Hairspray
Summary
In 1988 , the originalHairspraymovie became an exigent cult classic . star the iconic retarding force poof Divine as Edna Turnblad , the John Waters - directedHairspraywas a vivacious , cheeky celebration of the 1960s terpsichore culture and racial consolidation , wrapped in a comedic narrative . Divine ’s Edna was a loving but formidable mother , embodying a admixture of traditional muliebrity and audacious retarding force carrying out , which became a fix feature of the film . This portrayal not only add importantly to the movie ’s charm but also coif a high standard for the character .
Years later , the 2007 remake ofHairspraybrought the beloved story to a fresh generation , with John Travolta stepping into the high up - heeled brake shoe of Edna Turnblad . Unlike the original , this adaptation aimed to capture the kernel of the ' 60s geological era with a modern turn , utilize a star - stud cast to reintroduce the themes of acceptance and diversity . Travolta ’s approach to the office of Edna significantly dissent from Divine ’s , aiming to offer a fresh perspective on the character without overshadowing the bequest of the original carrying into action .
Divine is one of the most interesting performers of the twentieth century , best known for his collaboration with Hairspray music director John Waters .
John Travolta Wanted Edna Turnblad To Feel Like A Woman In Hairspray, Not A Drag Performance
The Actor Wanted Edna To Be Believable As A Real Person
John Travolta’sHairsprayremakeand his rendition of Edna Turnblad weremeticulously crafted to differentiate from Divine ’s iconic operation . This attack mean soak up himself to the full in the character , avoiding any cues that would offend the conjuration of Edna being anything other than a echt woman . Travolta stated ( viaAccess Online ):
I strain to make it so you never really knew it was me , that you believe it was some kind of flakey overweight woman . Divine always had kind of the eye blink that it was a piece playing a woman , but I tried not to have the wink .
The effort put into Travolta ’s transformation was massive , involving broad make-up , hairsbreadth styling , and even adopting a unique accent . The intention was not just to mask Travolta but to make an Edna that audiences could believe in as a real person . This level of commitment to the role seek to honor the original while providing a novel interpretation . Travolta ’s Edna was less about the spectacle of a human being in pull and more about embodying the character ’s spirit and humanity .
Custom image made by Stephen Barker
Hairspray Co-Star Queen Latifah Complimented John Travolta’s Performance
But Christopher Walken Wasn’t Convinced
Queen Latifah , who co - asterisked inHairspray , praise Travolta ’s commitment to the role . She noted ( viaArtisan News ):
I mean , he was Edna Turnblad . I got used to seeing him as this girl , this big old charwoman , y’know what I mean , with this curvaceous body that really just moved — and he was able-bodied to move like it was his . It was cool .
I never looked at him like Edna , it was always John . I wish John a lot and I arrest along really well with him , so I think that just carried over into Wilbur and Edna .
Hairspray is a musical comedy film directed by Adam Shankman, based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Set in 1960s Baltimore, it follows teenager Tracy Turnblad, played by Nikki Blonsky, who dreams of dancing on a popular TV show. Featuring performances by John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Zac Efron, the film explores themes of racial integration and body positivity.
Despite this , Walken ’s professional respectfulness and personal warmheartedness for Travolta leave for a credible on - screen chemistry between Wilbur and Edna . His view offers a unique counterpoint , underscoring the immanent nature of performance and the varying impacts it can have on dissimilar consultation members . Travolta ’s dedication to the role was further evidenced by his efforts to test the believability of his persona transformation . Sharing concealment test footage with unsuspicious watcher , Travolta was delighted by their inability to recognize him , taking their surprise as a testament to the success of his transformation into Edna . Travolta revealed ( viaCollider ):
Well , I ’ll tell you what , I had seen it on a silver screen trial run , which I was very unrestrained about , because when I occur out I did n’t acknowledge me at all , I did n’t see me in it , and I test it on other people and tell , ‘ Now depend , take a look at that , there ’s this broad that we ’re await at to see if she ’s going to be good for the movie , ’ and I let them watch for five minutes , about 15 minutes of film , and I said , ' What do you think of her ? ' They said , ' She ’s playfulness , she ’s lovely , she ’s kind of cute , ' I said , ‘ estimable , that ’s me . '
John Travolta ’s embodiment of Edna Turnblad abide as a will to the actor ’s versatility and dedication to dive deep into character . By consciously deflect the camp and open staginess consociate with drag carrying out , Travolta brought a new dimension to Edna . His efforts to severalize his depicting from Divine ’s while still honor Divine ’s kernel lead in a performance that was both a court and a unique interpretation . This ticklish balance between respecting the original and introduce a fresh view is what sets Travolta ’s Edna apart , making her a memorable figure in her own right within the full-bodied tapestry ofHairsprayhistory .
rootage : Access Online , Artisan News , Collider
Cast
Hairspray is a musical comedy film address by Adam Shankman , base on the Broadway musical of the same name . Set in sixties Baltimore , it follows adolescent Tracy Turnblad , play by Nikki Blonsky , who dreams of dancing on a pop TV show . feature performances by John Travolta , Michelle Pfeiffer , and Zac Efron , the moving picture explore themes of racial integrating and body positivity .
Hairspray is a musical comedy film directed by Adam Shankman, based on the Broadway musical of the same name. Set in 1960s Baltimore, it follows teenager Tracy Turnblad, played by Nikki Blonsky, who dreams of dancing on a popular TV show. Featuring performances by John Travolta, Michelle Pfeiffer, and Zac Efron, the film explores themes of racial integration and body positivity.
