– Heels in Movies: From Subtle Power to Bold Statements
In my series about Heels in Movies, I will repeatedly reference films, TV shows, and animations in which shoes play a significant role, are important to the characters, or give them unique traits or confidence. Some of them might seem cliché, but I believe I’ll manage to surprise my readers at times. I watch a lot, and the biggest challenge for me is recalling specific scenes and trying to find them in legal trailers so you can see them for yourselves. 90% of the recommendations I mention here are my personal picks. Here we are, Heels in Movies:
1. Basic Instinct: The Power of Stilettos
The iconic white dress worn by Stone in the interrogation scene was chosen to project both innocence and seduction, amplifying the impact of her stilettoed presence.
In Basic Instinct, the heels are more than just footwear; they symbolize dominance, allure, and calculated confidence. Sharon Stone’s character uses her stilettos as an extension of her powerful personality. Every step echoes her unapologetic strength and control. The sharp silhouette of the heels complements her enigmatic and commanding presence.
- Basic Instinct (1992) | Official Trailer
2. Barbie: Heels in Every Shade of Exaggeration
Margot Robbie’s Barbie showcases the iconic arch of impossibly high heels, redefining what it means to “step into” the perfect world.
Barbie presents a playful satire of fashion, with heels taking center stage. From pink pumps to glittering platforms, they represent a spectrum of individuality and creativity. Each character’s choice of shoes mirrors their identity, whether exaggerated or understated.
The film’s costume designer drew inspiration from various fashion eras, blending vintage and contemporary styles to create a whimsical yet familiar aesthetic.
- Barbie (2023) | Official Trailer
3. Burlesque: Dance Heels That Demand Attention
These heels aren’t just accessories; they’re tools of seduction.
In Burlesque, heels are sultry, daring, and unapologetically dramatic. Designed to captivate, these shoes combine sex appeal with performance art. Christina Aguilera’s towering platforms and glittering stilettos are as much a part of the choreography as her voice.
The film’s costume designer collaborated closely with Aguilera to ensure each outfit, including the footwear, reflected her character’s transformation from naïveté to confidence.
- Burlesque (2010) | Official Trailer
4. Charlie’s Angels: Fashion Meets Functionality
Charlie’s Angels redefines what it means to kick butt in style.
From sleek kitten heels to sturdy ankle boots, every pair combines elegance with practicality. Cameron Diaz, Drew Barrymore, and Lucy Liu prove that high heels can be both fashionable and functional. Whether strutting into a mission or delivering a roundhouse kick, their shoes carry them – literally – to victory. The costume designer ensured that the Angels’ footwear was custom-made to provide the necessary support for action sequences, blending style with functionality.
The subsequent versions of the “Charlie’s Angels” films were disappointingly weak, with little to offer in terms of compelling storytelling or character development. If you’ve managed to avoid them, consider yourself fortunate. While the fashion and action sequences might have still been eye-catching, the films failed to capture the charm and energy of the original, making them forgettable for many fans.
- Charlie’s Angels (2000) | Official Trailer | Poster
5. Anime Nana: Contrasting Styles, Shared Rebellion
The character designs were influenced by real-life Japanese fashion trends
The anime Nana explores how footwear reflects identity. Nana Osaki’s chunky black boots scream punk rock rebellion. In contrast, Nana Komatsu’s delicate sandals exude innocence and traditional femininity. These choices mirror their personalities but also their shared journey of breaking societal norms.
Both Nanas in the series perfectly showcase how diversity can become the foundation of true friendship. Nana Komatsu, a gentle and romantic dreamer, loves feminine dresses and pastel colors, while Nana Osaki, a rebellious punk band vocalist, opts for leather jackets, heavy boots, and bold makeup. Their styles and personalities suggest they might never connect, yet it’s these very contrasts that make them complement each other so well.
I adore this series precisely because of the stark differences between the protagonists’ personalities and how richly developed the supporting characters are.
It’s a beautiful reminder that closeness doesn’t require shared cultural, subcultural, or ethnic backgrounds – just openness and a willingness to embrace someone for who they truly are.
- Nana (2006-2007) | Official Trailer | Posters
Today's Heelsman Topics – feel free to comment!
FAQs
What’s the most famous movie heel?
Cinderella’s glass slipper, obviously!
Do heels affect how actors move?
Yes – posture, confidence, and attitude change.
Are high heels used symbolically in films?
Absolutely. They often represent power or transformation.
Have male characters worn heels in movies?
Plenty! Think rockstars, villains, and drag queens.
Why are heels so prominent in Hollywood?
They exude drama, elegance, and authority.
From iconic red soles in “The Devil Wears Prada” to lethal stilettos in action films, heels have their own star power on-screen. More than just footwear, they help define characters and tell stories.
