Quills (2000)

Madeleine also gave West one of her primary personal challenges on QUILLS: she set out to make "the most perfect corset ever created." The corset, featuring more bone than any in existence, was so fantastic that an English historical costume society purchased it and to this day has it on display. As for Madeleine's main dress, it is made of linen purchased just outside the French village where the real-life Marquis had his castle.

West also found the key to Michael Caine's character in the details. His suits change in tone as the story progresses, growing ever darker until they are "almost Darth Vader black." West also gave Dr. Royer-Collard a distinctive touch — a pair of dark-rimmed glasses that recall not only Caine's rascally "Alfie" but also bring to mind more contemporary moralists. Says Caine of West's work: "When you put her costumes on, you almost don't have to act."

Joaquin Phoenix's costume was the most deceptively simple of them all: after all, as a priest he is beholden to wear a frock. "Obviously he had to be in a cassock but we made it as sexy and fluid as possible," comments West. "When we walks down the hallway it billows with gentleness, not strictness. It echoes Coulmier's more liberal, avant garde manner. But even West was surprised by the power of her costume. "When Joaquin put it on, he left his own personality behind and became Coulmier. They couldn't be more different, and yet the costume really seemed to help him make that leap."

Throughout the entire process, the spirit of creative collaboration was an inspiration to all involved. Peter Boyle, the film editor on QUILLS, said "I hope that we have played fair with the superb lighting, camerawork, sets, costume and music. All of which combined to make this a remarkable and happy experience."

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