Film - V for Vendetta

To help understand and develop the book 1984 , I began looking into contemporary films which were based on a similar theme . This would then show how a modern interpretation could possibly be portrayed .

Video found : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=k_13fFIrhPk
V for Vendetta was released in 2005, and had a lot of media attention as Natalie Portman shaved her head for the role.  The film is based in London under a totalitarian government , who have the ability to harm the community and cover up any thing which has happened . V was used in an 'experiment' at Larkhill, many of the patients were killed in experiments that took place however, a large fire killed the remaining patients and V was the only survivor . After the fire V took up an identity of a mask man , and killed everyone who was responsible for the actions that took place in Larkhill. Through his acts he was able to get the rest of society on his side a true ' Anti hero' . 
Image found: http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/5000000/V-for-Vendetta-Wallpaper-v-for-vendetta-5083134-1024-768.jpg
Posters filled with slogans supporting the government are used throughout the film , these are very similar to 1984 . The layout and the text that has been used strongly reflects what Orwell was trying to describe . These poster uphold the views of the government and in turn brainwash the society, also known as propaganda. 
Image found :http://www.welovemoviesmorethanyou.com/wp-content/uploads/2012/11/2006_v_for_vendetta_021.jpg
The ' Big Brother' character or one of the leaders of the party is seen here with V cowardly and scared for his own life when he has killed and tortuted many innocent civilians . Although we never see Big Brother I believe this would be the cause if any of the high members of the inner party were to be tortured . In this film a clear physical transformation can be seen through the character Evey Hammond , played by Natalie Portman . Although the imprisonment is set up by V in order to get Evey to understand the government, the real emotion of torture is portrayed. This could resemble what actually did happen to Julia in 1984. Also in this state of torture V was able to transform Evey emotional state from hate to love . This happens in 1984 also in Winston's imprisonment . The physical representation can be seen with the shaving of her hair , she is no longer has feminine hair, she could be from either sex . This torture has striped away the identity of her former self , this happens in 1984 when Julia and Winston meet after their imprisonment Julia no longer looks the same. 
  Image Found:http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0StlPjZrbNI/T_-
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Image found : http://images.popmatters.com/film_art/v/v-for-vendetta.jpg


I think this film represents a vivid image of how a modern government can be corrupt . This story  I believe has taken a lot of it influences from 1984 and it has worked well with blending the novel into a Hollywood story line . However, I am glad that the film is not a complete copy as I have watched this recently and I don't believe it will be a classic like the book it.  I like the colour tones used throughout the film, black, whites and red give an element of suspense and danger . I also like how it has been played out theatrically , although I would like to keep my interpretation classic , different themes may develop through my research . 


Land Girls



A film adaptation this shows the 1940's land girls in a contempoaray film , Land girls were used in the second world war to take over the jobs that the men would have done . This influenced the style as the clothing they wore could not be feminine , they had to be able to work in it . I believe this is were Orwell gained influence for the character of Julia . Julia worked what would in them days have been a mans job and wore overall's .
Image found : http://westhillwhistler.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/land-army.jpg
Accessories were added to the uniforms to give them a female touch .
Image found : http://www.bbc.co.uk/history/ww2peopleswar/stories/51/images/11326546001713082183_1.jpg
The women continued to style their hair and wore clothes that enhanced the shapes of their bodies 



Hair 1940's


Hair was influence by Glamorous film stars , as the cinema was the only way most people could watch the news and be entertained , as TV's at home were few and far between .

Image found :http://www.uk-marketeer.co.uk/shop/images/1940.jpg.
Many different air styles were created during the war , one of which was rolls , these rolls could be anywhere on the head and could consist of more than one.
Image found:http://farm1.stati
cflickr.com/56/124256734_5d3b
912b91.jpg
Women would have their hair off their faces if they were working and this would be a good way of tying it away from machinery. Accessories could also be added to add glamour .


