Pity poor pock-marked Cameron Diaz and other stars as they look into the high definition future – and an unflattering mirror.
The arrival and beginning of mass acceptance of high definition television is worrying make up artists because of the incredibly clear and detailed picture, which shows each and every flaw on the faces of Hollywood. From Television Week:
People sometimes say that an actor looks better-or worse-on TV than in person. Well, there’s a reason for that. Heavy makeup-combined with the imprecise picture of an analog TV channel-can make an average-looking person look attractive.
However, HDTV’s ultra-realistic picture is the great equalizer. Someone like Catherine Zeta-Jones, who has naturally beautiful skin and hair, looks even better on HDTV while Diaz suffers in comparison. Younger actors look more vibrant while older actors, such as Becker’s Ted Danson, look their age or worse. Sorry, Ted.
In the early days of HDTV, makeup artists piled on the goo, thinking it would cover everything from wrinkles to blemishes. But heavy makeup is noticeable on HDTV, which can detract from a show’s realism.
The industry has recently developed a special makeup technique called “airbrushing.” Similar to the gloss-over done in glamour stills, airbrushing is intended to soften facial imperfections. The technique is not perfect, although it has been used well on the HD broadcast of NBC’s The Tonight Show With Jay Leno.
However, the makeup industry will continue its search. Because as Blanche DuBois begged to stay away from the light in A Streetcar Named Desire, the stars of tomorrow may beg to stay away from HDTV.
