ABSTRACT
In the recent film School of Rock (2003, dir. Richard Linklater), a hopeful but deluded guitarist posing as a substitute teacher molds his captive schoolchildren into a rock band. Assigning tasks according to perceived abilities, he puts costume design into the hands of Billy, a scrawny, prim, lisping Liza Minnelli fan, whom he nicknames Fancypants. The first idea Fancypants comes up with is a throwback to 1970s glam rock. Two band members model body-hugging outfits in gaudy colors. This idea gets vetoed-as too dazzling? too unisex?—in favor of a tamer, 1980s-inspired concept. But Billy never doubts his own talent for design. When asked before the climactic show whether “beautification” is under control, he snaps, “Are you kidding?” This character is a pint-sized version of the popular stereotype linking gay men and beautification. In musical film, such an association goes back to the very first backstage musical, The Broadway Melody (1929, dir. Harry Beaumont). The costume designer in this case is a swishy walk-on character who highlights the queer male labor behind the sumptuous feminine garments. In a brief appearance he admonishes the showgirls not to ruin his hats, whose extravagant brims won’t fit through the dressing room door.
