Class Discussion

In our class discussion about Cabaret, we chose Sally as our character. Our opinions different in some parts, but we managed to come to many similar answers and eventually agreed upon the same things. Here are the questions asked, and our answers we presented:

1. What characteristics define your choice of character?

We felt that Sally was rather unsophisticated as she saw her line of work (including sleeping with men for money) as a serious profession. Her morals aren’t very appropriate and we felt that she has a lack of self-respect. Her young age also shines through as we can see she is naïve and selfish.

On the other hand, Sally has a charm about her. Her character is exciting and exuberant. She's highly entertaining and you can’t take your eyes off of her. There are also perverse elements to make her look like a little boy and she has a sadness to her.

2. What knowledge of period did the designer consider possessing to be able to develop these characters?

The knowledge of the designer appears to be quite vague. They have a good idea and concept of the 1920s hair, makeup and clothing, but I feel that some aspects may not be entirely accurate. When it comes to colour use and hairstyles, the designer has picked up on key trends. But we also felt that much of the designing had been modernised. The use of false eyelashes felt very 1960/70s, and gave the resemblance of the make-up from model, Twiggy.

3. According to your research so far, do you feel that the character designs in the film are appropriate?

According to our research of the book and script, which were the bases of the film, we felt that some of the designs were appropriate and others weren’t. We all thought that Sally Bowels would be more naturally beautiful than how she is portrayed in Cabaret, as the design isn’t very flattering for her.

4. How might you improve it?

The most obvious method of improvement for Sally’s character design would be to stay as true as possible to the period. I believe that she should also look more ‘sparkly’ and ‘glossy’ to just show how exciting and unusual she is as a character.

5. Is it too subtle/too prominent?

If anything, I think the designs are a little subtle. I would like to see more beautifully grotesque hair and make-up. I would have liked to seen more ‘tackiness’ to their designs to portray a try-hard impression. I also think that that the hair and make-up could look sweatier and more vibrant.

6. Which techniques were used to create the hair and make-up?

The make-up is heavily powdered and the eyebrows drawn on thinly with pencil. A lot of the hairstyles and facial hair in this film look like fake hair and wigs. Sally’s look has been created using false lashes and bright eye pigments. Her hairstyles look like wigs because of the movement and texture. Also, because the hair is styled short, any growth would be highly noticeable.

7. Comment upon the colour palette of the film.

The set colour palette was very appropriate for the film’s period. I felt that the dull browns and blacks really made the underground night scenes appear more negatively presented. The light made the characters look depressing and the men look sleazy. From some research we gathered, we also came across symbolic meaning behind the colour red in the film. When red had obvious placement in the film, it meant that there was going to be some negative change.