Ex 3.8: Jack Nicholsan et alia

Analyse Bailey’s portrait of Jack Nicholson. Take a good look at the portrait first. What mood does it convey? Who is this person? What was Bailey trying to do? As before, analyse the various elements independently then think about how they come together to create meaning.

Jack Nicholson

Pose/gesture	Direct gaze into camera, grinning madly
Clothes	Suit but no tie
Props	No props
Lighting	Strong directional lighting gives mad look
Background	Plain white background
Meaning	Someone with evil intentions

 

Michael Caine

Pose/gesture	Smoking suggests manhood but not lit – waiting, apprehensive – direct physical /sexual challenge
Clothes	Sharp-dressed, trendy rather than City
Props	Glasses and cigarette, glasses part of the character but just frames
Lighting	Moody, from the side one light and an opposing reflector to fill in the front
Background	Plain, gives contrast at the edges
Meaning	Spy character – ‘Jack the Lad’ have a go at anything, I’m tough

Terence Donovan, Brian Duffy, Norman Parkinson, Angus McBean, John French and Cecil Beaton. 

Terence Donovan – Terrance Stamp 

 

Pose/gesture	Sultry, staring straight at the camera
Clothes	Modern day
Props	No props except a moustache
Lighting	Low contrast
Background	Very low key, black
Meaning	Sexy, meaningful stare

Brian Duffy – Harold Wilson

Pose/gesture	Strong, dependable, to be trusted
Clothes	Suit and tie
Props	Suit and tie used at prop to show reliability
Lighting	From left hand side and a light highlighting background
Background	Plain backdrop highlighted by key lighting
Meaning	Gives impression of being a strong dependable approachable politician

Norman Parkinson – Princess Margaret

Pose/gesture	Royal princess like
Clothes	Expensive, embroidered afternoon dress
Props	Sitting on upright chair
Lighting	Flattering, side lighting and on background
Background	Neutral, flattering colour framed with flowers
Meaning	Here’s a pretty princess looking regal

Angus McBean – Audrey Hepburn

  

Pose/gesture	Gamin, young woman
Clothes	Swim suit
Props	Sea shells, two anchors, wooden boat
Lighting	Very Hollywood, giving bright spot behind her head to emphasise face, direct light from left hand side giving shadows to right
Background	Sea scene
Meaning	Very direct look staring at camera but with sultry eyes

John French – Jean Shrimpton

  

Pose/gesture	High fashion, sophisticated
Clothes	Evening dress, expensive necklace/bracelet
Props	Cigarette
Lighting	Low key, very moody dark
Background	Black with no lighting on background
Meaning	Sophisticated fashion model, with cigarette

  Cecil Beaton

Pose/gesture	Poised, sophisticated, Hollywood model, very glamorous
Clothes	Expensive evening dress
Props	Expensive gem necklace/earrings
Lighting	Flattering soft lighting
Background	Soft light coloured material
Meaning	Attractive accomplished beautiful capable actress

The Obamas

 

Pose/gesture	Hand on hearts, looking skywards to the flag and heaven
Clothes	Non-business, casual, ‘man of the people’ clothes
Props	None
Lighting	Daylight with a little fill-in flash
Background	The masses – ordinary people
Meaning	I love America – proud to be an American