Inspiration for a Doll - the Movies

Doll artists can take inspiration for doll from anywhere - nature, a single colour, a phrase or expression, a child's storybook, folk tales, a real life person, a different culture, a political issue, an historical figure and so on. There are so many wonderful movies with amazing costuming ideas that it's hard not to be inspired.

Consider for example the wonderful world of Pandora from the latest James Cameron blockbuster. Not just the creatures dreamed up but the whole beautiful, lush world they enhabit. If you are inspired to make a fantasy creature ask yourself - what environment do they live in, how do they breathe, communicate - experience all the senses. How do they dress and show individual identity, rank, importance or role. What weapons or articles would they use and carry?

What about the magical creatures that are just over the bridge in Bridge to Terabithia?

Alice In Wonderland is a perennial favourite with Doll Artists. I am sure the 2010 version by Tim Burton will spark another frenzy. It's so interesting to see how art directors and costume designers play with such defined characters like the Mad Hatter, the Queen of Hearts or even Alice herself. Johnny Depp is almost unrecognisable as the Mad Hatter (as is Helena Bonham Carter as the Queen - love the Bobble head look!)

Of course, we can't forget the always spectacular Lord of The Rings Trilogy. Firstly - my personal favourite the Ents.

Those interesting creatures - the hobbits .....

(Photo credit - Pierre Vinet)

Then, of course there were the ever luminous elves......

(Liv Tyler's gorgeous headpiece is absolutely glorious....)

Not to mention Gandalf with his wizard's staff and amazing hat, Aragon, the Riders of Rohan,  - even the baddies- Gollum, the Orcs, the Witch King - all provide enormous inspiration to the doll artist.

But perhaps your 'thing' is realism and historical dress? Well of course if you love the Elizabethan period there is Cate Blanchett in Elizabeth and Elizabeth the Golden Age....

If you fancy a bit of Ante-Bellum charm how can you go past Vivien Leigh as Scarlett O'Hara in Gone With The Wind?  The white dress with the green sprigs and ribbons which Scarlett wears in the opening scenes is very iconic - but I've always adored the red dress she wears to Ashley's birthday party - looking every bit the Scarlet Woman!

or perhaps you're a bit of a fan of the Victorian period - what about Emily Blunt in Young Victoria?

Maybe Chicago inspires you to make a doll from the Jazz age?

Or my personal favourite by Francis Ford Coppola - The Cotton Club?

Which movies inspire you with your dollmaking? Do you love fantasy films or realistic ones? Are you a sucker for a costume drama? Which movie makes you want to hit the sewing machine and try to recreate a character? Share some inspiration.