The Process of Transformation through Make-up

Elizabeth (1998) Movie


The symbolic importance of make up and hair, as a method of transform and disguise?

It is important that it is used to transform and disguise, as it shows how she changed over time, of being a queen and what she needed to do to succeed, and the makeup shows that as she went with it towards the end. So it is symbolic, because it shows the different stages of transformation that make up and hair can do.



How Elizabeth is portrayed throughout the film?

Elizabeth is portrayed very innocent as the beginning, such as she didn't wear makeup at all, but she did still keep that up when she first became queen, but as time went on you could see the change in appearances, especially the dresses, they become different, specifically in the colour, of being dark and bright, where as before they were very pale and plain. Elizabeth was portrayed very nervous,because she didn't know what she should say and do, but she tried to act mature considering her age, and even becoming as though she was superior, she was,but acted like no could take her place ever.


How does her makeup change?

The makeup changed slowly throughout, as in the beginning, she didn't wear any, but towards the middle of the film, she started to wear white powder, reddish lips and cheeks. When getting to the ending she changed quickly, because she realised who she should be and what to do,


Is the portrayal historically or accurate and relevant?


The film wasn't made to be a accurate portrayal of her reign, but to create something interesting around the real events, as they wanted to create it more of a fantasy.


How designers adapted the look for contemporary audience?

They changed some of the way she was portrayed and to make it more interesting for contemporary audience. The designers for the film have adapted it for film, instead for theatre, so there were a lot of costumes to change, They have to decide a late or early time of year which it would be in the Elizabethan era, which they would have to design for, so it was all accurate of what was worn when. It is staged in a certain period, but can tell for a contemporary audience, with the way the fabric is cut and certain colours, especially makeup.