Netflix’s latest romantic comedy, “People We Meet on Vacation”, features Tom Blyth and Emily Bader as the lead characters, Alex and Poppy. Fans of the book may notice a significant difference in the movie adaptation: the characters’ hair color. Unlike the book, where Alex and Poppy are described as blonde, the film portrays them as brunettes. For Tom Blyth, this change was a relief, especially after recently dyeing his hair blonde for his role as Coriolanus Snow in “The Hunger Games: The Ballad of Songbird & Snakes”.
The Change from Book to Screen
The film’s decision to change the lead characters’ hair color from blonde to brunette marks a departure from the source material. In the book, both Alex and Poppy are blonde, a distinctive characteristic of their personalities. The film’s directors opted for a more natural look, which suits Tom Blyth’s dark brown hair. This change affects the tone of the movie, making it more grounded in reality.
This shift away from traditional Hollywood beauty standards is notable. By choosing a more natural look, the film’s directors aimed to create a more nuanced portrayal of the characters. The change may also reflect a growing trend in the entertainment industry towards embracing diversity and promoting realistic representations of beauty.
Tom Blyth’s Hair Relief
For Tom Blyth, not having to dye his hair blonde again was a relief. Having recently undergone the process for his role in “The Hunger Games”, he was happy to “stay au naturel” for the Netflix movie. Blyth joked about being tired of people telling him he looks better as a blonde. The change in hair color allowed him to avoid the hassle and potential risks associated with hair dye.
Blyth’s experience highlights the often-overlooked physical transformations actors undergo to get into character. Dyeing one’s hair can be time-consuming and damaging. By keeping his natural hair color, Blyth was able to sidestep these issues.
Implications for the Film’s Success
The change in hair color may have been a deliberate choice, but its impact on the film’s success is uncertain. Fans of the book may be surprised by the change, and social media will likely be abuzz with reactions. With Tom Blyth and Emily Bader on board, “People We Meet on Vacation” is shaping up to be a rom-com to watch.
The film’s producers will likely monitor the audience’s reaction closely, as they navigate the complex world of adapting a beloved book into a movie. Every decision, including the change in hair color, is under scrutiny. As we await the film’s release, one question remains: will the changes pay off, or will they be a misstep?
The Impact of Hair Color on Character Perception
Hair color can significantly influence our perception of a person’s personality. Research suggests that blonde hair is often associated with traits like youthfulness and innocence, while brown hair is linked to intelligence, reliability, and maturity. By changing the hair color to brunette, the film’s directors may be attempting to subvert these expectations and create a more nuanced portrayal of the characters.
| Hair Color | Associated Traits |
|---|---|
| Blonde | Youthfulness, innocence, superficiality |
| Brown | Intelligence, reliability, maturity |
This change can also affect how the audience relates to the characters. By making the characters more relatable and down-to-earth, the film may be attempting to create a stronger emotional connection with the audience. This is particularly relevant in the context of a rom-com, where the audience’s emotional investment in the characters is crucial to the film’s success.
Industry Trends: Moving Away from Traditional Beauty Standards
The decision to ditch the blonde hair in favor of a more natural look is part of a larger trend in the entertainment industry. There’s a growing movement towards embracing diversity and challenging traditional beauty standards. According to a study published on the National Center for Biotechnology Information website, the media plays a significant role in shaping our perceptions of beauty, and promoting diversity in media can have a positive impact on body image.
This trend is not limited to hair color; it’s part of a broader shift towards greater diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. As the industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more nuanced and realistic portrayals of characters on screen.
The Benefits for Tom Blyth’s Career
For Tom Blyth, the decision to keep his natural hair color may have been a relief, but it’s also a savvy career move. By showcasing his natural look, Blyth can demonstrate his versatility as an actor and move away from being typecast as a blonde-haired character. According to the Backstage article on typecasting, actors who can demonstrate their range and versatility are more likely to succeed in the industry.
Ultimately, the decision to change the hair color of the lead characters in “People We Meet on Vacation” reflects the film’s tone and the industry’s shifting trends. For Tom Blyth, it’s a relief and a savvy career move. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, we can expect to see more nuanced and realistic portrayals of characters on screen, and it’s exciting to think about the impact this will have on our perceptions of beauty and identity.