Visual Research

First bits of research for my 7x7 story brief...

The basic story gives the impression of a Film Noir-esque setting, both in time and the situation described. The cast compiles of just 2 members: a male - to which very little information is given, other than he is wearing a coat, tie and shoes and a female whom we receive a few more details about, such as the colour of her hair and eyes (redhead and green), the dress she is wearing (white and brown paisley mini dress) and that she is wearing knee high leather boots and fishnets.

a few of the details very early in the story have thrown me a little when trying to place where abouts it is set, for example, the story starts with the female character reaching for a set of keys with a keyring... it describes her nails as manicured in the style of 1930's fashion and film... which with the choice of words suggests it is more modern... as they are manicured "in the style of"... but the general idea/feeling of the story does give the impression of film noir 1930's/EARLY 40's. However in the same sentence, we are told the keyring has a picture of a pin up girl on it, which almost immediately makes me think more of the mid to late 1940's/early 50's typical pin up styling (e.g. Gil Elvgren).... the kind of thing you'd associate more with WWII and painted onto the noses of planes. Also... the female characters footwear is described as "Vintage knee high leather boots...", but is that vintage for the 1930's or an incorrect use of a modern day term for what was high fashion back then and not revivalism?

ok rant over...

I am yet to dig out any classic Film Noir movies (purely because it may be a waste of time for research) but I aim to view them in order to gain a greater understanding for the situation pictured in the story, a strong confident female character who has fallen for a fella who doesnt return her sentiments and is using her, leaving her broken and emotional... (I am assuming theres always some sort of arrogant male lead who is a bit of a womaniser, and a femme fatale co-star who appears cold but also vulnerable)... any suggestions?

because of the word pin up, I did jump to the typical image you'd expect to see.. Gil Elvgren's work... His work was more about the erotic tease and not about just plain nudity. Sex appeal and fantasy were the main focus whereas nowadays the internet is flooded with porn and the element of mystery has been lost. A lot of models nowadays remain in their underwear but there is still a lot on display and being laid out bare in front of the audience reduces this air of mystery and appeal to know more and to see more... wondering what is under that extra layer is what keeps the audience enticed...with a shirt falling off one shoulder to reveal a little more flesh but still covering enough so that the surprise isnt spoilt...

However, after thinking more about which specific era the story was set in, I started trying to research 1930's pin ups with a film noir aspect to them...

Rita Hayworth seemed to be the big name that came up, famous for the 1946 film 'Gilda'... who was also a redhead (and a blonde at some point) like the female character from this story...

The story pays particular attention to the male character's fetish for the female performance and wearing of gloves... as well as her attire.. so I basically went off what the words conjured images of in my head...

The description of knee high boots and fishnets reminded me of Sally Jupiter, aka Silk Spectre from the Watchmen comic and film (played by Carla Gugino).

The idea of a temptress and performer brought me to Jessica Rabbit, possibly one of the most sought after fictional characters...

this is my initial research into developing an idea of the female character... ideally I should do this for the male character but with having only a small description given of his attire, I may have end up silhouetting the character or not including him in frame at all... we'll see..

I have more stuff to add here but shall have to wait until my next post.. :)