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Paula Konieczny, Woman.gazeta.pl: Even though “Euforia” is considered a series for teenagers, which presents the everyday struggles of their peers in an uncompromising way, it also found its supporters among older audiences. What do you think, as millennials, is behind the success of this series?
Paula Janiczek: I think there are many factors to this. First of all, it is perfectly implemented. The creators have managed to create a specific visual language and it is absolutely delightful – from the work of the camera, skilful manipulation of light, through great music, to insanely charismatic characters and great acting.
With its aesthetics and colors, “Euphoria” perfectly balances the difficult subject of the series – its characters finally struggle with problems such as addictions, mental disorders, difficult relationships with their own bodies or family traumas.
“Euphoria” was accused of promoting violence and “glorifying drug use”.
There were indeed some accusations against the series – that it glorifies trauma or glorifies drugs, but such interpretations are very shallow – the creators did not want to create a moralizing work, but rather, by creating such a visual language, they wanted to make us experience these situations together with the characters.
Characters are not role models, but as I mentioned, this was not what the creators intended – perhaps young people need such imperfect heroes. Rue’s fight with addiction can make viewers find great sympathy not only for her characters, but also for real addicts. The transgender actress Hunter Schafer, who plays the transgender character Jules, allows viewers to gain a greater understanding of people who struggle with gender identity issues. The great value of the series is also the fact that thanks to it young people can feel that they are not alone in their difficult experiences.
To sum up – visually attractive aesthetics, charismatic characters, interesting, valuable topics – all this contributed to the success of the series.
The make-up of the characters and heroines of the series have also become a kind of phenomenon, which – you can probably say – changed the approach to everyday make-up?
I believe that the series had a huge impact on the approach to the subject of everyday makeup, which was perfectly proven by the content that appeared in social media right after the premiere of the first season. Suddenly, it turned out that there are many great artists and young people on the internet who were inspired by the make-up from the show and made their own interpretations. I remember that I was absolutely delighted and I ran to the store for a color palette. The protagonists of the series taught us the courage to be ourselves and that we should fully express ourselves – not be afraid of experiments and distinguishing ourselves.
The make-up of the characters, although spectacular, are not only used to emphasize their beauty?
The make-ups of the heroes of “Euphoria” allow the creators to build their identity, and are also a carrier of additional meanings. When we look at the topic a bit more – it turns out that virtually no crystal in the eyes of the protagonists is there by accident. Take Jules as an example – in the first season the makeup was a reflection of her mental state – at first it was bright and girlish, and it became darker and darker as the action went on. In the second season, Jules’s makeup has become much more abstract, and the heroine herself looks more androgenic. This can be explained by her changing relationship with her own femininity.
The second season of the series is more focused on emotions, and the characters change and evolve before our eyes, so their makeups are also different. This time, the creators focused on more modest stylizations. I think that one of the reasons is not to overshadow the emotions of the characters, which literally explode in the second season.
And in the second season, however, makeup is still a very important medium of meanings – an interesting relationship is, for example, between Maddy (the heroine played by Alexa Demie – ed.) And Cassie (played by Sydney Sweeney – ed.). When we look at Cassie’s makeups, we can see that they are a kind of reinterpretation of Maddy’s makeup from season 1. All this to be noticed by Nate (Jacob Elordi – ed.). Maddy’s make-up, with a long and sharp line painted with an eyeliner at first glance, reflect her sharp and sometimes aggressive character. A memorable scene is when the aggressive and heavily painted Maddy bangs into the bathroom, where the delicate Cassie is hiding with tiny crystals on her eyelids – their makeups perfectly show the differences in their characters.
Can we then see makeup and the way it is done as a non-verbal language of communication?
I think that thanks to the series, makeup began to be perceived by a wider audience as a real art, and not just an ornament that is supposed to gently emphasize our natural beauty. It has become a manifesto of our independence and allows us to feel fully ourselves.
Makeup is also freedom – whatever it sounds like – we can use it to manifest our independence, regardless of the conventions or opinions of others. We live in times when we are very strongly influenced by certain canons promoted, among others in social media – the series “Euforia” encouraged us to a kind of make-up revolution and to express ourselves freely. I think it’s more than just a fad after all.
Is your makeup also a tool of self-expression?
Often the makeup that I wear on a given day totally reflects my mood and how I feel. Makeup allows me to express myself – emphasize my independence, individualist character and artistic soul.
Which of the characters in a special way provided you, as a fan of “Euphoria” – with inspiration?
When it comes to the protagonists of the series – I am probably most inspired by Maddy’s look – just like her, I love the glitter on my eyes and cheeks, and long lines painted with eyeliner are an essential element of my everyday makeup.
I often get questions about my makeup and always encourage girls to experiment. Make-up can emphasize our beauty, but besides, I consider it an art form and something that can stimulate our creativity and give us courage in everyday life. Sometimes I hear – “I like your makeup, but I would not dare to do it”, and I think that each of us should do the makeup that we want. Would you like glitter lines or green eyeshadow? Just do it and be proud of your appearance!
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Source: Gazeta
Tristin is an accomplished author and journalist, known for his in-depth and engaging writing on sports. He currently works as a writer at 247 News Agency, where he has established himself as a respected voice in the sports industry.
