Process of Transformation through Make-up and Hair: Elizabeth Reviews

Process of Transformation through make-up: Elizabeth Reviews

1.Elizabeth 1998

At the start of the film you see a sincere, innocent, vulnerable woman who is bullied by others as she is a protestant, but however keeping it quiet to protect herself. Elizabeth is portrayed as a sweet, endearing innocent young woman with great serenity at the beginning with extreme confusion and startled by becoming queen, it all seems overbearing for her at the beginning and this portrays in the film.

You can see how she becomes a stronger woman throughout her reign on the throne which makes her a powerful, strong woman who is very direct when ordering people, she learns to fit her place as a queen with all the obstacles she deals with it seems to make her a stern, fierce with great direction.

Her make-up at the beginning of the film is very natural, it doesn't look like she any make-up on, and it’s neutral and very basic. It reflects her innocence and vulnerability. Her hair is down with the front pinned to the sides of her head, her hair is also very natural and basic along with her normal long dresses that aren't spectacular. The combination of these enhances her gentle nature a young in-confident young woman.

This all dramatically changes as the film goes on, it starts when she is days away from becoming queen, it all seems such a fast change in the way she looks, she begins to wear jewelry such as pearl earrings, necklaces, embellishments in her hair which is pinned up in a heart shaped fixed manner with her tight ginger curls nicely fused to her head. There is also beads, ribbon, and ties and also plates across the top of her head, all these styles are beautiful and really stand out and creates her overall look as a superior Queen.

There becomes so much detail in her hair, jewelry and embroidery detail in her big, puffy sleeved dresses with use of lace, richer colour dresses e.g. gold and red colours.

I believe this was all significantly related to her stepping up to being queen to show her superior of wealth and power. Her appearance attracts everyone around her, she becomes more confident with her style and position as Queen you can both parts of her becoming stronger and fierce.

How designers adapted the look for a contemporary audience..?

Reference of image of Elizabeth: http://www.10magazine.com.au/10tv/cate-blanchett-week-elizabeth-1998/ Model: Cate Blanchett Date: 1998

Image 2. Reference: http://www.caroleraesramblings.com/2014/05/movie-review-elizabeth-1998.html Model: Cate Blanchett and Joseph Fiennes Date: 1998

Image 3. Reference: https://victoriastansfield.wordpress.com/tag/tudor-hair/

Model: Cate Blanchett Date: 1998

The designers have made the costume and make-up relevant for the Elizabethan times, but it truly and well adapted to a contemporary audience, her hair isn't as tight and defined, it is more contemporary with the use of flowers, in the shape of a crown, mask used, glitter, spots, use of more chokers and vibrant lip colour. You can see this in the above photo, it looks like a modern twist of the original Elizabethan era, I like the different tones of reds used  and detail, this all suits a modern day audience, as if they used exactly what they did back in the 16th century, it wouldn't of looked as vibrant and a dated. They still have the era portrayed in the costumes and make-up but use different materials and designs which are similar to Elizabethan period but with materials that would be used in this century. 

Elizabeth has different tones of red and blonde in her hair with the use of loser curls, as they would dye their hair red all over with one colour, this shows a modern twist and with use of other hair decorations. They have kept the skin pale and her complexion is clear, I believe you would see cracks or uneven skin texture back in the Elizabethan era, I believe her skin wouldn't be like Cate's who plays Elizabeth. The make-up is kept the same, but heightened the colours of red to give her a healthier, glowy look. 

Elizabeth the film 1998, has a great middle between historical accuracy and Hollywood add ons. The use of one colour is used throughout the movie e.g. Silver and with use of chiffon material around her collar, with clear material and clear gems which shows it has been adapted to a contemporary audience, compared to when they used a lot of darker tones of reds, gold’s, greens for their outfits back in the day, it shows they have cranked up the vibrancy and colours which are more popping to the eyes. 

You see Elizabeth with a contemporary feel to her outfit of one shade of green, her dress is all in one that also shows an alternative to an elaborate collar. Her hair piece is centered in the middle of her hair which is a detailed gold piece and these two designs work well to fit an audience of today, it is less busy and it shows how they have managed to alternated the overall design. Back in the 16^th century they would have many pieces of clothing and accessories, whereas here you can see how one piece replicates the overall design and shows more simplicity in a modern way.