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Chapter 5: Style |
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Costume Drama
Since the early days of cinema, well-known literary novels have been adapted for the screen, such as Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, Pride and Prejudice, and Emma. For some critics, the appreciation of such films lies only in the literary aspects of the adaptation. While for others, what is important is the film's ability to create emotional and visual effects, and to play with some of the cinematic codes that take us away from authentic literary adaptation.
Earlier adaptations of classical, literary works, like those from Austen's novels, did not always do particularly well in the box office. Current adaptations, however, have been blockbuster hits. A few critics have been quick to note that this is not due to the brilliance of the text itself, but to the hiring of blockbuster stars, the use of dazzling costumes and makeup artists, as well as advancements in film technology.
Before you begin this Film Clip activity, you might find it useful to explore the following Web sites that feature information about costume dramas, as well as makeup and costume galleries.
Costume Dramas:
Makeup Artists and Galleries:
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