How we see Estella on screen

There have been many depictions of Estella, through TV and film, we have been exposed to many directors' impressions of what the cold hearted, troubled, miserable character looks like when brought to life out of the pages of the book 'Great Expectations'.

Great Expectations (2011)- BBC

 

This interpretation of Estella is a rather simple one that I believes focuses more on the hair than her face. She wears little to no makeup, with a fair complexion that leaves her vulnerable to all her emotions being shown through easily. At points she has a glow to her, but for the most part she is relatively dull and uncomplicated. However when it comes to the hair, it is apparent that at times it can be messy and unkempt, which may be an allusion to her life or the situations she's in. However it can be assumed that all hairstyles would be up and revolve around curls, and in all of these photos she has a side parting. The hair is also pulled quite far up the crown of the head, however I believe as Great Expectations was set in the early 1800's, it should historically be lower.

Great Expectations (2012)

 

 

This version of Estella Havisham is more, I find, avant garde and a colourful caricature of the drab, gothic version of her in the book. I think that this version of her has a cherub type appearance from the makeup that has been applied; namely a fair complexion, peachy blush and plumped, coloured lips. She looks more healthy, alive and colourful than the BBC version of Estella. Moreover, her hairstyles are more elaborate and extravagant. I believe that they take historical features and have been combined with modern interpretations in some instances, for example in the middle photos her hair is very large and the bun is loose rather than tight, but is still wrapped around with a plait and some jewels. However some hairstyles like in the first photo are more subtle and adhere to historical trends, even though the long, loose hair at the bottom is more fitting in the later stages of the 1800's. I believe that this look has been created to be more aesthetically pleasing and provocative.

Great Expectations (1946)

 

Because this movie was shot in black and white, the makeup on Estella isn't the most noticeable feature about her. Again, I believe it is the hair that is the most extravagant feature about her. Her hair never seems to have any straight parts; it is all curled then pulled up into hairstyles that either fit underneath a hat or like in the photo in the above left, cascading into a bun on the back of her head. When watching the movie on youtube, her features aren't easily deciphered because it is rather blurry, however it can be assumed from photos that her hair is largely complicated and is historically accurate.

Great Expectations (2013 play)

There is a stark difference when it comes to the theatre version of Estella. It seems as if she is portrayed as a more raunchy version as she wears low cut clothes and has excessive makeup. Not only is this so that the audience can see her makeup but also for dramatic purposes. They have accentuated her cheek bones and lips and made her face extremely white, which I assume is as a result of her not having the chance to leave the house very much. Her hair is always in a middle parting which is historically accurate in terms of early Victorian hairstyles, and she always has curly hair, whether it be tied back and incorporated in a bun or hanging loose on each side and then the back fashioned into a bun. I think this interpretation is more for dramatic effect rather than historic and literary accuracy.