Memoirs of a Geisha – What do the colours symbolise?

How is colour used as symbolism in Memoirs of a Geisha?

-         Memoirs of a Geisha largely revolves around Sayuri’s unique and genetically rare blue eyes. The colour blue symbolises water and this is referred to throughout the film by other characters who notice them.

-         The status of each Geisha is indicated through the collar on their kimono. An apprentice Geisha (a Maiko) wears a red collar which symbolises that she is in the training process whereas an established Geisha would wear a white collar.

-         A red box with a rice cake in it symbolises a Geisha’s purity. They give them to men to signal that they may bid for their mizuage (virginity).

How does the use of colour define Sayuri in her styling, makeup and hair?

Sayuri applying makeup

As the lead character Sayuri stands out due to her usual blue eyes. The colour blue represents purity and cleanliness which are important traits in a Geisha. Coupled with the traditional hair and makeup, she becomes the most sought after Geisha thanks to her intriguing appearance. During her apprentice Geisha stage, Sayuri is heavily made up with a thick white base, red lipstick and black eyeliner and brows. This is how an apprentice Geisha would be recognised. As she becomes older and more established, Sayuri adopts a more sombre look. Sayuri’s hairstyle is always very simple and elegant compared to other Geishas. It allows her natural beauty to be all the more forthcoming. 

This link shows the scene from Memoirs of a Geisha where Sayuri makes her transformation... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wYzqz3dMBCo

How does the use of colour set the tone for one of the scenes in Memoirs of a Geisha?  

 

Memoirs of a Geisha, opening scene

The opening scene of the film is very grey/black and dull in colour. During the scene, we see a father sell his young daughters and have them dragged away from their home and their family on a cold, raining night. The fear and sadness is reflected in the dark, monotone scenery. In Japanese culture, the colour black represents death and destruction. The darkness of the scenes indicates a low point and from there, the film moves forward, the story moves forward and as it rises, the colours become warmer to portray growth. 

It reminds me very much of a scene in X-Men (2000) when Magneto is a young boy in a concentration camp. The characters are riddled with fright and loss of hope and the tragic circumstance is reflected visually by equally grey and bleak colours, not only in scenery but in clothes and props too.

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