Even beyond the dystopian cityscapes, the Phillip K Dickian seediness, and Rutger Hauer’s ‘tears in the rain’ speech, there was yet more perfection in 1982’s Blade Runner: namely, Sean Young’s hair.
Finding these polaroids of Young in her Rachael hair and makeup was like an early birthday present x 10. I’ve always found the mix of stern 1940s styling thrown in amoungst the futuristic decay to be an intriguing one, and it’s one of those visually well-played aspects of the film that gives it such an ongoing appeal. Even if you’re not a fan of the film you can probably appreciate how damn cool the hair and makeup look when removed from the rest of the costuming, as well. Trading power shoulders and bustling furs for a sharp pencil skirt, plain white tee and cigarette suddenly makes the Rachael hairstyle less forties film-noir Victory Roll and a little more fifties rockabilly pompadour. A little more masculine. Oh, and sexy. Which serves to highlight the versatility of the style, to be sure.
The film geek in me is in love. After the jump you can view more of (Mary) Sean Young along with co-stars Harrison Ford, Rutger Hauer, and other cast and crew having fun on set.
Click on the thumbnails for more Film Noir vixen styling inspiration courtesy of Sean Young’s Blade Runner polaroids.
The photos were originally posted on Mary Sean Young.
