somniloquence

One wonders, of course, just what the association between wickedness and eyeliner is for men. I'm sure there's a deepseated psychological need being expressed here, as if the darkened, kohl-eyed mystery of the character is shorthanded through the judicious application of Maybelline.

It's been too long since university, but when I took Film Studies I remember a classmate doing a study on make-up and character in silent films. From what I can remember, the villain was almost always more heavily made up than the hero, even though both wore a lot of makeup. This was probably a carry over from vaudeville and theatre, so the tradition must go back a ways.

Intriguing post, by the way. Now, if you just had pictures, it would be perfect. :)