Image Source: Samuel J. Paul
PS: “Happy Clothes” is a term used a lot in the film. Patricia, what does that mean to you, and Michael, what drew you to making that the title?
PF: Happy clothes, to me, means my style. I’m very happy to be in and always have been in a professional area that I enjoy and feel natural in. And that I can succeed it. Whatever makes you happy, go for it! That’s my advice.
MS: “Happy” is a very consistent word in Pat’s life because there were a lot of moments in archival footage, and there’s one in the end of the film, where Pat’s in the car, and she’s talking about surrounding herself with youthful people, and it makes her happy. I mean, “happy” has been in Pat’s zeitgeist for many, many years, and so when Pat would say “happy clothes,” when I was watching raw footage, it occurred to me — like the lightbulb went off — like all that’s not just about the clothes, but that’s Pat’s vibe, and it seemed perfect.
PS: The Patricia Field we recognize has iconic red hair and her signature raspy voice. However, in the documentary, there’s a scene in the film from the ’80s, where you have dark, short hair and purple lipstick on, not to mention the most angelic voice. When you made the transition to red hair, was this a turning point in your career or moment of reinvention?
PF: No, it was all natural. Actually, when I watched the documentary, I thought, “Wow! I was so young and my voice was so soft.”
MS: We did that on purpose! We didn’t show her face for like a minute, and you hear her voice [during that scene], and I wanted you to think, who is this? That interview was from 1984, and when we found that interview, we were all really excited.
PF: It was a great surprise for me!