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Hedda Gabler's Riotous Party: A Designer's Dream
25 Nov
Summary
- Mid-century England replaces Norway for a more relatable, fun adaptation.
- Costume, production, and music departments created a chaotic, alluring world.
- Composer enlisted crew and background actors to create the unique choir.
Nia DaCosta's "Hedda Gabler" reimagines the classic play by shifting its setting from 19th-century Norway to post-war England. This mid-century update aims for greater audience relatability and embraces a more vibrant, chaotic energy, centered around Hedda's extravagant parties and impulsive actions.
The film's departments collaborated to build a world that visually and audibly mirrors Hedda's magnetic yet unstable personality. Production designer Cara Brower aimed for a "vortex" atmosphere, while costume designer Lindsay Pugh meticulously crafted outfits, like Hedda's iconic green dress, to command attention and convey character. Composer Hildur Guðnadóttir further enhanced this by integrating a unique breathy choir, comprised of cast and crew, adding an ethereal layer.
This adaptation explores themes of impulse and desire through meticulous design choices, from the art deco furniture to the set list of the in-film band. The visual palette, inspired by the "rotten fruit" metaphor from the script, leans towards moody, desaturated tones, creating a sense of claustrophobia. Guðnadóttir's score, incorporating jazz and experimental breath vocals, drives the narrative and underscores Hedda's complex psychology, making "Hedda Gabler" a truly immersive cinematic experience.
