MovieChat Forums > Blow-Up (1967) Discussion > Astonishingly plain models

Astonishingly plain models


Was that intentional?

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The critical thing about models is not that they be beautiful but that they be photogenic. If they are beautiful as well - and they very often are - so be it. Verushka - the one featured in that very erotic photo shoot scene - was one of the top fashion models in Europe at that time.

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Someone who was in the industry just a few years after this film said it to me best.

A model shouldn't be pretty, in fact that's a detriment. Pretty girls are only one type of pretty and thus only look good with one type of style. the ideal model is a blank canvas, blank in the body and blank in the face, so that she can be made into whatever is needed with clothes and make-up.

::in the room with no doors, a faceless boy playing with makeup...
I love him from this mirror...::

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One of the others - the one in the stripes at the front in the group modelling scene - is Jill Kennington. Google her. She wasn't shabby.

http://www.phinnweb.org/links/cinema/directors/antonioni/pic/blowup7.jpg

http://www.rodcollins.com/images/jill-kennington-model.jpg

http://lh6.ggpht.com/_6oxx_tG-VHQ/TFhm96Pqf9I/AAAAAAAAHF8/qDq9OuCTMUk/1219065155764_f_thumb%5B2%5D.jpg

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Jill Kennington talks about Blow Up:

http://www.vanityfair.com/culture/2011/04/the-making-of-blow-up-201104

The pictures on the wall in Thomas' studio (actually that of John Cowan) are actually of her. Today many of them are considered landmark shots, particularly the one with the parachute.

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I disagree that the models are "plain" if by that is meant unremarkable in appearance. For example Peggy Moffit is not my type, but you can't miss her appearance. She really stood out.

And while Jane Birkin, much more my type, is not a great classic beauty, she certainly had a great appeal about her.

Verushka was too skinny to my taste, but if you think she was plain, I am speechless.

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Everybody's idea of beauty is different.

If it's all the same to you, I'll have that drink now.-Loki (Marvel's Avengers)

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