Using physical aging as a visual shorthand for villainy or decay. The Modern Shift: Agency and Nuance

For decades, the industry adhered to a strict "beauty-youth" standard. Once women aged out of ingenue or leading-lady roles, they often disappeared from the screen or were relegated to specific supporting roles:

The Evolving Presence of Mature Women in Entertainment and Cinema

Often seen in classic films like Sunset Boulevard , portraying aging as a tragic loss of relevance.