There is everything to love about Gillian Armstrong’s Women He’s Undressed, a docu-drama about the life of costume designer Orry Kelly. It is a gorgeous film, very Australian in its storytelling style, rich with history of classic Hollywood.
Orry Kelly was a three time Oscar winner, an Australian costume designer who made his way to America and found himself designing for some of the most recognisable names in Hollywood. He dressed Bette Davis, Marilyn Monroe and Shirley MacLaine – just to name a few. He is responsible for Ingrid Bergman’s white wardrobe in Casablanca (1942) and the sensation that is Natalie Wood in Gypsy (1962).
Director Gillian Armstrong lovingly retells Orry Kelly’s story using interviews, archival footage and a ‘recreation’ of sorts – actor Darren Gilshenan narrates letters and performs in the character of Orry Kelly, Deborah Kennedy in the character of Kelly’s mother Florence. Interviews include other costume designers, some who knew Kelly, others who have been inspired by him and his work, actors and film historians. Costume designer Ann Roth worked with Kelly on Oklahoma! (1955) and her stories of Kelly and their time working together serve well in bringing the man to life for the film. 
Kelly’s story is fascinating, it has to be seen to be believed. From a seaside town in New South Wales, to New York and then to Hollywood – and during the studio era no less – it is a journey hard to fathom. Footage of his dresses as well as images of his own sketches and paintings are sublime and show what an incredible talent Kelly clearly was. It is hard to say too much, as this film is something of a journey. It is important to see this film unarmed: without too much background information, and ready to be thrilled.
There is a lot of sadness to Kelly’s story, yet Armstrong manages to keep a joyous mood throughout the film. It is fair to say this film is captivating, and completely worthwhile. It is not so much an insight into a creative process, but it is an insight into a man and the era and industry in which he lived and worked. Armstrong perhaps spends a little too much focus on Kelly’s love life and his proximity to stardom, while this is interesting stuff, Kelly’s talents as an artist are where the true allure lays. Documentaries on classic Hollywood are a dime, a dozen, but this one has a distinctly Australian feel and benefits from being framed about the life of an incredible man.
Women He’s Undressed is in cinemas from 16 July through Rialto Distribution.
