Downton Abbey

I have been watching Downton Abbey which has been out for a couple of years now.

It has given me a real insight into the decade i have been looking at, from the costumes/outfits to the real life situations that happened over that time such as the world war, fashion changes and family problems.

Here i am going to put a few links up from the show.

Downton Abbey - Inside the house and history

 - The main reason the house was chosen was because even though it has a beautiful and castle style exterior and interior, it still looks slightly manly from the outside; very sturdy and broad.

 - The house interior is very 20th Century and before which really helps the production team as it means they didn't have to do a lot of changes to the set before they went into production.

-
Downton Abbey - Upstairs Downstairs - red nose day

Even though this show is a little bit of a joke and takes the mick out of the show a little bit, it still shows what they have used in the show to make it look antique and from the era it is based in.

- within the first few scenes we see the segregation of the workers (servants) and the family who own and live in the house. The workers are downstairs away from the family whilst the family sit and wait for things to be done for them.

- also in the first few scenes we see the sorts of china they use, very delicate with white and gold patterning. this china and cutlery being used looks very expensive which shows how much wealth this family has.

- The outfits also show wealth - purple seemed to be very in fashion (this being shown through the 'Titanic' as well when rose first gets on the ship). The dressed are embroided and the men are all in suits and highly dressed up.

- the interior of the family rooms is outstanding, royal colours used all over, statues (mostly marble women), giant fireplaces and loads of chairs. The workers areas is very plain and not much colour. Showing a lot more segregation.

- gold embroidered settee's - very expensive and shows wealth

- 1.18 into the film there is a newspaper about the titanic sinking!

Downton Abbey Extended Interviews

 - There is Mention of hierarchy by executive producer! Also, how the two interrelate and work with each other.
 - 16 principle characters - a lot of action and need to keep up with many characters stories.
 - The clips of the family and then to the maids - can see contrast between them through clothes, living spaces and their style in general. The girls in the family are more made up than the maids.
 - They have a Historical advisor who helps them make it seem more authentic.
 - the director has used slow tracking shots and classical shots to try keep its authenticity. makes it look older.
 - They also use tracking shots and tripod shots more upstairs to show calm and peace, then handheld for downstairs in servant quarters to make it seem more hectic.  - making two very contrasting worlds.
 - the servant quarters were built on a set and weren't on location at highclere.
 - the cast have 3 different outfits a day for different hobbies - this would have been what it was like in the decade.
 - maids only get two outfits, working clothes and out of work clothes. All very plain.
 - hair and makeup influence - Paris as it was of big importance in England over this decade - very soft look. Makeup artist did some research about the period and used personalities.
 - effects used to make it look real - food boiling etc.

Matthew and Mary Crawley - Proposal

 - beautiful red ball gown - worn for dinner parties and events
 - house entrance within the background
 - Matthew, wearing a mans dinner suit - this isn't like normal suits for days (see mens fashion page on blog)

Reflection of research

As I did with the films on the Titanic, I decided to find a few clips of the show, Including interviews with the cast and crew just to explain a few things to me about it. Obviously as I would have thought, Authenticity plays a big factor which is why they have got a Historical Advisor on set to make sure everything is done right. I wouldn't have known some of the things I found out through these clips if I hadn't have watched them so I think these have really helped push my research forward.