😉 What Role Would You Be Cast In... Based on Your FACE TYPE
Why do some people get cast in similar roles again and again? Is it lazy casting, or is it based on something deeper... our assumptions based on face type
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In today’s newsletter…
🎥 Why do people get typecast based on their appearance?
✨ The 7 essences and the roles you might be typecast in
☁️ Q&A: how can you dress ethereal in a practical lifestyle?
👟 Lookbook: casual ethereal outfits
Why do people get typecast in certain roles?
Your essence is a product of your facial features. It’s the way you appear to others before you have even had a conversation. As much as most of us would prefer not to make assumptions about people based on their appearance, our primal brains have certain associations that we just cannot control. These reactions are deep rooted, and play a huge role in how actors and actresses are cast in TV and film.
Some people might argue that no matter what a person looks like, if they can act well, they will be cast in that role. Others might also say that an actress is so attractive she would be cast in anything. One of my phrases is that there is more to appearance than ‘good’ or ‘bad’; just because an actress is stereotypically “pretty”, it doesn’t mean she has the right look for a certain character.
Sydney Sweeney is someone who has a mix of ingenue and romantic essences, and we often see her in roles which traverse this line between sweet and sexy or innocent and mature, such as in Euphoria and The Handmaid’s Tale. Sydney Sweeney might struggle more to get a sporty or adventuress role, unless it had a romantic twist. This doesn’t mean Sydney doesn’t have the acting ability or range for this kind of role, just that her facial features bring a certain perspective to the character, whether we like this or not.
The case of Audrey vs Marilyn characterises this perfectly. These two women are upheld as the timeless icons of the 1950s-60s, and yet they rarely were up for the same roles. Audrey had a youthful, boyish, delicate feel and Marilyn was more mature, womanly, sensual - even though both also had touches of ingenue. Both are beautiful, yet typecast in completely different roles.
Typecasting is a simple storytelling technique; it is a way to convey something you are supposed to know inherently about the character without them having to tell you explicitly in a scene. It might also be a way to subvert your expectations, for example, Jenna Ortega’s character Wednesday looks sweet and innocent on the outside, but is dark and frightening on the inside, making that darkness all the more disturbing.
If you’re not an actress, why should you care?
Most of us spend a shocking percentage of our lives in front of the television (myself included). Typecasting is ingrained, and we can recognise what kind of character we will receive just by looking at the actress on the poster. Therefore, it’s an effective way to reframe the 7 Kitchener essences or “face types” in contexts you can understand and be inspired by
The 7 essences and roles they get typecast in
Dramatic
Typical appearance: long + sharp facial features
Vibe: intimating, dangerous, powerful
Roles they might be cast in:
villain
intimidating boss
powerful queen
strict mother
politician
rebel leader
femme fatale
bombshell
For example
Cersei Lannister in Game of Thrones
The White Witch in Narnia
Meryl Streep as Margaret Thatcher in The Iron Lady
Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey
Natural
Typical appearance: long + blunt/angular facial features
Vibe: down to earth, relaxed, grounded
Roles they might be cast in:
girl next door
“every woman”
action heroine
athlete
popular girl
experimental artist
outdoor adventurer
down to earth parent
For example
Katniss Everdeen in The Hunger Games
Sarah Connor in Terminator
Vivian Ward in Pretty Woman
Gamine
Typical appearance: short and sharp/contrasted facial features
Vibe: cheeky, playful, boyish, unusual
Roles they might be cast in:
adventurous teenager
quirky friend
futuristic heroine
pixie
chaotic artist
For example:
Esther Shapiro in Orthodox
Holly Golightly in Breakfast at Tiffany’s
Nancy Wheeler in Stranger Things
Luna Lovegood in Harry Potter
Classic
Typical appearance: even, moderate and balanced facial features
Vibe: timeless, ageless, graceful
Roles they might be cast in:
member of royalty
healthy love interest
loyal friend
anyone in a period drama
reliable mother
unexpected genius
For example:
Wendy Byrde in Ozark
Harriet Smith in Emma
Mary in About Time
Ingenue
Typical appearance: short and sharp/contrasted facial features
Vibe: sweet, cute, innocent
Roles they might be cast in:
sweet teenager
victim
a fairy
loving mother
innocent girl in the big city
the good hearted friend
For example
Karen in Mean Girls
Penelope in Bridgerton
Sleeping Beauty in Maleficent
Ariel in The Little Mermaid
Romantic
Typical appearance: large, round, soft facial features
Vibe: sensual, glamorous and soft
Roles they might be cast in:
Bond girl
seductress
fiery or passionate woman
powerful queen
romantic love interest
For example
Kate Winslet in Titanic
Daenerys in Game of Thrones
Amy Pond in Doctor Who
Ethereal
Typical appearance: long and soft facial features
Vibe: otherworldly, celestial, ageless
Roles they might be cast in:
angel
uncanny creature
ghost
alien
grandmother
fortune teller
wise teacher
For example
Yvaine in Stardust
Galadriel in the Lord of the Rings
Sandie in Last Night in Soho
Which ones do you think you are? Join the conversation in chat:
WEEKLY CURATION
♻️ YouTube - BEST & WORST of “sustainable” red carpet moments by Leena Norms | Such an interesting look at what makes a red carpet dress truly a sustainable choice. I particularly liked her insight that wearing normal, everyday clothes is not necessarily the solution; surely we can find a way to respect artistry and make eco-friendly choices?
🐬Book - Pod by Laline Paul *| If you want to read a beautiful book, which is about women, family, love, cults… and dolphins… you need look no further. When I read the blurb of this book I thought “that’s too weird” but I was so wrong - this book is perfect in so many ways
👱♀️ Product - Dry Shampoo by Living Proof * | I have struggled so much with getting greasy hair since my natural hair has been growing out, so I thought I would try a dry shampoo. I saw loads of influencers trying this one, so I gave it a go and I have to say I absolutely love it
👜 Product - Suede bag by Mango * | I bought this leather shopper bag last week from Mango, and I have since been absolutely obsessed. It’s my perfect summer beige AND I can fit a book in it - it’s all I’ve ever wanted
New Uploads:
💋 YouTube - My True Summer 5-Minute Makeup | Colour Analysis💄🎨 | I break down my everyday makeup for my summer colour palette, and break down why it might work for you
❄️ Reel - I have ethereal essence | A classic Ellie-Jean transformation, showing the importance of ethereal essence makes in my yin/yang blend
🎬 Reel - Which role would you be typecast in | If you want some real face examples in addition to what I wrote in this letter, this reel is for you
🖌️ Reel - Why you should go outside to learn about fashion | My thoughts on why personal style is like being an artist
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