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Hairspray (2007) movie poster

Characters & Themes

Hairspray (2007) Characters, Setting & Themes Explained

Release, runtime and language
2007 · 117 min · English
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Directed by
Adam Shankman
Starring
John Travolta, Nikki Blonsky, Queen Latifah

In 1960s Baltimore, Tracy Turnblad, a confident teenager, auditions for and unexpectedly wins a spot on the local teen dance program, "The Corny Collins Show." Her newfound popularity makes her a sensation and a target, challenging the show's established star and sparking a movement for integration. Tracy’s journey becomes about more than just dance, as she fights for equality and brings much-needed change to the television program and the city.

Comedy Romance Musical Cast, crew & box office
On this page (8)
  1. 1 Where to watch
  2. 2 Characters explained (3)
  3. 3 Where & when it takes place
  4. 4 Themes & meaning (2)
  5. 5 Character & meaning questions
  6. 6 Movie threads
  7. 7 Movies like Hairspray
  8. 8 Every angle
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3 main characters · contains spoilers

Hairspray Characters Explained: Who Is Who

The main characters of Hairspray (2007), heroes and villains: what drives them, how they change over the course of the story and what each of them reveals about the film's bigger ideas.

  • Tracy Turnblad

    played by Nikki Blonsky

    Tracy is a spirited and ambitious teenager who dreams of becoming a dancer on *The Corny Collins Show*. Despite her struggles with self-image and societal rejection, she remains optimistic and persistent. Her journey toward acceptance and success inspires those around her, making her a relatable and beloved character.

    • 💃 Dreamer
    • 🌟 Inspirational

  • Edna Turnblad

    played by John Travolta

    Edna is Tracy's loving mother, a laundress who grapples with her own insecurities about body image and societal expectations. Her character evolves throughout the film as she learns to embrace her own worth. Her protective nature and eventual empowerment highlight the film's themes of acceptance and self-love.

    • ❤️ Motherly Love
    • 💪 Empowerment

  • Motormouth Maybelle

    played by Queen Latifah

    Motormouth Maybelle is a charismatic and strong-willed character who plays a pivotal role in advocating for racial equality. As the host of 'Negro Day,' she represents the artistic contributions of the African American community and encourages Tracy and her friends to fight for what is right. Her vibrant personality illuminates the importance of representation.

    • 🎤 Advocacy
    • 🎶 Music Icon

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:08

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Setting

Where and When Does Hairspray Take Place?

The setting of Hairspray (2007): the year and time period, the places and locations, and how they shape the characters, the mood and the tension of the story.

Time period

May of 1962

The film is set during a pivotal time in American history, just before the Civil Rights Movement began to gain momentum. This era was marked by significant social changes, particularly concerning racial integration and equality. The events of the film unfold against this backdrop, highlighting the struggles faced by marginalized communities.

Location

Baltimore

Baltimore is a vibrant city known for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. In the early 1960s, it was a hub for social change and artistic expression, which is reflected in the lively atmosphere of dance and music depicted in the film. The city's dynamics play a crucial role in the story, showcasing both the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants.

  • 🏙️ City
  • 🎶 Music

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:08

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2 major themes

Hairspray Meaning: Themes & Message Explained

What is Hairspray (2007) really about? The emotional, social and philosophical themes the film keeps returning to, its symbolism and the message beneath the surface.

  • Equality

    Hairspray explores the theme of equality through Tracy's journey as she challenges societal norms and fights against segregation. The film illustrates the importance of unity and acceptance, particularly in the face of prejudice. Through music and dance, it advocates for breaking down barriers and fostering inclusivity.

  • Acceptance

    The concept of acceptance is central to the narrative, particularly how Tracy and her friends navigate their identities. The film promotes self-acceptance and encourages viewers to embrace their uniqueness. It culminates in a celebration of diversity and love, showcasing the power of community support.

