Fantasy Films About Models: A Magical Fashion Adventure

Description: While not a fantasy film in the traditional sense, its surreal narrative and the portrayal of the swinging '60s London fashion scene make it a timeless piece. The film follows a fashion photographer who inadvertently captures a murder on film.

Fact: The film was directed by Michelangelo Antonioni and was his first English-language film. It was also controversial for its depiction of nudity and drug use, leading to censorship in some countries.

Description: This adaptation of Roald Dahl's novel features a young boy who discovers that a group of witches are planning to turn all children into mice. The witches' transformation into grotesque figures adds a fantastical element to the film.

Fact: Anjelica Huston, who played the Grand High Witch, was initially hesitant to take the role due to the extensive makeup process, which took up to six hours each day.

Description: This sci-fi fantasy film features a futuristic world where fashion plays a significant role. Leeloo, played by Milla Jovovich, is a supreme being who must save the world, and her unique, otherworldly fashion sense adds to the film's charm.

Fact: The film's costumes were designed by Jean-Paul Gaultier, who created over 900 costumes for the movie. Milla Jovovich's character, Leeloo, speaks a language called the Divine Language, which was created for the film.

Description: This film explores the glam rock scene of the 1970s, where fashion and fantasy intertwine. It follows a journalist investigating the disappearance of a former glam rock star, with the film's visual style and costumes creating a fantastical atmosphere.

Fact: The film was inspired by the lives of David Bowie, Iggy Pop, and Lou Reed. Ewan McGregor, who plays the lead, performed all his own singing in the film.

Description: This comedy classic follows Derek Zoolander, a dim-witted male model, who gets entangled in a plot to assassinate the Prime Minister of Malaysia. While not strictly fantasy, its over-the-top fashion world and Zoolander's 'Blue Steel' look make it a fantastical experience.

Fact: Ben Stiller, who stars as Zoolander, also directed the film. The character of Hansel was originally offered to Owen Wilson, who accepted the role after reading just the first page of the script.

Description: Though not a fantasy film per se, the fashion world depicted in this movie is so fantastical and larger-than-life that it fits perfectly into our theme. It follows a young aspiring journalist who lands a job as an assistant to a ruthless fashion magazine editor.

Fact: Meryl Streep, who played the iconic Miranda Priestly, based her character on Vogue editor-in-chief Anna Wintour. The film was adapted from Lauren Weisberger's novel, which was inspired by her own experiences working for Wintour.

Description: Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, this film dives into the dark, surreal side of the modelling world, where beauty becomes a deadly obsession. It's a visually stunning, almost hallucinogenic journey through the fashion industry's underbelly.

Fact: The film was shot on 35mm film to give it a more dreamlike, ethereal quality. Elle Fanning, who plays the lead, was only 16 when she was cast, making her performance even more remarkable.

Description: This Australian film combines elements of drama, comedy, and fantasy with its story of a glamorous dressmaker returning to her small town to seek revenge. The magical realism in the fashion design and the transformation of the townsfolk make it a unique addition.

Fact: The film was based on the novel by Rosalie Ham. Kate Winslet, who plays the dressmaker, learned to sew for her role, and many of the costumes were made by her character's designs.

Description: Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film follows a travelling theatre troupe with a magical mirror that transports people into an alternate reality. While not directly about models, the film's surreal and fantastical elements make it a perfect fit.

Fact: Heath Ledger died during the filming, and his role was completed by Johnny Depp, Jude Law, and Colin Farrell, each playing different versions of his character in the Imaginarium.

Description: This Danish film tells the story of Emma, a young model who moves to Paris to pursue her dreams, only to find herself in a world of glamour, deceit, and dark secrets. The film's surreal and dreamlike quality makes it a fitting addition to our fantasy collection.

Fact: The film was inspired by the real-life experiences of models in the fashion industry. It was also screened at several international film festivals, including the Toronto International Film Festival.