Thursday, January 28, 2010

Scarlett Johansson for Dolce and Gabbana: A Lesson in Semiotics and Iconography

http://www.luxuo.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/01/scarlett-johansson-dg.jpg

This advertisement for Dolce and Gabbana lipstick portrays the actress Scarlett Johansson dressed, posed, and made-up like Marilyn Monroe. Marilyn Monroe was an icon who symbolized beauty, glamour, sex-appeal and femininity. Scarlett's corset and provocative pose capture the sexiness Marilyn represented. Her bright red lipstick, blood red nails, and bleach blonde hair are also similar to Marilyn's beauty signatures. After all, it is important for the consumers and audience members to notice Scarlett's lipstick since this is the product Dolce and Gabbana is trying to sell, but what other messages are also being sold?

This advertisement represents not only a famous icon (Marilyn Monroe) but also can be used to teach a lesson in Semiotics. In this picture the signifier is Scarlett Johansson and the messages signified are the ideals, expectations, and ideas in society that the images projects. Ultimately, this company is trying to sell their crimson lipstick by using this advertisement. There are many other goals, however, that this high fashion corporation are trying to fulfill regarding which messages they are trying to give to consumers. For example, the signified concept could be that if you are a woman buying this lipstick product you will be gorgeous, glamorous, and beautiful like the model wearing the lipstick in the picture (Scarlett Johansson). Perhaps psychologically the audience will also believe this glamour and beauty they will possess from the lipstick will lead to happiness, wealth, and an overall life of success. Even though this model is a signifier who should technically just be trying to sell the product in the advertisement there are many other signified messages represented as well.

1 comment:

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    It is ironic that the director of "Rub & Tug" Rupert Sanders directed the Ghost in the Shell that Scarlett and the crew made the pile of stones for "bleaching", choose a white actor to play the role Asian heroine. Ghost in the Shell is a Japanese cultural icon, but this Hollywood version has failed miserably at the global box office. Before filming for Rub & Tug, Johansson will have to complete Taika Waititi's Jojo Rabbit project. Next year fans will see her re-appear as Black Widow

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