Image Found :http://25.media.tumblr.
com/tumblr_ll8uummWy41qdq4rko1_400.jpg




Image found : http://i51.twitgoo.com/2rz5h4y.jpg

Image found : http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_iqd                                
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Make up 1940's


War time rations impacted on cosmetics in 1940's which lead to women experimenting with different materials to make there own make up . Gravy granules were used as tan , beetroot juice as lipstick and burnt cork for mascara .  the iconic red lip has been identified in 1984 . Julia is described to have

Chapter II

 Eyes - ' light shade of brown, with dark lashes'   mouth - ' wide red mouth'   face - ' a freckled face'
Chapter IV - Julia buys a cosmetic kit and applies it unskillfully to her face .
cheeks - 'rouged ' 

Described by Winston
' With just a few dabs of colour in the right places she became not only very much prettier, but, above all, far more feminine . '
 Although prior to Julia buying the make up it is clear that she is a natural beauty and the youthful skin is something that I must portray in my images .
Image found : http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_KKNyXy942PA/TTZtmi10S3I/
AAAAAAAAD40/lK_rI_Iwk9o/s1600/1940s+makeup++look5.jpg

Eyebrows were arched with a hint of colour to darken them , eyelashes were curled thick and long including the bottom lashes . Skin looks natural and flawless a hint of colour has been added to the cheeks , but still looks naturally youthful . Lips are bright red and plum , the top lip is long in length to the bottom lip . 

Image found : http://vintagemakeupguide.com/wp
-content/uploads/2012/07/1940S-MAKEUP-GLAMO
UR-FACE-TYPES.jpg
On the eyelids in this image there is a hint of contouring in a light brown . I think the shaping of the eyebrows is as important as getting the correct red lip . These lips look glossy , which for a fashion image is something that could be experimented with . In recent technical session I have used gelatin to create a glossy lip with is dripping . This was just a first attempt and needs alot of practicing to create the correct look however I  believe this could create a modern twist on the classic lip .








The gelatine went a little lumpy , I would need to apply faster and in thinner layers to be able to achieve a smooth finish . Vaseline could also be applied to the lips but this may not give the same dripping effect . As Julia is a seductive woman this could work well with trying to portray her sexual nature. 

This make up is so distinct that it can be seen vividly in black and white , this is something I would like to look into further , I would like to see how much depth I can get into make up for a black and white image.  
Image found :http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-BIogFq
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4JTk/s1600/rita-hayworth-1940s-hairstyle.jpg


The bow lip was inspired by Joan Crawford 




René Bouët-Willaumez - Fashion Illustrator


René Bouët-Willaumez 
1900-1979
Image Found : https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvZYrDLpnCAVqjOHPT2IBVmAt-ti0-y3DtvRT-w2ETgTB6Te2mm6q3FYExJJAsAOznM3XhasXZfA0JrvLelVtrJ39a20rHvfbA8iBe9Oiaas5alQSX-DPOG4y2Bxca0NGMzZr4MxuIhNVk/s1600/IMG_9856.JPG
A fashion illustrator who worked for French Vogue, René was able to capture movement , style and elegance in his pen and ink illustrations. 
These images were produced in the 1940's and show the fashion of the time, they also show the petite figure of a women which Julia is described to have: 'Athletic figure'.
The image above could also be a way of representing the red sash that enhances Julia hips , as well as an overall - an interpretation of an overall could items of clothing in the same colour. I would like them to give structure to the body and enhance the natural curves of a women . This will enhance the seductive nature of Julia . 
Image Found :http://a.hprints.net/md/9/09143-rene-bouet-willaumez-1940-hats-wedding-dress-fashion-illustration-hprints-com.jpg
In this bridal illustration , I am inspired by the way Rene has captured the face , this would interesting to transferred into make up . I like the subtle highlights and the rouge lip which it iconic in the 40's.  I would like to test with this and see how far the grey tones could be used on the skin without the model looking to deathly. This would also reflect 1984, as the human emotion is taken out of the people of Oceania, however, Julia is trying to keep some, with her outrageous actions and style .
Image Found:https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga_jPuxf4TFuMcJa6HjAhugwTaVPEIaXv8YrPmRrDJ73qZfGDNtEhhGx2HhEsqaSoshXrhjFll3_VziNq-HVFN8y2FZWsyePn_QzHmVTmgFMDYsH3dYUoKRWo5AanvFCHTc-pg96c7Yjk0/s1600/IMG_9855.JPG
These images would be in fashion magazines that would influence the women on the 1940's. Although money and rations meant they were limited to materials women would want to look good for their men at war . 
Image Found:http://www.thefashioniste.com/DiorPaintings/w7Rene%2
0Bouet-Willaumez%20sep15-36.jpg
Image found :http://b.hprints.net/md/18/18999-vogue-paris-1949-april-special-spring-collections-lila-de-nobili-hprints-com.jpg
French Vogue spring 1949.
Although this was around the time the book was being published this would be the latest fashion the Orwell would have seen . This is also a vision of illustration, colour and props used around this era. This is something I would like to capture in my images , in  modern way . Experimenting with camera, lighting and post production will help to achieve this . 










