Since I began watching, I was in love with everything about Carrie, from her flawless blonde curls, to her fast-paced and glamorous lifestyle. Now, looking back on my love for her, I realize that it was the persona of her that was created on the show that I was drawn to, and not the real person inside. I realized I didn't actually know much about Sarah Jessica Parker. This probably contributed to my love for Carrie as a persona because Sarah Jessica Parker wasn't in the public eye compared to a celebrity like Angelia Jolie; her true personality was unknown to me so I solely identified with Carrie as if she were real. It is interesting to think about television characters and how much people invest in their devotion to them.
Below is a series of images taken from the Sex and the City Movie. Her costumes for the movie were amazing, each outfit looked better than the last. They showcased how her style had evolved and portrayed her as a more grown up, sophisticated woman. Carrie's outfits on the show allowed a large majority of viewers to identify with her unique style. She was always changing it up. Her persona is largely based on her love of all things fashion and of course, shoes. She was best known for popularizing the shoe designer Manolo Blahnik. "Manolos" were granted a certain prestige because of her.
I still adore Carrie Bradshaw, although now I recognize it is her persona that I am drawn to, and not the real person on the inside!
http://www.fashionsteelenyc.com/2011/11/inspired-by-carrie-bradshaw.html
Like you, I have become obsessed with the Sex In The City television series. After this week’s discussion on persona, I agree that you identify with the character that Sarah Jessica Parker plays, rather than the actual actress. I don’t know SJP personally, but would assume that her character portrayed in Sex In The City, is not identical to who she is in real life. You did a great job of giving us a detailed analysis of the character’s style, and how it was transcended onto its viewers, for example the Manolo’s reference. It is interesting how television series and films such as Sex In The City can influence its viewers into wanting to be similar to or alike the characters portrayed, instead of the actors or actress’ playing the character.
ReplyDeleteI think this is a great example of how a persona and a personality can be confused. SJP is a particular example of an actress who, in my opinion, can't shake a character. I can't watch a film without thinking - "That's Carrie!", because her gestures, ticks and voice are so connected to that character.
ReplyDeleteSarah Jessica Parker is most definitely always going to be remembered as Carrie Bradshaw first and foremost and when someone thinks of Carrie Bradshaw they will automatically think of Sarah Jessica Parker. With that being said, I am interested to know whether you think the new show, The Carrie Diaries, featuring Anna Sophia Robb as a teenage Carrie Bradshaw, will do her persona justice? Is it possible for someone else to take on such a role after SJP has made the persona of Carrie so successful?
ReplyDeleteI think thats a really good point you made! I am definitely guilty of becoming obsessed with stars personas while attributing all those characteristics to their actual personality. I agree that Sarah Jessica Parker is a perfect example of this, even someone who isn't an avid fan of Sex and The City knows that she's all about fashion and shoes. The picture you chose exemplifies that perfectly as well. When I think of her style it is over the top, and the way they chose her outfits in the fill portray that well. Each one is bigger and more fabulous than the previous!
ReplyDeleteI was a huge fan of the Gossip Girl books when I was younger and Serena Vanderwoodsen was one character that was almost too fabulous to even picture, but when the show came out and they chose Blake Lively to play her, I couldn't even get into the show because her pre-existing persona from movies such as Sisterhood of The Travelling Pants made it too hard for me to accept her as Serena! Interesting to think about!