I must admit, as someone who has spent countless hours delving into the philosophical works of Socrates, Nietzsche, and Kant, I found Audrey Hepburn’s portrayal of Jo Stockton in “Funny Face” to be nothing short of captivating. Her character, a fashion model with a penchant for intellectual pursuits, mirrors my own journey from the world of academia to the glamorous realm of Hollywood.
Audrey Hepburn, renowned for her innate elegance and charm, graced numerous significant films during the 1950s and 60s. She earned an Academy Award for “Roman Holiday” and shared the screen with Henry Fonda and future spouse Mel Ferrer in “War and Peace”. From the get-go, Audrey Hepburn embodied the essence of elegance and sophistication. In 1957, she teamed up with the iconic Fred Astaire in the film “Funny Face“, a production that seamlessly blended vibrant melodies, vivid hues, and witty commentary on the fashion world.
Funny Face, featuring one of Hollywood’s rising stars alongside an iconic leading man who often partnered with Ginger Rogers, offers a delightful blend of humor and depth. Similar to many Technicolor-era films, Funny Face was not only a showcase for contemporary fashion trends but also challenged conventional portrayals of women in mainstream cinema. Vibrant, daring, and stunning, Funny Face remains captivating due to its chemistry between Hepburn and Astaire and the vivid visuals that enhance each scene.
Bright Lights and the World of High Fashion
During the Technicolor era in Hollywood, particularly during the 1950s post-war boom, there was a prevalent trend of utilizing vivid colors and daring designs to captivate audiences and sometimes promote contemporary fads. At first sight, one might assume that Funny Face, given its focus on the fashion industry, would fall into this category. However, while the realm of designers and models is indeed a significant part of Funny Face, it’s not the only element the film encompasses. The competitive and ever-changing landscape of fashion serves as a setting for various stories. Interestingly enough, less than a decade later, the fashion world would provide the colorful backdrop for the stylish murder mystery Blood and Black Lace, directed by horror master Mario Bava.
In the vibrant and lively opening musical number “Funny Face‘s” tune “Think Pink“, it playfully suggests that pink is currently trendy, leading viewers to believe they’ll rush out and revamp their wardrobes. This extravagant performance, filled with color and energy, cleverly mocks the fashion industry, which constantly strives to be ahead of fashion trends. The character Maggie Prescott (played by Kay Thompson) is a flamboyant and domineering figure in the world of fashion, embodying the relentless ambition and shrewd business sense that transforms her into an outrageously funny caricature.
In an unexpected turn of events, Jo Stockton (Audrey Hepburn), a bookstore worker, finds herself entangled in the glamorous realm of high-end fashion after an unplanned photoshoot. Unlike the stereotypical model, Jo is intelligent and passionate about philosophy. She sees the world of fashion as empty, superficial, and devoid of intellectual substance. With some persuasion from fashion photographer Dick Avery (Fred Astaire), Jo enters the glamorous fashion industry, embracing its sparkle and allure, although she recognizes its polished surface for what it is: a manufactured façade.
A Breakout Performance Alongside an Established Veteran
For those who might have been planning to watch “Funny Face” in 1957, seeing Fred Astaire in a romantic comedy was hardly a novelty. After all, Astaire’s brilliance in this film genre was already widely recognized. He could have partnered with any actor, and his stardom would undoubtedly have reflected on his co-star, making them equally radiant. However, Audrey Hepburn’s performance outshines even Astaire’s, exhibiting the same endearing charm that made Astaire famous while also embodying a unique blend of innocence and grace that sets her apart from many leading ladies of the era.
What sets Hepburn’s performance in Funny Face apart is how she seamlessly navigates the various facets of her character, resulting in a richly layered portrayal of Jo, rather than just a pretty face or damsel in distress. The scenes where she portrays a model are further enhanced by her innate grace and sophistication, qualities that played a crucial role in catapulting her to stardom.
In addition to portraying her iconic persona, Audrey Hepburn skillfully employs her ballet dance training in a captivating scene from the film. This scene, set in a dimly lit Parisian nightclub, showcases an unconventional beatnik performance by Hepburn, which was unexpected for Hollywood productions at that time. Hepburn’s improvised dance moves and philosophical exchanges with locals give depth to her character, Jo Stockton, making her more than just a symbol of style. The blend of intellectual curiosity and artistic flair showcased in Funny Face is remarkably progressive and one of the film’s most charming aspects.
Charming, Whimsical, and An Essential Part of Audrey Hepburn’s Body of Work
It’s impressive when an artist can create a diverse portfolio of roles, avoiding being stereotyped. Audrey Hepburn, for instance, delivered unforgettable performances spanning from soft and nuanced to charming and sophisticated. In “Funny Face,” Hepburn is essentially handed the baton by Astaire, as he significantly boosted her stardom, opening up numerous opportunities for her in the future.
In the movie “Funny Face,” a delightful blend of music, humor, and romantic tension is found, intertwined with a substantial dose of satire. The main character, portrayed by Audrey Hepburn, exudes intelligence and a broad perspective on life. Throughout her films, Audrey often played such complex characters, and in “Funny Face,” she had the opportunity to showcase her diverse abilities for all to appreciate.
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2024-09-30 06:32