Stars are not born; they are created through a long and tortuous process of trial and error.
When conjuring our favorite star we remember an iconic image that captures that personae. When we think of Jean Harlow we see her glowing platinum hair, a fetching body draped in silk, and a come hither look that melts the soul.
We want to believe that stars were born fully formed. And when that image is challenged we feel disoriented if not slightly betrayed.
In truth, the best kept secret in Hollywood is how hard everyone works to perfect the images that are projected. I can testify from years of experience on location that we spend 80% of our prep time making sure the leading lady looks exactly as she should.
Karen and I wish all our friends a lovely and inspirational Shabbat.
Saw some pics of Snookie & the other Jersey girls sans makeup. They were actually prettier & fresher looking.
Jackie:
Snookie as celebrity:proof that America is a great country.
I am trying to picture one of those Hollywood sex-sirens – au natural – no – not what you are thinking – but just out of bed – in old bathrobe, fuzzy slippers, and a cigarette dangling out of her mouth 😉
On Ava Gardiner I wonder if – at the end of her life – sh thought all of that fame was worth it – the things she had to give up – Being a star in Hollywood is almost like Faustus giving his soul to Mephistopheles – or, in more recent terms, Joe Boyd giving his soul to the Devil for fame as a great baseball player.
Someone ought to write a play about that 😉
Bill:
When I first came to Hollywood to work on the set of one of my films I met a famous actress, a legendary beauty in her trailer before make-up and wardrobe. I did not recognize her. I almost said, ”You’re not you.”
As we went over her lines and make-up was expertly applied, the movie star I knew and adored emerged.
Even the earlier pics show that they all had a certain something…..They all had good “raw material” to work with, so to speak.
Franny:
Yes, the architecture of the face must have that certain something. It’s not always apparent.
Wow… the change in Gardner and Hayworth is incredible. Thanks for BB and Myrna Loy too! 😉
PJ
Joe:
I figured BB and Myrna would cheer you up on this rather depressing day after.
I think Gardner is only a matter of style and sophistication. Hayworth is a more complete transformation.
Barry:
Hayworth’s transformation included extreme weight loss. Ava was pretty darn slim from the beginning.