Dolemite Is My Name
Dolemite Is My Name, directed by Craig Brewer, tells the story of comedian and filmmaker Rudy Ray Moore, played by Eddie Murphy. Set in the 1970s, the film chronicles Moore’s career and centers on the 1975 blaxploitation film Dolemite, which Moore produced, starred in, directed, and orchestrated the release. The term blaxploitation is commonly used to refer to films made in the early to mid-1970s starring Black actors that were intended to appeal to Black audiences. Often dealing with themes of drugs, sex, prostitution, and crime, as well as politics and the Black Power movement, the films were produced on low budgets that allowed for high profit margins.
Carter won the 2020 Critics Choice Award for best costume design for her work on Dolemite Is My Name.
Film details
Dolemite Is My Name, 2019
Character Rudy Ray Moore played by Eddie Murphy.
Materials
Synthetic
Credit
Courtesy of Netflix Studios and the Ruth E. Carter Costume Archive
Notes
The costumes in Dolemite Is My Name, show the colorful, over-the-top “peacock” style of menswear prevalent in the 1970s. At the time, new technologies in synthetics had changed the textile world and innovative polyester fabrics, that held their shape and didn't wrinkle, were extremely popular.Carter dresses Rudy Ray Moore in dramatic leisure-style jackets, rich in texture, paired with bell-bottom pants and platform shoes. All of Eddie Murphy’s costumes were custom made using deadstock polyester fabric from the 70s that Carter sourced and then over-dyed. The fabric for this suit was originally a light blue, which was dyed to the pink seen here.
Film details
Dolemite Is My Name, 2019
Character Rudy Ray Moore played by Eddie Murphy.
Materials
Synthetic
Credit
Courtesy of Netflix Studios and the Ruth E. Carter Costume Archive
Notes
Rudy Ray Moore's career was well documented, allowing Carter access to great source material. In creating the costumes for Eddie Murphy, she was able to draw Moore's original clothing while adapting it to the needs of Murphy.
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Movie poster from the 1975 film Dolemite and cover from Rudy Ray Moore's Party Album
Film details
Dolemite Is My Name, 2019
Character Rudy Ray Moore played by Eddie Murphy.
Materials
Polyester
Credit
Courtesy of Netflix Studios and the Ruth E. Carter Costume Archive
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Illustration by Christian Cordella for Ruth E. Carter.
Film details
Dolemite Is My Name, 2019
Character D'Urville played by Wesley Snipes
Materials
Polyester
Credit
Courtesy of Netflix Studios and the Ruth E. Carter Costume Archive
Film details
Dolemite Is My Name, 2019
Characters Rudy Ray Moore and Lady Reed played by Eddie Murphy and Da'Vine Joy Randolph
Materials
Synthetic with silk tie
Credit
Courtesy of Netflix Studios and the Ruth E. Carter Costume Archive
Notes
When Lady Reed first appears in the film she is wearing a drab, ill-fitting house dress. Through her time working with Moore, her confidence grows and Carter reflects that transformation in her costume choices. Lady Reed is resplendent in this bright, bold yellow jumpsuit that celebrates her figure.
Supporting Imagery
Supporting Imagery Notes
Illustration by Christian Cordella for Ruth E. Carter.
