Character Analysis: Hatsumomo

In Memoirs of a Geisha I think that the use of colour helps to define the character Hatsumomo really well.

For instance, in the opening scene she is wearing the colour burgundy - on her clothes and lips - which can show being mature, regal and elegant. I think that this shows the way which she portrays herself really well, and this is also how you would describe a typical Geisha. From the first impression you can tell that she is an important person in the house, although from the dark colours on her kimono you can see that she is going to be a threatening character.

The colour red is used a lot throughout the film, although particularly with Hatsumomo. In the majority of scenes which she is in she is wearing bright red lipstick, or a red kimono. When she wears the brighter colour red is portrays the cold, evil side of her character. I think that this colour also adds a sense of danger, as it raises your heart rate and anxiety level - so this is the perfect colour for this character to wear.

I also think that it is interesting how Hatsumomo has dark brown eyes and her rival Chiyo has bright blue eyes. From this you can tell the difference between the two characters - Chiyo's blue eyes show that she is more innocent and pure than Hatsumomo.  

Memoirs of a Geisha

The movie which I chose to watch was 'Memoirs of a Geisha'.

Here is a plot synopsis which I read on imdb before watching the film to help me understand the plot and characters:
"In 1929 an impoverished nine-year-old named Chiyo from a fishing village is sold to a geisha house in Kyoto's Gion district and subjected to cruel treatment from the owners and the head geisha Hatsumomo. Her stunning beauty attracts the vindictive jealousy of Hatsumomo, until she is rescued by and taken under the wing of Hatsumomo's bitter rival, Mameha. Under Mameha's mentorship, Chiyo becomes the geisha named Sayuri, trained in all the artistic and social skills a geisha must master in order to survive in her society. As a renowned geisha she enters a society of wealth, privilege, and political intrigue. As World War II looms Japan and the geisha's world are forever changed by the onslaught of history."

I noticed in this film the colours red and blue are used a lot throughout, particularly in characters makeup and costume, to signify different meanings in each scene.

The opening scene of the film is extremely dark and gloomy, which suggests what the nature of the film is going to be like, particularly the forthcoming scene. The colour of the scene has a grey-blue colour to it - this sets the tone for the rest of the film, and you can immediately tell that it is going to be a sad film. 

The first time you see Hatsumomo (the head geisha), she is wearing a burgundy red kimono with matching lipstick. This colour red can read as being mature, regal and elegant, which I think portrays Hatsumomo's looks well, but not necessarily her character. You can immediately tell that she is an important person in the household, and also not a nice character. 

 In this scene Hatsumomo is wearing more of a bright red kimono. This colour red tends to be more cold, which reflects her personality more. Bright red can raise your heart red and anxiety level, which shows why this colour was chosen to for Hatsumomo to wear, as it is leading up to where she hurts Chiyo. It helps create suspension in the scene. 

This film still shows Mahema, who was the one who rescued Chiyo. Her kimono is a neutral beige colour, which I think creates a more calming, relaxed atmosphere within the scene. From wearing this colour you can easily see that Mahema is a good character and is trying to help Chiyo. 

A bright red is used again in this scene to show a sense of danger, and that something bad is about to happen. The darker, yellow lighting gives off this impression as well, giving off an eerie and uneasy feel to the scene. In film the colour yellow can be used as a warning sign, so you can again tell that something bad is going to happen to Chiyo. 

This scene was shown just after the war had started and the Geisha's got sent away and split up. The red shown in this scene reminded me of blood, which relates to the fact they are in a war. You can immediately see that Chiyo is having a bad life here. 

Chinese Opera Mask Art and Chinese Tradition

As I was unable to attend the lecture I have done some of my own research in Chinese opera mask art and traditions.

Chinese opera is one the oldest dramatic art forms in the world, and is now a traditional art form in China. It combines music, art and literature into one performance on stage. Each performer has makeup painted on their face in exaggerated designs to symbolize a characters personality, role and fate. You can understand the story by looking at the colours and designs painted onto each characters face, and also by looking at their costumes.

Colour meanings in Chinese opera mask art:
Red: Shows the performer is a postive character. Can represent loyalty, bravery, courage, prosperity, heroism and intelligence.

Black: Shows that the character is neutral. Can show impartiality and integrity.

Yellow: Shows the audience that the character is cruel , and can also show that they are sly, evil, hypocritical or ambitious.

White: Has a similar meaning to yellow, shows that the character is evil and hypocritical.

Gold and Silver: Shows that the character is a God or a demon, or a spirit or ghost. Symbolizes mystery.

Pink: Shows that the character is happy, funny.

Purple: Can sometimes be used as a replacement for red, although it can represent justice and sophistication.

Blue: Blue indicates that the character is neutral. Can also mean stubboness and fierceness.

Green: Shows that the character is violent, impulsive and lacks restraint.