Another aspect that I love about the period is that the actors weren't just entertainers, they were stars that shined brightly in the grueling wonderland that is Hollywood. Despite maybe George Clooney (sigh) there isn't an actor today that has as much masculinity, style and humor as Cary Grant, James Stewart or Clark Gable. When we look at actresses it's even worse, name one contemporary actress that exudes as much glamour, sophistication and femininity as Marilyn Monroe, Rita Hayworth or Carol Lombard. Tough question isn't it?
One of the fir
st real stars (be it from the silent movie era) was the engaging Louise Brooks, who was ironically enough most famous for her haircut namely the original bob. She had a short but incredibly fruitful career from 1925 until 1938 during which she starred in numerous comedies and flapper films which were very popular at the time. Brooks, a true flapper (Jazz loving, short skirted, scorning sexual misfit), made her big break in Georg Wilhelm Pabst's Pandora's Box (1929) in which she played Lulu, a sexually adventurous woman and the first lesbian to be captured on celluloid. This role only enhanced her now iconic image. Sadly, Brooks started to lose interest in films after that. Although she withdrew 
from the spotlight, she wasn't forgotten.Louise Brooks was a fine actress but the reason she'll live on in every film buff's and fashionista's heart is her unique style and look. She even inspired Chacharel to name a fragrance after her. Brooks is The quintessential 1920's glamour girl. It is my personal belief that some of the countless black and white photo's that she posed for are the most elegant, feminine, seductive and simply breathtaking pictures ever taken. Whenever I look at one of her photographs I am simply in awe of the woman who is the epitome of girly grace.
No comments:
Post a Comment