Last updated: October 22, 2024 at 19:08

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Character & theme questions

Hairspray Characters & Meaning: Your Questions Answered

The questions people ask about Hairspray (2007): who the characters really are, their relationships, what the symbols mean, where it takes place and what the movie is really about. Each answer contains spoilers.

Q1

Where is Hairspray set?

Hairspray is set in Baltimore, Maryland, during the early 1960s. The film captures the city's vibrant cultural heritage and its role as a hub for social change during this transformative period in American history.

  • baltimore
  • setting
  • maryland
  • city
Q2

What time period is Hairspray set in?

Hairspray is set in May of 1962, a pivotal era just before the Civil Rights Movement gained full momentum. This historical context underscores the film's themes of racial segregation and the growing push for integration in America.

  • 1960s
  • 1962
  • time period
  • history
  • civil rights era
Q3

What are the main themes in Hairspray?

Hairspray centers on two primary themes: equality and acceptance. The film explores how Tracy Turnblad challenges segregation on The Corny Collins Show while promoting unity and inclusivity. It also emphasizes self-acceptance and embracing one's unique identity, culminating in a celebration of diversity.

  • themes
  • equality
  • acceptance
  • diversity
  • inclusivity
Q4

How does Hairspray address racial equality?

Hairspray addresses racial equality by showing Tracy's fight to integrate The Corny Collins Show and advocating for equal airtime on 'Negro Day.' The film illustrates the importance of breaking down racial barriers through music and dance, highlighting the struggles and triumphs of marginalized communities in 1960s Baltimore.

  • racial equality
  • civil rights
  • segregation
  • integration
  • negro day
Q5

Who is Tracy Turnblad?

Tracy Turnblad is the main protagonist of Hairspray, a confident and optimistic teenage girl who dreams of becoming a dancer on The Corny Collins Show. Despite facing self-image struggles and societal rejection, her persistence helps her win a spot on the show and sparks a movement for racial integration.

  • tracy turnblad
  • protagonist
  • main character
  • teenager
  • dancer
Q6

Who plays Edna Turnblad in Hairspray?

Edna Turnblad is played by John Travolta. She is Tracy's loving mother, a laundress who grapples with insecurities about body image and societal expectations. Her character undergoes significant growth, learning to embrace her self-worth and supporting Tracy's fight for equality.

  • edna turnblad
  • john travolta
  • mother
  • character
Q7

Who is Motormouth Maybelle in Hairspray?

Motormouth Maybelle, played by Queen Latifah, is a charismatic host of 'Negro Day' on The Corny Collins Show. She represents the artistic contributions of the African American community and serves as a strong advocate for racial equality, encouraging Tracy to fight for what is right.

  • motormouth maybelle
  • queen latifah
  • negro day
  • host
  • equality
Q8

What does Hairspray say about acceptance?

Hairspray promotes self-acceptance and encourages viewers to embrace their uniqueness. Through Tracy's journey, the film shows that accepting oneself despite societal pressures is powerful. The story celebrates diversity and demonstrates how community support can help people overcome prejudice and find their worth.

  • self-acceptance
  • identity
  • uniqueness
  • diversity
  • self-love
Q9

What genre is Hairspray?

Hairspray is a musical comedy romance film released in 2007. Directed by Adam Shankman, it features numerous song-and-dance numbers while tackling serious social issues. The tone is predominantly hopeful and uplifting, blending joyful musical sequences with meaningful themes of civil rights and equality.

  • musical
  • comedy
  • romance
  • genre
  • 2007
  • adam shankman
Q10

How does Baltimore influence the story of Hairspray?

Baltimore serves as more than just a backdrop in Hairspray, it reflects the city's dynamics during the early 1960s, showcasing both the struggles and triumphs of its inhabitants. The film's lively atmosphere of dance and music embodies Baltimore's role as a hub for artistic expression and social change during this era.

  • baltimore
  • city setting
  • social change
  • 1960s america

Movie threads

More Movies Like Hairspray, by Mood & Story

Curated lists built around what makes Hairspray tick: the same mood, the same kind of story or the same emotional payoff. Each list explains why these movies belong together.

