Detail how costume & make-up is used in creating meaning and understanding in Water for Elephants.

In the film Water for Elephants you see the development and changes in the film represented through the use of the characters clothing. Jacob starts the film full of hope and with good prospects of finishing his degree reflected in his attire, well dressed in a semi formal suit and bow tie showing obvious wealth and a privileged background. When hears that his parents have died however the viewer begins to see an almost instant decline in his physical appearance, he looks shabby, dirty and makeup has been used to create a gaunt sunken in feel to his face.

Marlena however is first seen dressed in cream with sequins, and white blonde hair with simple silver based makeup. The colour palette used for her hair and makeup choices portray a celestial and angelic vision of her. Her costume is alluring and sexy (leotard), it also says something about her glamorous side, it has some is of sequins and glitter but not over powering, it has an overall honesty and simplicity about it.

Once Jacob is fully accepted into the circus he is seen often wearing a tuxedo presented to him by August, a physical representation of Augusts acceptance of Jacob as as well as his respect for him as Jacob appears better dressed than a many of the other circus members. It could be argued that the tux displays his social rank within the circus, he’s seen as higher up the social ladder than people such as Camel and Walter who are only seen in rough work clothes or costumes as but lower in Rank than Walter and Marlena who are always well turned out and rather glamorous looking.

The contrast between the flashy costumes and evening wear of the circus in comparison to their work clothes could be seen as portraying the economic distribution of wealth during the great depression which the rich still managed to live reasonably comfortably in whilst the poor were forced into even further poverty.

August’s physical appearance slowly starts to decline and he looks less well put together and scruffier as money issues with the circus worsen, however after the breakthrough with training Rosie you see him rapidly return to the sharply dressed man presented at the start of the film.

As Jacob falls deeper in love with Marlena you see his work clothes change from quite a clean cut shirt and trousers, well dressed for work clothes, into his original dirty and discoloured work jersey worn near the start of the film as well as becoming more unshaven. This shows how although he had thought he had found is place he has turned out to be just as troubled and alone as when he started off.

As well as this Marlena wears darker eye make up instead of the bright white and glittery makeup worn at the start of the film, combined with an increase in her wearing long black dresses instead of her short white numbers. These hint to the viewer the decline in her happiness with August as well as the ever more present dark and abuse side to her treatment, from August, being shown. 

Trailer Link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_6b2XhXkPpg