The Monuments Men is based on a true story from World War II.

FDR leads his platoon to go

throughout Germany to find and retrieve masterpieces of art stolen by Nazi’s. They’re pushed even

further to recover the art when they find out about Necro Decree, which calls for the art to be destroyed

if the Third Reich crumbles. The theme of war and art were big influences. The war affected what

products were available and the causalities from the drafts. Goods and gasoline were rationed, fabrics

like Nylon was reserved only for military use. Natural rubber wasn’t available, neither was wool or silk.

The men in this movie can be seen wearing the typical business suits of their time and the

English drape suits. The men also wore the basic green WWII military uniforms. They were made of olive

drab wool (or herringbone twill weave) with a loose fitting jacket and had matching trousers. It appears

they’re wearing their fatigue uniforms. They also wore overcoats for winter protection, Matt Damon is

also in one scene wearing a plain white polo which was a staple item of that time.

Cate Blanchett is seen in a black dress with a fitted line at the waist and puffed sleeves. She also

wears a women’s suit with shoulder pads and pointed collars. Suits were a common thing for women to

wear at that time. They also wore suit jackets, gloves, and had their hair tied back. Women also wore

embroidered sweaters with v necklines, and collar shirts underneath. There was a lot of short skirts and

some long ones, small heeled shoes, and jackets with shoulder pads.