Monday, 13 May 2013

AUDREY HEPBURN- A WOMAN'S ICON



When looking at other representations of identity when it came to gender, I was drawn to the actress, Audrey Hepburn. Having been one of the most iconic actresses to emerge since Marilyn Monroe, Hepburn has been seen as a definition of the female icon during the golden age of cinema. In films such as Breakfast At Tiffany's and Sabrina, Hepburn represents a strong and independent woman, whilst still following stereotypes of the hopeless romantic. Hepburn was also seen as a fashion icon, reinventing the classy look of dresses whilst still upholding a casual look to it. Her work dominated Hollywood, by reinventing the female actress. In works such as ‘The Children’s Hour’, she would play the first lesbian role, an issue that at the time seemed taboo within media. This was however very controversial from her role in Breakfast At Tiffany’s, where she described herself as ‘playing a hooker’. The range of roles allowed female actresses to broaden their horizons within cinema, whilst still following the traditional roles of women in cinema. Hepburn was also a huge part of UNICEF, and her charitable work allowed her to gain more recognition for fighting for those less fortunate. Overall, Hepburn was one of the first female icons to not only receive mass recognition due to a successful career, but at the same time reinvent the female image in cinema.

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