Actresses and How They Enhance the Movie Going Experience

As far back as silent movies, actresses have been key components in the film industry. Everyone has their favorites – Katherine Hepburn, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock – the classics that we all know and love. While these members of a celebrity cast used to be just roles in a script, actresses have undoubtedly influenced some changes in films over the years. There are many ways that an actress can define and even change the way that a movie might play out; from how the actress portrays the character, to the clothes she wears in the movie to the roles she has played in other movies; Let’s take a look at some key areas where an actress’ appeal and our interest in their fashions can enhance our movie going experience.

One thing that has certainly changed is the kind of character that an actress might now play. There is a great debate about who started the sexy sort of character that was once popular in movies but has since been replaced with female roles that at times overshadow their male counterparts in complexity and depth of character. The actress, however she is cast, can weave a web for the audience to fall straight into by her screen presence, wardrobe and the chemistry she can achieve with the other cast members. The appeal of an actress to both the movie audience and to her role has changed the tone of a lot of movies. At times it seems that script writers cast certain actresses before they even finish the script because they who is best for a role. But for the costume designer, who comes in later during project, the challenge still remains to design a wardrobe that communicates that “fits” the actress, character and style the film maker is striving to portray.

The style of an actress also influences movies. Actresses continue to redefine the trends of the decades, not only in the wardrobe they wear in a movie but in the clothing and fashion styles they wear off-screen and in other non-film projects. Films and TV shows about the fashion industry like The Devil Wears Prada or Ugly Betty help to solidify the connection between fashion, actresses and the film making business. The way that actresses and their clothing choices have made an impact is undeniable. That’s because for most moviegoers it’s about the story, the acting, the soundtrack and the wardrobe. It’s the sum of the parts that makes both movie making and the movie going experience such an escape and great form of entertainment.

Maybe the biggest way that the celebrity world has impacted film though is just in the way that people pick their favorites. When there is an actress that is highly liked by people, she could very well spark an idea for an entire film just because producers know she will bring in an audience or that there is a certain fashion sense associated with the characters she has portrayed that will once again appeal to her fans.
Meryl Streep’s wardrobe and the dignified look she can maintain even in fun campy movies like Mamma Mia, Cameron Diaz’s ability to wear almost any piece of clothing and pull off a variety of roles, from the ditzy private eye to the edgy business person we saw in What Happens in Vegas and Sandra Bullock’s film looks which have varied from bumbling gown wearing beauty pageant contestant to well-to-do heroine in The Blind Side are just examples of the fashion sense we associate with these actresses and the appeal and expectations we have developed around their movies.

Click here to learn more about the designers and brands you saw in your favorite movie.