symbolic alchemy

[ArkiStan]

I'm trying to write a short description for some work I'm doing. I'm trying to find examples of a how by adding a certain element or special ingredient, an otherwise mundane/common/everyday entity can be turned into a product of exceptional value. Can you think of any examples of such a case?

For example:

a bit of music or a well-placed candle can turn a regular meal into a romantic affair.

a well tailored suit can turn a regular man into a gentleman.

nice wrapping or a sincere card can turn a regular item into a special gift.

a good dressing can turn cheap lettuce into a great salad.

lipstick can turn a pig into a vice president.



although i used food-related examples above, i have to stay clear of food symbolism.....:confused:

[ArkiStan]

cultural references are greatly welcome (movies, music, etc)

[mojo]

a nice pair of sunglasses can turn a scruffy looking person into a sporty or cool looking person

a nice riff can turn an average piece of music into a memorable piece

a witty comment can turn a mundane conversation into a noteworthy exchange

a nice set of rims can turn a "beater" into a "nice ride"

[The Happy Squirrel]

Disclaimer: do not take my post as personal expression it is just an interpretation of society and a sad One at that. Wjith that being said.............


A turban can turn a hard working tax paying honest citizen into a terrorist
A banadana can turn an everyday youth into gang member
A big mac can turn the "harvest queen" into a tractor
And finally
A bit of whiskey can turn a regular man into a superhero. <and a tractor into the "harvest queen" as well>

[Nija]

A strap-on can turn a giver into a receiver.

[ufcrusher]

A hole in a condom can turn safe fun into parenthood. :naughty:

A bit of icing can turn an ordinary cake into a birthday cake.

[mojo]

a post by nija can turn an innocent thread into a racy one

[ArkiStan]

These are great! let's try some cultural references. Can anybody remember any examples in movies where a dull character was transformed positively through some sort of effort, attire or makeup, etc? preferably from movies that can be considered good or "classics."

[Jeffbx]

Well, I don't know if you'd classify it as "good", but Nacho Libre (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0457510/) might qualify.

Also Napolean Dynamite (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0374900/)'s dance scene at the end of the movie

[nate el bueno]

hahaha

[DarkFury]

These are great! let's try some cultural references. Can anybody remember any examples in movies where a dull character was transformed positively through some sort of effort, attire or makeup, etc? preferably from movies that can be considered good or "classics."
"Pretty Woman"
"Changing Places"
"Soul Man"
"Annie"

[Napoleon54]

An electric grill turned George Foreman into Ron Popeil

A suit and an election turned the Terminator into the Governator

In 2000, the Supreme Court turned GWB into the president.

Tons of transformations in the area of comic books... what did a spider bite or drinking a potion or a mere costume change do to those countless heros?

[The Happy Squirrel]

These are great! let's try some cultural references. Can anybody remember any examples in movies where a dull character was transformed positively through some sort of effort, attire or makeup, etc? preferably from movies that can be considered good or "classics."

Easy one:

The new guy

[DarkFury]

Beer Goggles turn an average lookin' girl into a smokin' hot superstar. :heh: :cheers:

[mojo]

she's all that
trading places
karate kid
the mask
the nutty professor
dr jekyll/mr hyde
grease
crossroads (the ralph macchio one)
rocky horror picture show turned everyone into something else