I have an audition due in a couple weeks for a major western that will be filming in 2023. I am portraying a “Registration Clerk” on a Camp (assuming a Army Camp) in Utah.
Im looking for advice about accurate wardrobe (from chest up), hair style, hygiene or anything else that can help depict a realistic portrayal of that era.
Perhaps movie/documentary suggestions that depict that era.
I appreciate any feedback! ✌️
I recommend two booklets published by J. Ross Browne (1821-1875). Browne was an artist/writer working for Harper’s New Monthly Magazine. He visited western Utah Territory twice in the early 1860s The second visit was after the creation of the Nevada Territory, but the sense of time and place remains. This was the rougher half of Utah: Salt Lake City was more refined at the time, so keep that in mind.
In addition, keep in mind that Browne was writing for effect. His eastern audience had expectations about the crude nature of the West. As with any society, one could expect to find a full range of possibility when it came to personal grooming, cleanliness, and aspects of fashion. Despite all of this, Browne’s vivid descriptions and his art work should prove to be valuable to you.
See his A Peep at Washoe (1860) and his Washoe Revisited (1865).