Cabaret Questions

1) What characteristic define your choice of character?

Sally Bowles - Vibrant, youthful yet streetsmart. She has a firm, good understanding of the sex fulled underground of the 1980's. With so much going on around her she seems to maintain her optimistic approach.

2) What knowledge of the period did the designer consider possessing to be able to develop these characters?

Although the film was set in the 1930s you can see some 60s & 70s elements from the time the film was actually created. A lot of the costumes were really accurate to the time, especially the mens hair, but there were a few scenes where Liza Minelli's makeup looked very 60s inspired e.g white liner and lashes.

3) According to your research so far, do you feel that the character designs in the film are appropriate?

I believe that the male character designs were much more true to the era like the sharp side partings and expensive tailored suits. The female characters however vary slightly. You do get the overall 1930s feel at first glace but when you look closer there are certain elements that do not belong in the 1930s. For example, the white eyeliner and heavy top and bottom lashes and flared trousers. I think Sally's makeup (particularly in the daytime) could have been toned down as the 30s makeup was fairly bold but simple.

4) How might you Improve it?

I would do a lot more reasearch into historical 30s hair and makeup to give a true representation. It all needs to be toned down, particularly the makeup on Sally. Showgirls would have a heavier look but I don't feel the correct shades were used.

5) Is it too subtle/too prominent?

It's all very prominent and I think it definitley should have been toned down to be true to the 30s era that it's supposed to be set in. I feel it looks too modern to be in the 30s.


6) Which techniques were used to create the hair and make-up?

False eyelashes were definitley used. I'd say her foundation was probably layered on quite heavily (both an influence of 1970s pansticks) and also to portray the caked on look Sally would have had. She wouldn't have had a lot of time to remove her makeup properly every night, so it may well have been layered on top. 

Liza Minelli's hair in the film is also very 60s/70s as it represents the famous Vidal Sassoon bob. Bobs were very popular amongst 1930s showgirls but this particular style is very 1960s/70s.

7) Comment upon the colour palette of the film. 

 I think the colour pallette of the film is quite dull in general. There is a lot of grey tones and is quite dark in general. There is a lot of colour in the hair and makeup particularly on Sally. I think this was done for many reasons. It made her stand out from the other characters.