Meet Claudia. Meet Quentin. Could it be Love?

Within the next part of my 'Gothic Horror' hair and make-up project this semester, we are looking at gothic horror more in fashion rather than period.  For this section, we have to create two characters for a gothic horror music video; Claudia and Quentin.

Johnny Depp and Helena Bonham Carter in Tim Burton's Sweeney Todd
Unknown. (2007). Available: http://www.dvdbeaver.com/film2/DVDReviews42/sweeney_todd_blu-ray.htm. Last accessed 20th March 2014.

Claudia: a girl in her twenties, who was left alone as a child with little parental guidance.  Claudia never goes outside, as she is agoraphobic, and relies on her neighbours to bring her her every day needs, such as food.  During her childhood she watched many horror films and developed an unhealthy relationship with them, believing this to be the way life really is.  Claudia finds the girls in these films to be her inspiration and she models her looks on them, depending on which film she is watching at the time.

Quentin: Claudia's imaginary boyfriend who is a constant disappointment to her.  He visits her regularly, and as he is within her imagination his appearance can change depending on her mood.  On a good day he will resemble a David Beckham type guy, whereas on a bad day he will become a couch potato.  Quentin is as into horror films as Claudia is and he is willing to participate in role-play to suit her different moods.  Claudia, however, believes that Quentin is often unfaithful to her, and so she keeps him under her thumb and sometimes physically restrains him and keeps him her prisoner.

My initial reaction to this part of the project brief is that I can be really creative with my characters to design some interesting, dark personalties through their image.

First thoughts on Claudia - she is a twisted, psychotic, misunderstood girl, who honestly believes that the life she lives is normal.  I believe her to be a woman who likes to overpower and control Quentin.  My initial ideas for Claudia's style involve dark eye make-up and a sleek but simple hairstyle.  I plan to model Claudia's make-up design using influences from horror films but putting my own twist on them to make it fit her personality better.

First thoughts on Quentin - he is a faithful, timid guy who allows himself to be pushed around by Claudia.  I think that he is scared of Claudia and what she could do to him, so he obeys her every demand and will do anything to please her.  I believe that they have a dominant/submissive relationship, with Claudia taking the dominant role and Quentin being her submissive.  I see their relationship to be both very abusive and sexual.  Therefore my initial ideas for Quentin's look involve either a very beaten and bruised look, or a dark, sexy one to match Claudia's ideals for when they 'play'.