Mens Fashion in 1940's

Although I am interpreting a female character I believe it would be useful briefly look at mens fashion in the 1940's as I may use some males as extras in the image and the thought police may be used . If this is the case I will have to design there uniforms based on knowledge of the fashion at the time .
Image Found : http://www.vintagefes
tival.co.uk/system/images/
illustration_Man_and_woman_in_styli
sh_suits.jpg

Image found :http://www.swingfashionista.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/ar140.jpg

Men were wearing similar subdued colours as women , tey were smart suits and hankerchief were worn in top pockets.
Hair was short and combed back . Many of the men would be in the army at War .
   
Image found:http://www.georgeglazer.com
/prints/aanda/fashion/prag5.jpg

Womens Fashion in 1940's

This short video shows how women dressed in the 1940's which is the era that Julia's character is based on . Although it is supposed to be based in 1984 Orwell uses distinct 1940's trends to describe Julia . These include wide red lips , dark hair, and a sash around the waist which draws out her waist. This video also shows the movement of 1940's women which will be good to develop into poses for the final image .







Video found :http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=
W92VxtOoFA0



Image found : http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7wJV_u7TOzE

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Square padded shoulders and a small waist was the female silhouette in the 1940's which was inspired by the fashion designs of Elsa Schiaparelli.
Skirts were cut just below the knee and would be straight or a single pleat .
Materials used would be wool, cotton and synthetics , which would have been difficult to find during the war due to rationing .






   


Julia wears  Chapter I ' A narrow scarlet sash, emblem of the Junior Anti-Sex League, was wound several times round the waist of her overalls, just tightly enough to bring out the shapeliness of her hips.'  


This would outfit is worn through out the book , they are described as thin , so I would guess they were made out of cheap material .  The Sash I will need to make and use a font that would have been used in the 1940's .

Women went to work for the first time in the 1940's,
as the men were at War which meant that clothing
 had to be easy to wear . The 40's saw the start of the
 two piece outfits , which meant women could now
 mix and match there wardrobes allowing them to
 have more choice .

This slogan 'We can do it !' is an iconic image of war time . I believe Orwell would have seen this and women working in order to create the character of Julia .

The pose is masculine proving that women are as strong as men . This is shown in the book as Julia works on machines and often has oily hands. Julia is also the one who takes control of situations , she organises the meetings with Winston and has done all this before with other men .



     
Image found : http://perfumeniche.com/sites/default/
files/Photograph_of_Women_Working_at_a_Bel
l_System_Telephone_Switchboard_(3660047829)_0.jpg
Women working on the switchboard in 1940's , the fashion was smart but had movement which allowed them to work. Each one of the ladies above looks smart , they are perfectly groomed .
Image found : http://farm3.staticflickr.
com/2475/4063505177_29d9135b26.jpg




Women had to take over all mens jobs , it is clear to see that womens fashion developed with the influence of male clothing . Women were starting to wear shirts with collars and trousers became acceptable .













Image found : http://www.loc.gov/teachers/classroommaterials/presentation
sandactivities/presentations/homefront/images/image9.jpg

Shoes 




Due to government legislation shoes had to be 1 inch in height . New materials were also used to create shoes including cork and wood for heels .
Men's style loafer also became fashionable for women to wear they were easy to wear and were great for working in .































Poster like the one below would have been used to encourage women to work.