Variety: This is a busy year for makeup and hair designer Donald Mowat, who worked on two major releases: “Blade Runner 2049” and “Stronger.”
Mowat was a big fan of Ridley Scott’s original “Blade Runner,” released in 1982, so he was psyched when helmer Denis Villeneuve asked him to lead the makeup department for the sequel — a revisiting of the L.A.-based futuristic tale set 30 years later. Mowat overcame initial anxiety over the epic scope of the project and was happy to reteam with the director and cinematographer Roger Deakins, with whom he had worked on “Sicario” and “Prisoners” as well.
5 comments:
This is all really fascinating to read about. I haven't seen either of the two movies but I kind of enjoy reading more about the ins and outs of a movie before seeing it so I can really study the artistry of makeup, costumes, and set. I have always loved makeup and its incredible to see how far and realistic people can go with just the application. It was really interesting to read that the makeup artist worked with the digital special affects crew on compromising a realistic amputated legs look in "Stronger". I'm also impressed by the lengths he went to to portray an accurate representation of amputated legs. I would never be able to stomach looking at examples and meeting with doctors to teach me about large open wounds like that.
I haven’t seen ether of the Blade Runners. It’s weird, I’d really like to see the original, from what I’ve heard it’s set in a very interesting universe. I don’t know if the reboot is a continuation of the original story, or something separate. Harrison Ford is in it again, so that makes me think this story will be a continuation. Makeup artists are so talented; they have to do so many tricks to get the actors to look like their characters should. The article reads: ““Blade Runner 2049” required every type of makeup application: character, aging, beauty and fantasy. Mowat and Villeneuve met to discuss initial concepts. The designs found inspiration in many sources, including Alexander McQueen’s fashions, Jack Nicholson’s torn nose in “Chinatown” and Rutger Hauer’s bloodied face in the original “Blade Runner.” The nose prosthetic in Chinatown is quite good, and that was in the 90’s. Imagine how many more skills makeup artists of today have.
I love to see makeup artists and designers getting their due recognition! Especially since they are one of those professions that when you don't notice evidence of it is when it's perfect (and thus they aren't appreciated as often as they should be and usually only noticed if they've messed up.) They have to interface with so many departments (costumes, lighting, visual effects, ADs, actors and their managers) at every turn in a way that many other departments don't have to, and their work is so personal (it literal goes on the actor's face which not only affects their acting but often also their "brand") that they have to toe several lines at once to do their work well while also doing the character and the story justice. The world that Blade Runner creates is very specific in its hyper-reality and thus the makeup would have to be absolutely on point to do the world justice, and from everything I've seen, Mowat has done an exemplary job.
I saw Blade Runner 2049 and watching it was just stunning in all aspects. The effects were vibrant and beautiful and the story line was quite fascinating considering I haven’t seen the first Blade Runner. However, the makeup did more than I ever realized now that this article has pointed it out for me. The beaten look on Ryan Gosling was realistic and added so much to the story and especially so when you contrast that with Jared Leto who had a much cleaner look. Both of which must have been hard but gave so much to the characters. It helped so much in creating the atmosphere as well. I can’t imagine the process that they went through as Ryan Gosling probably got makeup layered on him while Jared Leto had makeup coat him. The layers adding to the bruising and bleeding while the coating would help hide blush should his cheeks redden like mine when I walk into a very cold room. It is not something you necessarily notice and that is good because then it isn’t distracting but it also adds so much more to the story without ever realizing it.
The technology used to create amputations on non-amputee actors is amazing. I’m always impressed by the level of CGI and editing it takes to create an accurate representation of no limbs or smaller muscles due to paralysis, etc. At the base of it all, though, is traditional special effects makeup. I took a makeup class in highschool and go to learn how to make small gashes and bruises. Aside from the fact that it was really cool, it was also much more difficult than I anticipated. I can only imagine the time it takes to intricately cover a person with dozens of gashes and bruises and marks. I also really liked the idea of molding the actor’s legs and creating personalized green socks to make greenscreen effects as sharp as they can be. I always love hearing about special effects makeup and CGI technology, as it grows better and better every year.
Post a Comment