Footlight Parade reflected Hollywood stylistic traits through presenting unrealistic love, satirizing the patriarchal society, and racial discrimination in Hollywood.
The film uses high-key lighting with contrasting colors in terms of lighting and composition. The characters are in the center of the frame, while the eye-level shots allow the audience to focus on the main characters. For instance, when Chester and Nan look at each other in the eyes, it shows that Nan has feelings for Chester while keeping her professionalism. Moreover, this film uses a soft-focus lens in romantic scenes, which creates a dreamy, unrealistic atmosphere. Another example would be the musical scene, where overhead and centered shots emphasize the synchronized swimmers' geometric patterns and choreography.
The film has also put effort into the settings and set, placing waterfall and fountains inside a studio. In terms of blocking, the film usually places a large group of dancers at the back, while Chester is in the foreground, emphasizing Chester. The dancers are never seen as individuals, but together as a group.
In terms of costumes and makeup, most actresses are in revealing outfits and heavy makeup, especially the dancers, who wear revealing and shimmery bathing suits. For example, Bea transitioned from an ordinary, nerdy lady with glasses to a beautiful dancer, leading to a romantic relationship between Bea and Scotty. The costumes and makeup display feminine traits, satirize the patriarchal society and the production code, promoting sex and nudity in the film.
One of the scenes shows Vivian Rich reading a book called "Naughty Stories." Again, the props reveal the idea of sex. Moreover, props became an essential element in this film to show how much effort Chester has put into his musical. The musical has a huge waterfall and water fountains.
The actors and actresses show clear motivation to present clear and straightforward ideas to the audience. For instance, Nan shows an unpleasant facial expression and tries to grab Chester away from Vivian when she sees them having intimate conversations. This film is full of vigorous activities such as banging the door and pushing people. Also, this film has a lot of complicated relationships. Scotty and Bea have a love-hate relationship; ex-wife Cynthia comes back to Chester when she finds him successful; Chester gets married to Nan shortly after realizing Vivian is a gold digger, and the affair between Mrs. Gould and Scotty. These are all unrealistic romantic relationships, creating an illusion of reality. However, the actors in this film are mostly White. Only one scene shows African-American children playing with water, inspiring Chester to get a modern waterfall splashing on "beautiful white bodies." It criticizes the lack of diversity in the Hollywood industry.