History Of Special Effects Makeup

1976 Words4 Pages

Looking at today’s movies, we are met with vivid colors, fantastical landscapes, creatures from distant planets, and an augmented reality. Amazing, but all computer generated. So what ever happened to good old special effects makeup? Physical application and design were the “go to” methods for a long time in the film industry. SFX makeup set the foundation for today’s CGI. Computer generated imagery has evolved and spread throughout cinematography and the film world like wildfire. Although computer generated imagery offers countless creative opportunities, the art form of special effects makeup should be practiced and preserved, as just that- an art form.

Most people have begun to describe special effects makeup as anachronistic. Considering
The first ever special effects to make an appearance in a movie revolved around the re-creation of a beheading scene. Alfred Clark used his talents to bring to life the beheading of the Queen of Scots in the movie, The Execution of Mary Stewart. (Pullman). Special effects were just being introduced and technology was not what it is now. Therefore, Clark had to have everybody stand still for the execution scene, while the actor was replaced with a dummy.

Special effects makeup began with prosthetics and physical application, later evolving to mechanical apparatus concealed within the makeup, and eventually sensor compatible visual masterpieces. Various tools can be used to sculpt and design prosthetics and potential SFX possibilities. Some prosthetics were hand carved, cast, and then molded. There are elaborate processes that take multiple attempts, heaps of time, and an incredible amount of patience. There is a wide array of tools that can be used to help an artist sculpt. There are metal tools, plastic tools, and wooden tools. All of these tools have a specific use and a specific medium that they are compatible with. These tools can be used to mold clay, sculpt prosthetics, life cast, and
This was a revolutionary step for the film industry. The first computer generated imagery in 1973 was 2D (two dimensional). Westworld featured humans digitally enhanced to look like robots. Expressions were altered to make the characters more realistic, jerking movements, and subtle inconsistencies in the characters makeup and presentation. Westworld’s sequel, Futureworld, came out in the year 1976 and used three dimensional computer generated imagery. Two dimensional computer generated imagery was used to express depth and to produce new shades that could not be depicted just through animation and drawing. 2D computer generated imagery paved the way for its 3D brother. Three dimensional CGI was used to create shapes, creatures, and settings that did not exist in the movies or real

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