the other Tim Gatland

[ewein2412]

So, at 11:30 p.m. Tim says, "Got any ideas for what I can wear to this fancy dress party tomorrow?"

Me: I didn't know your office party was fancy dress.
Tim: Yeah, it's themed. Superheroes and supervillains.
Me: But it's tomorrow! If you'd told me a week ago--or even yesterday--
Tim: I'm not taking it very seriously.
Me: I guess you wouldn't even consider Batman.
Tim: [!]

I start thinking of my own favorite heroes.

Me: You could be King Arthur. We've got lots of swords and shields. [You can buy very nice wooden ones at most Historic Scotland gift shops.]
Tim: [!]
Me: You could be Charles Lindbergh. You could wear a scarf and goggles and Mark's flying hat. And I could be Anne Morrow Lindbergh!
Tim: But you're not invited.
Me: Well, it's a GREAT idea for a costume. We should definitely go to a party as the Lindberghs.

Tim is far too modest to even pretend to be Charles Lindbergh. But I would quite like to pretend to be Anne Morrow Lindbergh. Along these lines I suggest also Lord Peter Wimsey (I could be Harriet Vane). He could wear a tuxedo and a monocle.

Tim: [!]

Fancy dress is not really the Gatland Style. I think, who could he be without having to put on a costume at all? Who is fair-ish and mid-40s-ish and always wears a tie but not necessarily a suit along with it?

JOHN CONSTANTINE!

Me: JOHN CONSTANTINE! That's PERFECT! Look, all you have to do is wear your raincoat over your normal clothes! If you want to complete the costume you can add any or all of the following three accessories--
Tim: You mean all I have to do is buy a packet of Silk Cut?

------------------

Well, he wouldn't let me fit him with an earring or paint a tree on his bum.

BUT. The thing is: Tim LOOKS like John Constantine. Properly dressed, but a little flyblown. And very, very English. He sailed off this morning in his long raincoat with a photocopy of a Hellblazer page in his pocket, because he doesn't believe that any of his twentysomething co-workers in the Games Industry will actually know who John Constantine is (heh, heh).

John Constantine: superhero or supervillain?

Comments

[harukami]

Duuude, John Constantine. [giggles] I can't imagine people in the games industry not having heard of him, at least. *g*

(Me, I haven't read any of the Constantine comics, but I have read Books of Magic, in which he gets a major cameo).

That sounds like an extremely fun work party,t hough. I think I'm jealous. *g*

[ewein2412]

I first met him in The Books of Magic, and fell in love.

[penmage.livejournal.com]

I met Constantine in Books of Magic as well, and fell hard for him. I'm quite dreading the awful movie characterization of him (Keanu Reeves? As snarky, brilliant, British John Constantine? No. Just, no.)

And, hello. I found you through sartorias, and I enjoyed this post so much that I've added you.

[katranides.livejournal.com]

I admit to being partial to costumes that require little in the way of costuming and much in the way of interpretation. My favorite of all time was Frank (of Flemish Belgium) who came to the House from Hell Halloween party dressed in his usual stylish threads; when I asked, "Hey, where's your costume?" he took my hand and said, "Allow me to introduce myself. I'm Narcissus" and then kissed his own hand! I just busted out laughing.

[ewein2412]

Tim actually went out and bought a red tie to complete the costume, because the picture he had showed Constantine in a red tie. (And he *did* buy the cigarettes, too.) I'd post the ONLY picture I've got of him at the party except he's wearing the most absurdly unflattering expression. But the pose is good--he's got Lara Croft in his arms!