Socially Conscious Musicals like Hairspray

Uplifting song-and-dance stories that champion social change with infectious joy. If you enjoyed the blend of vibrant musical numbers and a hopeful civil rights message in Hairspray, you'll love these movies. Discover other films that use music and dance to champion social change in an uplifting, energetic, and joyful way.

  • uplifting
  • energetic
  • hopeful
  • joyful
  • inspiring
  • nostalgic
  • Tone: hopeful, uplifting
  • Pacing: fast, energetic
Why these movies?

The story pattern: These stories often follow an underdog or an idealistic protagonist who uses their unique talent—like singing or dancing—to challenge the status quo and fight for a more equitable world. The central conflict involves overcoming prejudice or outdated systems, with the narrative propelled forward by energetic musical numbers that express hope and determination, leading to a victorious, happy ending.

Why they belong together: These films are grouped together because they share a unique DNA: a fast-paced, hopeful tone, a medium emotional weight that allows serious themes to be addressed without losing their feel-good core, and the powerful use of music as a vehicle for both entertainment and social commentary.

Hairspray movie poster

Hairspray

2007
The Greatest Showman movie poster

The Greatest Showman

2017
Sing 2 movie poster

Sing 2

2021
Step Up 2: The Streets movie poster

Step Up 2: The Streets

2008
Pocketman movie poster

Pocketman

2023
Street Dancer 3D movie poster

Street Dancer 3D

2020
Drumline movie poster

Drumline

2002
Mr. Idol movie poster

Mr. Idol

2011

Movies about Teenage Changemakers like Hairspray

Stories where a spirited young person's personal dream becomes a catalyst for community-wide change. Fans of Hairspray's Tracy Turnblad will enjoy these stories of plucky teenagers whose passions ignite social change. Explore films where a young protagonist's fight for their dream unexpectedly leads to a broader movement for acceptance and equality.

  • inspiring
  • confident
  • hopeful
  • uplifting
  • youthful
  • energetic
  • Tone: hopeful, inspiring
  • Pacing: fast, straightforward
Why these movies?

The story pattern: The narrative follows a relatable teen protagonist who is passionate about a specific interest—be it dance, a hobby, or a cause. Their initial success brings them into conflict with an established, often unjust, system. The story escalates from a personal struggle to a collective one, as the teen's actions inspire others to join their fight, resulting in a meaningful victory that benefits the entire community.

Why they belong together: These movies share a fast-paced, straightforward plot driven by a confident young lead. The tone is consistently hopeful and inspiring, focusing on the power of youthful idealism to overcome adversity. They balance medium emotional weight with a feel-good structure, making the journey of change both impactful and enjoyable.

Bring It On: All or Nothing movie poster

Bring It On: All or Nothing

2006
Work It movie poster

Work It

2020
Picture This movie poster

Picture This

2008
A Cinderella Story: Starstruck movie poster

A Cinderella Story: Starstruck

2021
Better Nate Than Ever movie poster

Better Nate Than Ever

2022
Step Up: All In movie poster

Step Up: All In

2014
Hairspray movie poster

Hairspray

2007
The Young Offenders movie poster

The Young Offenders

2016

If you liked this

Movies Like Hairspray

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1979
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2002
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The Prom

2020
Footloose movie poster

Footloose

2011
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Grease

1978
Cry-Baby movie poster

Cry-Baby

1990
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Center Stage

2000
Step Up 2: The Streets movie poster

Step Up 2: The Streets

2008
Footloose movie poster

Footloose

1984
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Mean Girls

2024
Girls Just Want to Have Fun movie poster

Girls Just Want to Have Fun

1985

Every angle

Hairspray (2007) Explained: Plot, Timeline & Characters

Everything about Hairspray in one place: what happens in the plot summary, the timeline in chronological order, the characters and meaning and a spoiler-free summary. What's After the Movie adds the cast, box office and post-credit scenes.

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