The Perfect Gentleman Issue 8 - Halloween | Page 8

THE MOST STYLISH VILLAINS “I bid you welcome,” says Count Dracula welcoming an unsuspecting guest to his castle in the 1931 horror film classic “Dracula.” Bela Lugosi, playing the title character, is formally dressed in a black tuxedo with white tie, flowing cape and an ornamental medal that Hollywood legend says Lugosi provided. Being gracious, Dracula even offers his guest a glass of “old wine.” The fact he turns into a vampire and kills for his blood lust probably ruins the whole stylish-host vibe he obviously has worked hard to perfect for his Transylvanian B&B. Lugosi set the standard for all Draculas to come, from Christopher Lee’s portrayal of in nine films (1958-1976) to Frank Langella’s 1979 appearance on both film and stage. George Hamilton, one of the most stylish men himself, also walks around modern New York City in a full penguin suit for his comedic turn as Dracula in “Love at First Bite” (1979). 8 Movie audiences have become used to watching stylish villains attempt to kill the hero and wreck havoc on the world. Many of the comic book baddies have recently cut a dashing figure on the big screen be it Heath Ledger’s Joker in “The Dark Knight” or Tom Hiddleston as Loki in “The Avengers.” It is not easy to look sophisticated and evil in spandex. However, one would draw stares, and possibly cries of fright, if you tried to emulate the sartorial style those cartoon evil-doers, like the rough-hewn look of Bane, Batman’s nemesis in “The Dark Knight Rises.” As a gentleman, it is not about calling attention to what you are wearing as would happen if sporting a leather and rubber mask outside of the San Diego Comic-con. By Brian Sheridan STYLISH GENTLEMAN