Construction - Costume and Make-up (Elliot)

Costume and make-up are vital aspects of the film industry and are essential in establishing character as these are often the first impression that an audience will have of a character as it is conventionally the fist thing they see of them before dialogue. Moreover, these are important in creating drama, defining characters and have practical uses in respect to the action. For example, it would be unrealistic to have a character wearing a Victorian corseted gown in a fast-paced fighting or chase scene. In essence, costume and make-up establish character and need to be practical for the drama. 

Protagonist
In relation to our thriller opening, Evan and I have agreed on the costume for our female protagonist. As we want the main character to seem relatable to the female audience we feel it would not be suitable to have the character wear anything too stand-alone and so will have her wearing a white shirt and black jeans with a dark hooded jumper and converse shoes. This clothing is affordable for most people and is realistic for what an average teenage girl might wear. 

Not only this, but the white shirt connotes a sense of good and purity regarding our protagonist whereas the darker coloured clothing demonstrates a darker side towards her. In addition, during the flashbacks she will be wearing a large white shirt to connote a sense of innocence about her and black trousers. As a result, the clear difference in clothing will hopefully demonstrate the change and difference between the same character from different times - where the present day character appears troubled and darker and more mysterious (a common convention of thrillers), whilst the flashback character will appear good and untainted. This has the aims of conveying the trauma which the protagonist has had to endure.

Regarding make-up, she will have very little natural make-up. This will help to establish the character as relatable and mundane but also appealing as she will look prettier. Also, the fact that her make-up will not be particularly extravagant means that she will not stand out too much and will fit in with the passing strangers. This will help to create her character as she will seem lonely and also undefined as though she is unsure of her own identity. Hence, maintaining her mysterious character and creating a sense of inner conflict for the audience.

Antagonist
With regards to the male antagonist, he will be wearing dark clothing and a mask, with his hood up, to establish the enigma of the thriller. Not only this, but the combined use of lighting will set an atmosphere for the character that is dark and sinister. In doing so, the character will easily be established as the antagonist for the audience. 

Additionally, the use of everday average male clothing will make him appear relatable to the male audience which will help to strike their interest and want to continue watching. Also, as the clothing is so mundane, this will create a sense of fear for all the audience and force them to feel as though the evil of the antagonist is universal to everyone. In contrast, the mask, being extraordinary clothing, will help set him aside from anyone in the audience and will root him as the source of the trauma for the protagonist. As the protagonist will be wearing a mask, there will be no need for him to wear any make-up.