Forsyth

The Red Queen of Wonderland

emmA forsyth

Johnny Depp’s quirky impersonations, Helena Bonham Carter’s booming voice set against the backdrop of Tim Burton’s carefully curated CGI – it’s Alice in Wonderland! The film would not be the film it is without those iconic costumes! Costume designer Colleen Atwood received her ninth Oscar Nomination for the film so we know there was no messing about in the style department!

The most iconic outfit is definitely the Red Queen’s. Her concept was to defy all odds, go against the conventional concept of a Cards costume into something much more magnificent. Think Bette Davis as Queen Elizabeth I, with a sprinkling of Helena Bonham Carter.

A costume this imposing and this iconic of course required all hands on deck. The formula for the Angry Red Queen included an Elizabethan dress complete with legof-mutton sleeves, nipped-in empire waist, high ruffle-style collar and gloriously juttedout skirt. Its imposing purpose is to make Carter seem larger than she already is – by using mountains upon mountains of fabrics. Ironically, both Burton and Atwood drew the same design for the costume; coincidence that it was the costume destined for such a villain?! The second step is the makeup: prosthetic forehead, eyebrows rising in grandeur to the middle of the forehead, and swathes and swathes of blue eye-shadow, somehow managing to simultaneously draw attention to and divert it away from the massive head. Let’s not forget those iconic red heart lips: a nod to the quintessential Red Queen brand this creation represents.

The final step is Bonham Carter’s hairline pushed back to make way for that monstrous, red, curling, heart-shaped wig. Alone, the wig weighed three pounds which proved to be a challenge for the costume designer, as making the head too big (as required) made the neck disappear and the head roll on the chest. Thus, CGI was used to deliver the fully imposing effect of The Red Queen. Helena Bonham Carter’s head was enlarged to appear three times its usual size.

With Bonham Carter’s superb acting, our Red Queen is created in all her glory – a truly underrated costume and character who deserves our full attention for her impeccable style and imposing presence. Time to whack on the TV to watch Alice in Wonderland and take some style notes!

Dangers of the Wonder/land: Child Grooming in Coraline

gAbby hArDWiCK is an English and Linguistics student at UWA. She spends her free time writing music and reading

When I say Coraline is my favourite film, people always ask me if it’s supposed to be for kids.

The visual beauty of Coraline always drew me in as a child. Even now, it’s one of my ‘comfort movies’. The animation incites wonderment and still excites me enough to make me come back. The confusion around the potential status of the film as a PG ‘kids’ movie’ is based off the fear many people felt when they first saw it as a child, as well as director Henry Selick’s animation style which many associate with children’s media.

I have maintained a love for the film over the years since its release, but my appreciation for the wonder/land created in the Other World in Coraline has evolved. I think what makes Coraline so uncomfortable for some is the idea that this wonder/land is a tool for the grooming and manipulation of the young characters.

Coraline feels a sense of entrapment in her life of neglect and boredom, but the Other World gives her the experience she is desperate for, to feel wonder and excitement. The Other Mother creates a world for children in which all their wishes and dreams are fulfilled. The children repay her as she steals their souls, marked by the sewing of buttons into their eyes.

The child-like need for excitement and adventure is satisfied by a beautiful landscape of gardens, circus, and music. Initially, Coraline’s normal life could never compare to such a beautiful escape.

However, the Other World traps vulnerable children, weakened by the harsh realities of life, into a world they think they want. To feel special, wanted and celebrated in the Other World is a new and exciting adventure.

Coraline shows frustration towards her family. Her real parents consistently ignore her when she wants to spend time with them, and Coraline is scolded for the very curiosity that makes her an endearing, determined, and intelligent character. As a consequence of her neglect, Coraline’s curiosity and need for stimulation makes her vulnerable to a dangerous relationship with the Other Mother.

The Other Mother – or ‘beldam’ – builds trust and close relationships with children with the intent of abusing them. Signs of grooming are evident: unexplained gifts, special gestures, and taking special interest in the family of the child. The very first gift is the doll made especially for Coraline in her likeness. Through the eyes of the doll, the beldam watches Coraline’s family issues unfold and intends to manipulate her when she is most vulnerable. The beldam pressures Coraline, wanting her to agree to the button eyes. She attempts to convince Coraline that it will all be worth it if she truly wants to leave her problems behind and finally feel excitement and wonder in her life.

After all, the magical wonder/land of the Other World has endless possibilities. The garden of the Other World is shaped like Coraline’s face, with bright blue flowers planted as a tribute to her iconic hair. A perfect roast dinner is served to Coraline, and she can wish for the customisations of her choice from a magical chandelier and gravy train. A private circus show entertains Coraline, and an affectionate song is written about her and performed by the Other Father. Coraline could not feel more celebrated by the time she realises that it’s all a trap.

As a child, I interpreted the frightening nature of Coraline’s adventure as a cautionary tale. I was convinced that the movie meant I should be grateful for what I have, and to be careful what I wish for. But Coraline isn’t wrong to wish to escape from neglect and to desire the feeling of being valued. I now see Coraline’s relationship with the Other Mother as an allegory for grooming.

The wonder I have always found in the Other World is understandable, as it was designed for me as a child. It is created to satisfy the inner child and to entertain the idea of what you could have.

Coraline is a cautionary tale, sure, but the danger in it is not as it seems. The fabricated wonder/land manipulates children into adoring an escapism from boredom and neglect that will only keep them controlled by something else.