April 2, 2009 by Vic
The author of this recent post writes about the unfaithfully depicted hairstyles in recent period film adaptations. Her rant is similar to the one I wrote about inaccurate costumes in period films, especially in terms of showing or covering the bosom.
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Great links and info. It has always been distracting when the movies sold out to popular, modern trends in order to get customers.
The unfaithfully depicted hairstyles blog entry might need correcting. . . Charlotte Bronte did not pen Wuthering Heights. It was Emily, of course!
Heehee, my boss always laughed about that–she said no matter how accurate the dress can get in period movies, the women’s hair is always wrong. It always reflects the current styles. And it’s totally true! Ok, Marie Antoinette (with Kirsten Dunst, that is) wasn’t too bad, but fashion was one of the major themes of the film, so it doesn’t count. The other film with really accurate costumes/hair (and pretty accurate everything except for the main storyline) was The Crucible.
With regard to the accuracy of historical costume in film, there are few cinematic experiences that make me giddier than well-done period pieces. However, I also think that when some things are changed obviously and with the intent to be playful or expressionistic, the result can be quite interesting.
Let us also remember that the modernization of fashions for a story set in the past is hardly new; one example that immediately comes to mind is Thackeray’s Vanity Fair, wherein the esteemed author said, on the subject of the clothes that his cast ought to have been wearing: “I have not the heart to disfigure my heroes and heroines by costumes so hideous; and have, on the contrary, engaged a model of rank dressed according to the present fashion.”
It looks pretty and charming! I always admire the women in 17-18 century for their life is full of balls,nice dress and gentlemen.But I also understand it only happens in the novels.
I can understand the importance of historical accuracy to an extent, but in the end, it’s a movie – they are interpreting the story and are using visual symbols (such as a low neckline or untidy hair / high neckline and neat hair) to portray the characters to modern audiences.
I agree that dress, accessories and hair (etc) should all be historically accurate, but it’s only necessary to a degree and shouldn’t be the focus of the flim.