From Man To Monster
When practical effects and incredible acting go hand in hand, movie magic happens. Over the years, the advancement of makeup on the silver screen has led to the development of numerous iconic roles. With the recent reveal of David Harbour’s fiery take on Hellboy, many fans of the big red demon hunter are left wondering if both his performance and look will stand up to these masterful examples.
#5: Helena Bonham Carter as Ari
“Planet of the Apes†(2001)
Helena Bonham Carter has assumed a wide range of characters and looks throughout her career. But she made her most drastic transformation for Tim Burton’s “Planet of the Apes.†In the film, an astronaut arrives on a planet populated by intelligent simians like Bonham Carter’s Ari. Makeup designer Rick Baker transformed the stunning actress into the walking and talking chimpanzee with facial prosthetics. The face was real enough to convey emotions and made her kiss with Mark Wahlberg feel disturbing. Bonham Carter’s makeup didn’t save the movie from being a critical disappointment, but it served as a shining example of what’s possible for special effects.
#4: Jeff Goldblum as Seth Brundle
“The Fly†(1986)
This Academy Award winning transformation is also the most disgusting on our list. In “The Fly,†the suave Jeff Goldblum plays a scientist who invents a teleportation device. When he accidentally teleports with a fly, his DNA is combined with the insect’s. As the fly DNA starts to take over, Goldblum’s makeup becomes more complex with the help of latex and prosthetics. Seeing the different stages of the transformation made it look more realistic, especially when the human parts start falling off. By the end of the film, it’s easy to forget that the horrifying creature onscreen once looked like the handsome Jeff Goldblum.
#3: Heath Ledger as the Joker
“The Dark Knight†(2008)
When it was first announced that Heath Ledger was going to play the Joker, fans were less than convinced that he could pull it off. But all doubts were erased as soon as they saw his face. Ledger worked closely with his makeup artist to ensure that the clown’s visage looked twisted and wild. In addition, he received silicone scars that the Joker would love to tell you about. Ledger’s performance was so convincing that his co-star Michael Caine forgot his lines when he first saw him as the Joker on set. Ledger’s appearance defied all expectations and gave us a version of the villain that we’ll never forget.
#2: Ron Perlman as Hellboy
“Hellboy†franchise (2004-)
Guillermo del Toro’s “Hellboy†films excelled at practical makeup design. Doug Jones’ transformation into the amphibious Abe Sapien was impressive, but this entry is all about the titular character. Hellboy is a towering red demon complete with horns, an oversized fist, and tail. Actor Ron Perlman’s likeness nearly vanishes underneath the foam, skull cap, hair, and prosthetics that form Hellboy’s most prominent features. The transformation into the demon was lengthy, but Perlman embraced it for two movies and to fulfill a Make-A-Wish request. His dedication to the process was admirable and ensured that Hellboy looked and felt like a real hero.
#1: Doug Jones as the Pale Man
“Pan’s Labyrinth†(2006)
We could’ve made an entire list about Doug Jones and his amazing transformations. But today we’re highlighting his role as the Pale Man. In “Pan’s Labyrinth,†the Pale Man is an unsettling being with a disturbing appetite for children. Since the creature’s eyes were separate from its body, Jones’ face had to be completely concealed. The actor sat in the makeup chair for up to six hours to assume the Pale Man’s featureless face and its saggy skin. Those practical effects were supplemented with CGI for his legs and unforgettable eyes. All the effects culminated in a transformation that still leaves us awestruck and a little terrified.
Be sure to check out the video below to see our picks for the Top 10 Makeup Effects in Comic Book Movies.
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