The Man Who Killed Don Quixote: Costumes and Makeup

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote is a film that is a distinct and fantastical creation from the mind of visionary director Terry Gilliam. The costumes and makeup in the film play significant roles in expressing the surreal and whimsical quality of the narrative. Their impact resonates strongly in the minds of the viewers, transporting them from the familiar reality to a dreamlike realm where past and present collide, and fantasies come to life.

Lisa Duncan, the costume designer, effectively uses costumes to accentuate the characters' idiosyncrasies and evolution throughout the film. The leading character, Toby, played by Adam Driver, undergoes a transformation from a downtrodden advertising director to a 21st-century version of the famous character, Don Quixote. Duncan fuses modern and traditional elements to display this change.

In the start, Toby is seen typically in a white shirt, jeans, and jacket - a fitting costume for his role as a corporate hustler that is somewhat unfulfilled. As his journey progresses and he gets drawn more into the world of Don Quixote, we see fragmentary incorporations of classical garb reflective of Cervantes' era, such as laced boots and a billowy poet's shirt. By the climax, he is found in full knightly armor, affirming his complete transformation into the idealistic and dauntless character that is Don Quixote.

The character Don Quixote, portrayed by Jonathan Pryce, is brilliant in terms of costume deployment. He is mostly seen in makeshift armor and attire that's very reflective of his delusions about being a medieval knight. The make-shift nature of his costume - pans that serve as shoulder bits, farm-made metal covering his chest - adds to the authenticity and absurdity of his initial appearance. The absurdity subtly paves way to admiration though, as audiences begin to see his unwavering conviction and optimism symbolized by his gallant attire. This further amplifies the juxtaposing dynamics between the modern world and the classical valor embodied by Quixote.

One of the most standout elements of the film is the makeup department. Produced by Sylvie Imbert and Pablo Perona, the makeup in the film helps seamlessly migrate the characters between reality and delusion. The elderly Quixote's aging make-up and hair provide an immediate contrast to the otherwise youthful Toby. Despite the age difference, his unkempt beard and cracked complexion aptly portray an enduring character that may be challenged by physical age but is untouched by the vibrancy of dreams and imagination.

Javier, played by Jordi Molla, is a character that primarily functions as the villain of the tale. His makeup is understated, largely being synonymous with his real face, but this subtly accentuates his conniving and manipulative character. The piercing and somewhat malevolent eyes is all that seems to be required to highlight his villainy.

The makeup department also rises to the occasion during the scenes where the characters are drawn into the world of fantasy and illusions. The grotesque and exaggerated make-up used for the side characters in the dreamlike sequences amplifies the surreal and the bizarre. Bizarre and monstrous faces, exaggerated wigs, and odd masks all contribute to the slightly disconcerting but massively fascinating world of Don Quixote.

In conclusion, the costumes and makeup of The Man Who Killed Don Quixote serve as crucial elements to bring to life Terry Gilliam's vision of juxtaposition of present with the past, reality with illusion. By effectively transforming the actors and enhancing their characters’ personalities, they contribute vividly to building the narrative and connecting the audience with the storyline. They serve as silent narrators, speaking volumes about the characters' evolution and inner life. This movie is a testament that costumes and makeup are indeed vital narrative devices in the cinematic world.