Imagine transforming an actor into an entirely different person—or even a creature—right before your eyes. That’s the magic of prosthetic makeup, a craft that goes far beyond slapping on some rubber and paint. But here’s where it gets controversial: while prosthetics can hide an actor’s identity, they must also allow their performance to shine through. How do makeup artists strike this delicate balance? The IndieWire Crafts team dove into this question with three legendary artists—Kazu Hiro, Mike Hill, and Dave Elsey—to uncover the secrets behind their transformative work.
Prosthetic makeup isn’t just about altering appearances; it’s about storytelling. Whether it’s turning Dwayne Johnson into Mark Carr for The Smashing Machine or crafting Jacob Elordi’s Creature in Frankenstein, every detail matters. Kazu Hiro, for instance, revealed that subtle changes—like adjusting the browline or the shape of the eyes—can make a character more believable. And this is the part most people miss: it’s not just about looking like someone else; it’s about ensuring the actor can still emote naturally beneath layers of silicone.
Take Hiro’s work on The Smashing Machine. He designed a brow cover with a hollow core to allow Johnson to blink naturally, a small but crucial detail that kept the performance authentic. ‘The eyes are where people focus,’ Hiro explained. ‘Changing them can completely alter how we perceive a character.’ This approach not only made Johnson resemble Carr but also helped him appear younger, a testament to the power of strategic design.
Mike Hill faced a different challenge with Jacob Elordi’s Creature. Instead of a complete overhaul, Hill focused on enhancing Elordi’s natural features—his strong chin, large eyes, and expressive face. ‘Jacob’s facial structure was a makeup artist’s dream,’ Hill noted. By designing new cheeks, a nose, and even teeth, he created a character that felt both alien and human. But here’s the bold question: Did Hill’s prosthetics overshadow Elordi’s performance, or did they elevate it? The answer lies in how seamlessly the makeup integrated with Elordi’s acting, allowing his childlike yet vicious expressiveness to take center stage.
Dave Elsey, a veteran of films like the Star Wars prequels and The Substance, emphasized the importance of collaboration. ‘Every transformation is a team effort,’ he said. ‘The sculpt, the paint, the bone structure—they all work together to tell a story.’ Elsey pointed to the classic example of the nose, a feature that can dramatically alter a character’s identity. Think of Peter Sellers in the Pink Panther films—a simple fake nose turned him into someone unrecognizable. But is it ethical to completely erase an actor’s identity? Some argue that prosthetics can diminish an actor’s contribution, while others see it as a tool to enhance their performance.
What’s undeniable is the artistry involved. Whether it’s Mike Marino’s jaw-dropping work on Colin Farrell in The Penguin or Hiro’s meticulous attention to detail, prosthetic makeup is a balancing act. It must hide the actor just enough while letting their talent shine. So, here’s the question for you: Do prosthetics enhance an actor’s performance, or do they risk overshadowing it? Let’s debate in the comments—we want to hear your take!
