believe their own eyes”, her voice drawls in voice-over. In her imperious dark mourning dress, the transformation from wayward London urchin Hester into the respected Mrs Appleyard is complete.
Related works
Content notification
Our collection comprises over 40,000 moving image works, acquired and catalogued between the 1940s and early 2000s. As a result, some items may reflect outdated, offensive and possibly harmful views and opinions. ACMI is working to identify and redress such usages.
Learn more about our collection and our collection policy here. If you come across harmful content on our website that you would like to report, let us know.
Collection
Not in ACMI's collection
Previously on display
25 July 2022
ACMI: Gallery 1
Credits
Collection metadata
ACMI Identifier
LN189179
Curatorial section
The Story of the Moving Image → Moving Worlds → MW-04. Costume Design → MW-04-C01
Object Types
3D Object
Costume/costume element