More Than Just Scissors & Style: The Unexpected Stories Told by Hairdressers in Film
Isn't it fascinating how seemingly ordinary professions can become fertile ground for storytelling? We often overlook them, but think about it – a baker’s shop can be the heart of a community, a postman can carry secrets across town… and a hairdresser? Well, they hold a unique position. They’re confidantes, observers, stylists, and sometimes, unwitting catalysts in some pretty wild narratives. Let's dive into how film has used hairdressers to explore everything from romance and identity to societal satire and even the utterly bizarre.
It’s easy to dismiss the hairdresser as just a background character – someone who primps and preens while the “real” drama unfolds. But look at Shampoo, for example. Warren Beatty's George Roundy, a Beverly Hills stylist on the cusp of opening his own salon in 1968, isn’t just giving perms; he’s navigating a tangled web of relationships and financial woes against the backdrop of a pivotal election year. The salon itself becomes a microcosm of society – full of gossip, ambition, and fleeting connections. It's not just about hair; it's about aspiration, desire, and the messy realities of life.
And that’s what I love about how filmmakers use these professions! They offer an entry point into exploring broader themes. In Manta – Der Film, Tina, the hairdresser, isn’t just styling Fred’s hair (or lack thereof!). She represents something he desperately wants: acceptance and affection. His obsession with winning her over through his Manta car is almost comical, highlighting a yearning for validation that goes far beyond mere romance. It's a wonderfully quirky German film – I remember seeing it years ago at a small festival and being completely charmed by its offbeat humor!
Then you have films like Strange Bedfellows, where the hairdresser’s profession isn’t directly relevant, but the setting—a salon—provides a space for observation and comedic chaos. It's a reminder that even in seemingly mundane environments, human drama can erupt in unexpected ways.
And let’s not forget the sheer absurdity of A Slightly Pregnant Man. While the premise is utterly bonkers (and brilliantly executed!), it uses Marco’s situation to challenge our assumptions about gender and identity. The salon, as a place of transformation and appearance, becomes a particularly poignant backdrop for this extraordinary journey.
Even Charlie Chaplin got in on the act! In The Great Dictator, the Jewish barber's profession is tied directly to his persecution under an oppressive regime – a subtle but powerful commentary on the dehumanization inherent in totalitarianism.
So next time you see a hairdresser featured in a film, don’t just think about the haircut. Consider what that role represents—the quiet observer, the confidante, the stylist of not just hair, but also lives. It's a surprisingly rich and rewarding lens through which to view the human experience!
What films featuring unexpected professions have stuck with you? I’d love to hear your thoughts!
