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.
Read more about these topics in the following links:
Black London by Gretchen Gerzina
Free E-Book: Gerzina has written a fascinating account of London blacks, focusing on the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Because of a paucity of sources from blacks themselves, Gerzina had to rely primarily on glimpses through white eyes, especially those of antislavery advocate Granville Sharp. Gerzina is quite adept at culling evidence of a rich, complex black life, with significant interaction (and intermarriage) with the white community. Although subjected to much discrimination, London blacks never suffered as much as their American counterparts. The author rightly concludes that blacks have played an important role in the life of London for much of its history.
Click on this link to Dartmouth.edu.
Highly Recommended a New Book! Bath -An Adumbration in Rhyme
Edited by Ben Wiebracht. Read the review of the book at this link. Click to order the book on Amazon US or Amazon UK
The neglected tombstone found in an overgrown burial ground.
Rear Admiral Charles Austen CB
Died off Prome, the 7th October 1852, while in command of the Naval Expedition on the river Irrawady against the Burmese Forces, aged 73 years.”
The grave after restoration
Read the full article in The Sunday Times. June 27, 2021.
Click on image to read the story.
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Regent’s Canal Walk (Little Venice to Kings Cross): Tony Grant
Take a walk along a portion of Regent’s Canal with Tony Grant and friend. His superb photos and commentary make you feel as if you’ve tagged along.
Click on this link to stroll along with Tony & Guy. (Images: Barges along Regent’s Canal; John Masefield’s House. Copyright: Tony Grant)
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STAGE-COACH AND MAIL IN DAYS OF YORE: A PICTURESQUE HISTORY
OF THE COACHING AGE, VOL. II, By CHARLES G. HARPER. 1903. Click on this link.
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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.