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Illusions are a major part of the movie business.
Getty Images/Netflix/Design by Channing Smith
Hair and makeup magic were crucial to the upcomingNetflix filmBlonde, a fictionalized chronicle of Marilyn Monroe’s life.
The casting decision sparked criticism the moment it was announced.
And she was like, No, those are from the dailies.
Marilyn Monroe in 1947
De Armas worked with a dialect coach and choreographer to master Monroe’s essence.
But, one could argue, none of that comes together without Marilyn’s signature look.
The synergy between the actor, the hair, and makeup is what ultimately makes the illusion believable.
Ana de Armas in 2020
“The origin of hair is really big for me when creating anywig,” says Pickens.
“Because all of us innately as human beings pick up on hair lines and how natural hair looks.
“[Norma Jeane] had mousy brown, curly hair,” Pickens says.
One of the wigs used on de Armas.
“We look like crazy people sometimes with photos pinned all over the wall all while we’re tying.
The wigs also featured baby hairs around the hairline.
Additionally, “[We] did a lot of Angora mohair detail around the hairline.
A close up of the hand-tied hairline.
We use it because it emulates the vellus hairs at the hairline,” Pickens explains.
“There’s a lot of detail that goes into that last half inch to really sell it.”
One of the wigs used on de Armas.
A wig in a roller set.
A close up of the hand-tied hairline.
A wig in a roller set.
Many of the looks throughout the film are references from actual photos of the star.
De Armas wearing a slightly altered version of Monroe’s signature eyeliner.
But getting them to look realistic also meant making tweaks to de Armas’s scalp.
Eliminating a full bald cap allowed de Armas’s head to breathe during the long days of filming.
“It allowed us to have the ability to change the wigs really often.
Monroe glowing in 1954.
De Armas wearing a slightly altered version of Monroe’s signature eyeliner.
Further, Monroe used tocreate awing on her lower lashline to emulate the shadow from her lashes.
Andrew [Dominik] said You cannot put Marilyn’s makeup on Ana you have to transform herintoMarilyn.
De Armas glowing in the film.
The Glow
Monroe glowing in 1954.
There were two things Monroe utilized in her makeup routine that weren’t included in de Armas prep.
De Armas glowing in the film.
De Armas with dark brows in 2018.
It’s so reflective that it worked perfectly.
“And she cried the first time she saw it.
She’s got this really dark hair, and these really pale brows.”
De Armas with light brows in 2019, whenBlondewas filming.
De Armas with dark brows in 2018.
De Armas with light brows in 2019, whenBlondewas filming.
“We want to make Marilyns fans happy,” says Kerwin.
Because the start or the end of a scene usually evolves into a famous photograph.
I really, really, really hope they love it.”
