Cara Delevingne is one of the leading stars in Michael Winterbottom’s psychological thriller film “The Face of an Angel,” which premiered at the 2014 Toronto International Film Festival. The film also stars Kate Beckinsale and Daniel Brühl.
At just 22 years old, English model Cara Delevingne portrayed Melanie, a British student working at a bar in Siena, Italy, who becomes entangled in a murder investigation. Her character’s laid-back, edgy wardrobe—featuring combat boots, skinny jeans, and rugged outerwear—was styled by Italian costume designer Daniela Ciancio.
Cara Delevingne delivers a compelling performance as Melanie, a British student drawn into a murder investigation, in the psychological thriller The Face of an Angel (Credit: BBC Films / Revolution Films)
The Real-Life Case Behind the Film
The film is based on Barbie Latza Nadeau’s novel “Angel Face” (available on Amazon), which recounts the trials of Amanda Knox.
Amanda was tried in Italian courts for the murder of Meredith Kercher, a British student from the University of Leeds on an exchange program at the University of Foreigners in Perugia, Italy.
Amanda was held in an Italian prison for four years until she was acquitted and absolved of the murder in 2014. She returned to the United States following the acquittal.
British film director Michael Winterbottom says Cara Delevingne is “not an actor in the traditional sense” (Credit: Featureflash Photo Agency / Shutterstock)
Director Michael Winterbottom on Casting Cara
Cara was praised by many critics following her acting debut in the film, including her director, Michael Winterbottom.
Michael Winterbottom said that while Cara may not be a traditional actor in the sense of the word, she has a unique ability to project her role in a way that allows the audience to visualize her performance.
Cara brings a certain level of quality in their performances that gives her acting credibility, he added.
“I didn’t really know who she was, but as soon as I met her I knew she’d be perfect for [the role],” he told The Guardian’s G2 supplement.
“The film is pretty much entirely scripted so she is acting, but it’s a quality of hers which she’s projecting,” he said. “I think she’s like Julie Christie in that way: not an actor in the traditional sense but with a fantastic ability to project things on-screen.”
He likened Cara to Julie Christie, an Oscar-winning actress who first rose to fame as a pop culture icon. Like Julie Christie, Cara has a unique ability to project things on the screen.
Daniel Brühl stars as Thomas and Cara Delevingne stars as Melanie in the 2014 British psychological thriller “The Face of an Angel” (Credit: BBC Films / Revolution Films)
From Supermodel to Screen Star
Furthermore, just like Julie Christie, Cara is a fashion icon and an influential cultural figure of her generation.
Cara has helped build and promote several brands as a model while also growing her brand on social media. Although Cara’s background is in modeling, she has stated that her passion has always been acting.
Judging by Cara’s performance in “The Face of an Angel,” we think we can expect great things from the model-turned-actress on screen in addition to on the runway.
Cara Delevingne plays a British student who works in a bar in Siena, Italy, in “The Face of an Angel” (Credit: BBC Films / Revolution Films)
Michael didn’t know anything about Cara’s resume when he first imagined her taking a role in the film. This suggests that Michael evaluated Delevingne based on her acting abilities rather than the fame she had already garnered from her modeling career.
Cara’s Casual Courtside Style With Michelle Rodriguez
Cute couple alert! In January 2014, Cara and Michelle Rodriguez were spotted smooching courtside at the Pistons vs. Knicks game.
Fast and Furious star Michelle Rodriguez is enjoying the New York Knicks game (Credit: Cara Delevingne’s Instagram)
Cara also posted the following filtered shots of Michelle (who was reportedly highly intoxicated) and Miley Cyrus’s rumored boyfriend, Kellan Lutz, on her Instagram account.
Cara Delevingne and Kellan Lutz before the NY Knicks game (Credit: Cara Delevingne’s Instagram)
Get the Look: Cara’s Boots and Streetwear Fashion
Both girls went extra casual for the game. They dated for around six months in 2014
Michelle wore a printed sweater and light brown leather skinnies, while Cara slipped into a black leather jacket, black leather jeans, and a bulky pair of Timberland boots. The look was masculine yet still very “Cara.”
Timberland Authentics Teddy Fleece Fold-Down Boots in Wheat, $125
Modeling for La Perla and Filming in Italy
Cara may be a Victoria’s Secret Angel and the current face of La Perla, but her model-off-duty style has always been far from sultry.
Cara Delevingne was announced as the latest face of Italian lingerie brand La Perla in October 2013
In addition to modeling, Cara was also taking on acting projects.
Cara Delevingne models underwear for La Perla
In fact, in December 2013, she was spotted shooting a few scenes for her latest gig, The Face of an Angel, in Italy.
Cara Delevingne keeps it casual-chic in lace-up combat boots, skinny jeans, and a teal sweater layered under a sherpa-lined parka while filming The Face of an Angel in Florence, Italy, on December 18, 2013 (Credit: KIKA / WENN)
We’re not sure whether she was filming or between scenes, because she was dressed in her usual boyish threads — a sweater, an oversized jacket, and bulky boots.
Cara Delevingne steps out in worn-in black combat boots featuring rugged stitching, a thick sole, and lace-up fronts—perfect for her edgy off-duty vibe (Credit: KIKA / WENN)
What do you think? Was Cara filming in this outfit, or off-duty?
Cara Delevingne wears bulky black boots while filming “The Face of an Angel” (Credit: KIKA / WENN)
Steal Cara’s Look: Chunky Boots and Skinny Jeans
If her everyday look is something you go for, it’s an easy one to pull off. Pair bulky boots with skinny jeans, a jacket, and a cap to steal Cara’s style.
Dr. Martens 1460 Smooth Leather Lace Up Boots, $130