Specialized Article on Makeup

by Faezeh Sadat Moosavi

Makeup artists bring the fantasy of films to life.
Makeup artists are the key figures in preparing actors for their roles in different films and TV series, especially Sci-Fi and fantasy works. From “The Matrix” to “Doctor Who” and great projects of “The Walt Disney” and “The Marvel Cinematic Universe”, every film relies heavily on makeup. Actors’ skins should reflect light on the set of films and be apparent to high-resolution cameras.
High-tech cameras detect any defects so makeup teams have evolved over the years and today are more advanced than ever in the film industry. Makeup designers, makeup artists and special effects designers are always at the core of the team.
A makeup designer, as a number one in the crew, plans and manages tasks and responsibilities of artists, designers and hairstylists before filming, especially during days and nights when filming is in progress. Makeup artists are responsible for lesser-known actors. Assistants help makeup artists and special effects artists are always in charge of creating fantasy and damaged makeup effects.
The audience can clearly understand characters by looking at their makeups. From high school students who cover their eyes with bright eye shadows to fantasy characters with darker colors, the miraculous art of makeup carries a hidden message which conveys emotions. It is noteworthy that film makeup expresses the character tendency perfectly. Talented experts in this field must have sufficient knowledge of various tools and consumable materials so that they can use materials such as latex, fake blood, etc. in every film practically. This helps them to create real injury effects or extraordinary pictures, when necessary.
It should be noted that makeup designers definitely need to do extensive research into some cinematic works such as the historical genre so they can remake the appearance of characters as they lived in their own times and prepare them for the screen. It is always important to create a realistic world for the audience and makeup is a key element for this purpose.
I believe that makeup artists are always second in the cinema and they work in close cooperation with each other to ensure that when actors portray characters in a period, they are understandable to the audience in historical films. These artists help directors to create a believable visual experience for the audience and move them back or forth at different intervals.
Makeup designers must know how to apply bruises and cuts which are considered to be important items. They create believable and sometimes weird fantasy makeups for actors using prosthesis and latex. High resolution cameras display all the details so artists need to make sure that the fantasy appearance is as real as possible. Makeup artists take advantage of years of experience and advanced skills to create special effects makeup, no matter how young or strange they are.
The art of makeup design is very important and essential in Sci-Fi and fantasy films. The makeup should be applied on the faces and bodies of actors with creativity, accuracy and patience. After filming, makeup artists have to professionally clean makeups using cleansers, moisturizers and creams to protect and rejuvenate the skins of actors.
Difficult fantasy makeups in Sci-Fi films are done with the help of talented and experienced experts who bring masterful effects to the audience and they are the language of highest-grossing films.
From the monster films of the early 1930s to the “Marvel Cinematic Universe”, special effects makeup and prosthesis have come a long way. Due to continuous technological advances in filmmaking, makeup artists have to constantly improve their techniques in order to create real effects.
Classic Films
I can clarify all the previous explanations with one example. For instance, Bresson begins with classic films of the 1980s, in which artists highlighted special effects; those who created this industry. Since they all used practical effects (special effects makeup and prosthesis without any digital effects), we could say such films have prepared the ground for artists.
Bresson describes “An American Werewolf in London” as a symbolic moment for Rick Baker, the legendary special effects makeup artist. He won Academy Award for Best Makeup for this 1981 horror comedy film. He won six other awards during his career and he’s currently the record holder.
Transformation of David Kessler’s main character into a werewolf which is often described as one of the best transformational scenes in the history of the cinema was done completely with practical effects and Baker’s team spent months preparing it and the scene took a week to film. You can see more works from Baker in “Men in Black” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas”.
It is always entertaining for the audience to watch horror classic or even sad films, knowing that the components were created with practical effects.
The Revenant
“The Revenant” is a 2015 action drama film which is a masterful example of a combination of practical and digital effects, especially the bear attack scene on the leading actor, Leonardo DiCaprio and his wounds afterwards. Bresson says, “It’s actually the first film in which an encapsulated silicone prosthetic was used and it has set a standard in the film industry and is a technique we teach in prosthetics classes.”
Modern Delicacy and Radical Realism
At the end of this article, it is useful to come to this conclusion by looking at films made in the last 10 years and say that the emergence of SFX prosthetics which are very realistic and have been used to change the appearance of actors so they can look credible to the viewers and resist successfully against careful inspection, not only have revolutionized the legendary art of makeup but also given artists opportunities to emerge in this field; those who create astonishing and exemplary works every day.