Movies have the power to create a long-lasting legacy in terms of character and fashion. Crafting the perfect look can elevate a character into a cultural icon that transcends its movie and lives on in fashion history. Eyewear, in particular, is more than just an accessory on the silver screen. Specifically, sunglasses have always been a signature prop in cinema. It gives a character identity and tells you much about their role, whether they’re just cool or might have something to hide.
Outside of the movies, the right pair of frames can create an impact so deep it leaves a mark on pop culture. For a list of some of the most iconic sunglasses in movies, continue reading below.
Breakfast At Tiffany’s (1961)
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This story of a young socialite based in New York who becomes enamored with a writer that moves into her apartment building has stood the test of time and is still regarded as one of the best films in history. The main character, Holly Golightly, wears the Manhattan by Oliver Goldsmith as both a fashion accessory and as a metaphorical shield against the harsh realities around her. They’re slightly oversized, giving Holly a sense of sophistication and secrecy. The cat-eye style also serves as a parallel to the orange cat she refuses to take formal ownership of. These tortoiseshell frame sunglasses perfectly represent her worldview initially, but they come off as she grows throughout her story. Still considered one of the best fashion moments in media, this was the movie that cemented Audrey Hepburn’s status as an icon in both cinema and fashion.
Taxi Driver (1976)
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The portrayal of a bleak New York City through the eyes of a veteran roaming the streets in his taxi has stayed with audiences years after its release. Its explosive climax is set into motion by an unstable Travis Bickle sporting a mohawk and frames. The lenses are dark, giving Travis an intense energy that contradicts his earlier appearance. Their rectangular shape also reflects the eyewear trends of the decade. These Original Pilot sunglasses by American Optical signal the character’s descent into violence, and it is complimented well by Robert De Niro’s career-making performance. As a character study, the sunglasses were a great visual hint of the darkness that lurks beneath the character. Along with De Niro, Taxi Driver also made Martin Scorsese one of cinema’s greatest filmmakers of all time.
Top Gun (1986)
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In 1986, Tom Cruise reached new levels of cool with Top Gun. This action-packed movie about a confident fighter pilot has become intertwined with Ray-Ban over the years, as the character of Maverick is rarely seen without his Aviators. This is fitting because these sunglasses were originally created to protect pilots from the sun’s harsh rays when they were flying. They provide maximum ultraviolet (UV) protection and reduce light glares that can distract even the most skilled fighter pilots. The image of Cruise in these frames resonated so well with its audience that it saved the brand from impending bankruptcy and boosted its sales astronomically. In the same vein, the movie’s impact was so large that recruitment rates rose by up to 500% the following year. Even today, with the sequel’s recent release and accompanying awards, Top Gun and Aviators continue to be a match made in movie heaven.
Leon: The Professional (1994)
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The tale of a ruthless hitman who develops a soft spot for a young next-door neighbor neglected by her parents may have divided audiences at the time of its release, but it remains a cult classic to this day. Leon’s daily outfit is completed with the round-framed Junior Gaultier 58-0072, also famously known in the music industry as John Lennon glasses. Their odd shape gives Leon a menacing look whenever he’s doing his job as a hitman, but the circular frames also indicate his underlying nurturing nature. Additionally, the red-tinted lenses shed foreshadow the movie’s famous bloody ending. Until today, Leon: The Professional is still considered one of the best and most influential action films of all time.
The Matrix (1999)
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In a film like The Matrix, that’s teeming with excellent sunglass stylings, the best has to go to Keanu Reeves’ iconic character Neo. The film, which recently celebrated its 20th anniversary, is a cornerstone of science fiction, dripping with cyberpunk and futuristic designs, from its clothing to eyewear. Neo wears the Blinde “Elipse” 136003, which are rimless sunglasses specifically designed for the movie. The lenses have dark tints, which are used as a recurring motif in the movie. When a character’s eyes are exposed, it signifies their vulnerability or change in perspective. As such, from costumes to filmography, The Matrix changed filmmaking in Hollywood through its innovation and creativity.
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