Back to the Seventies

The 1970’s were full of sex drugs and rock and roll. It was the era of disco tech, platforms, and star wars. It was also the era in which ‘Life on Mars’ was set. In the modern day television series, the main character, Sam Tyler travels back in time to the 70’s. He is quickly forced to adapt to the culture, especially in the working environment. There are many ways to highlight all of what creates that time period. This is shown through such technical direction like costume, props, setting, music, transport and even something even more thoughtful, colours or shades.  

In episode 1 of the second series, setting the scene was Sam’s bedroom. Instantly we get the impression of the seventies with various prop and colours and prints. The next main technical design was the impeccable costumes. For Sam we are presented with flared black jeans, black shirt and a leather black jacket. The flares and leather is way for Sam to fit into the 70’s fashion and culture. But the all black colour choice, suggests he doesn’t want to get lost in the era and remember the 2000’s as his home. Another minor detail gone into making up the allusion of 1973, were the posters, leaflets and magazines hanging around in the background. In the first couple of scenes of Episode 1 of the second series, there is a big Morecambe and Wise poster promoting a cleaner Britain. This is followed by a Lulu 1973 tour poster.

Life on mars is excellent show for presenting the 70’s in the correct manor. They go from detail like transport to minor (yet still important) details like colures, to create the right image of British culture in 1973.