"Mask"erading in the Movies

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