| If you are directing a movie or a play, you | | | | |
| have to think about the costumes you will | | | | As a result, the makers of the movie, |
| use. In the ancient times, the symbol of two | | | | Shakespeare in Love, invested much of their |
| masks was used to denote Greek drama -- one | | | | efforts in recreating the Elizabethan times |
| joyful and the other sorrowful. Back in those | | | | through the historic costumes that they used. |
| days, the actors had to wear huge masks that | | | | The crew of the movie actually won the |
| amplified their voices. The ancient Greek | | | | Academy Award for Best Costumes for their |
| audiences regularly watched characters as | | | | efforts. Apart from this, Titanic, Moulin |
| tall as seven feet thanks to their enormous | | | | Rouge, and Chicago are examples of relatively |
| masks and high shoes. After all, the | | | | recent movies that did a lot of research to |
| characters had to be both visible and audible | | | | get the look right. |
| to the spectators. | | | | |
| | | | As for masks, they are most visible only |
| Nowadays, thanks to developments in lighting, | | | | superhero movies. However, Spiderman was just |
| microphones, and video cameras, actors have | | | | one amongst many to hide his identity in a |
| it a lot easier. They can now literally dress | | | | mask. Remember how Robin Williams pretended |
| for the part that they are playing. One may | | | | to be a woman in Mrs. Doubtfire? Nobody can |
| say that ultimately, the costumes do no more | | | | forget that mask. More recently, we saw |
| than dress up the movie. To combat that view, | | | | Gwyneth Paltrow don a similar mask in her |
| we have the old adage, "Clothes maketh the | | | | portrayal of an overweight woman in the hit |
| man." Clothes can also decide the fate of a | | | | movie, Shallow Hal. If you love fantasies, |
| movie. You might have a wonderful script with | | | | the face of Harry Potter's arch enemy, Lord |
| superb actors. However, if you happen to end | | | | Voldemort is unforgettable. His mask is |
| up getting the look wrong, success will | | | | absolutely perfect for the character of "the |
| become somewhat uncertain. It is no wonder | | | | one who is not to be named". |
| that stylists and costume designers are in | | | | |
| such great demand in the media world of | | | | From the movies to costume parties, masks |
| today. If you want an example of how the look | | | | have become a permanent fixture. And movies |
| of the actors can impact the success of a | | | | such as The Man in the Iron Mask, and the Jim |
| movie or TV show, Sex and the City is a great | | | | Carrey starrer, The Mask, have done much to |
| example. | | | | add to its popularity. |