If you’ve seen Alice in Wonderland you’d agree with me when I say it was a visually enriching movie. Classic Tim Burton film complete with actor Johnny Depp and actress Helena Bonham Carter as all his other movies. The above picture captures the feel of the movie perfectly and below is a picture with most of the cast. I thought I’d post about something different and write a little about the costume designs of this film. The actors and actresses in Alice in Wonderland all have such dramatic hair/make-up/clothing that they hardly look like the same people before and after make-up.
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First is 20 year old Australian actress Mia Wasikowska performed convincingly in the role as Alice Kingsley. Such a pretty girl, don’t you think?
Mia red carpet style
Alice Kingsley life in England
Alice in Wonderland
This last picture looks great. The dress is so wistful and fantasy-like. It was a good idea wrapping the dress from her large self to fit her small self.
Next is Helena Bohnam Carter as the Red Queen, or Queen of Hearts.
Helena Bonham Carter red carpet style
Helena Bonham Carter as Red Queen
Am I a minority in thinking Helena is naturally very pretty? Her Red Queen look is not all that flattering but it’s not supposed to be. Her over-large head symbolizes her selfish and vain nature. Helena describes her character perfectly as “like a spoiled child. She has no compassion for anybody else’s feelings.” Her heart lips are especially superb.
Then there is Anne Hathaway as White Queen. Her appearance in all white is quite shockingly altered from her normal self but it works.
Anne Hathaway
Anne Hathaway as White Queen
The way Anne moved her hands and portrayed the White Queen reminded me a little of Giselle in Enchanted. Her dress is so elegant and the dark lipstick and nail polish balance out Anne’s dark eyebrows.
Last is Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter. He really has the “madness” to a T. Is he even really acting?
Jonny Depp
Johnny Depp as the Mad Hatter
During the 18th and 19th century hatters used Mercury compounds in the production of felt hats which caused hatters to go insane from the exposure of Mercury poisoning; hense the saying “Mad as a hatter”. With this costume it is difficult to know where to look first from the details in the hat to number of different fabrics he’s wearing that makes up the whole composition. When I first saw the preview I thought the Mad Hatter was played by Elijah Wood. Am I alone in thinking Johnny looks a little like Elijah in this film?
All in all I would recommend watching Alice in Wonderland. I give it two thumbs up for costume and cast. Alice in Wonderland is no longer in theaters but you may buy it here and rent it here. What do you think of the cast? the costumes? the film? Share your thoughts whether severe or complimentary.
-Marilyn
