#1377 - Rick Baker
NaN minutesEpisode #1377
Rick Baker is a retired special make-up effects creator and actor, mostly known for his creature effects and designs. He won the Academy Award for Best Makeup seven times from a record of eleven nominations.
Watch the full episode of #1377 - Rick Baker.
Episode Timestamps
Conversation with Rick Baker
- Rick Baker's influence on the speaker's career choice in special effects and makeup
- Rick Baker's childhood inspiration from monster movies on TV
- Discussion on the beginning of Rick Baker's makeup journey
Evolution of Makeup and Special Effects in Movies
- Comparison of early makeup techniques in films like Nosferatu and Frankenstein
- Appreciation for the simplicity and effectiveness of classic makeups
- Critique of excessive use of CGI in modern monster movies
Struggle with Producers: Impact on Artistic Vision - Mike Fanell's Influence
- Discussion on challenges faced due to multiple interfering producers in the film industry
- Highlight on how Mike Fanell, a producer from Roger Corman's school of filmmaking, influenced creative decisions
- Personal reflection on frustrations leading to retirement to focus on independent projects
Quentin Tarantino's Singular Vision: An Old-School Horror Influence
- Praising Quentin Tarantino's distinct and uncompromising style in filmmaking
- Comparing the struggle for creative control in 'The Wolfman' with Tarantino's approach
- Recollection of meeting Tarantino and Peter Jackson at a film festival in Spain
Rick Baker's Early Influences and First Steps in Makeup Industry
- Rick Baker's journey began with a fascination for monsters and special effects makeup from a young age.
- Despite challenges and discouragement, Rick pursued his passion and started doing makeup for stage actors.
- His first professional gig involved an interesting barter for a makeup kit and marked the beginning of his career in the film industry.
Rick Baker's Success and Reflections on Family Support
- Rick Baker reflects on his journey to success, emphasizing hard work and dedication to his craft.
- He acknowledges the pivotal role of his parents in supporting his creative ambitions, despite societal pressures to choose a conventional career.
- Baker's transition from starting his career with small projects to working on iconic films like Star Wars and King Kong exemplifies his rise to becoming a legend in the field of special effects makeup.
Octoman: A Chaotic Movie Production
- Movie production chaos when producers forget to inform the title character about a delay.
- Challenges in creating the Octoman suit and design, including elf-like tentacles on a man.
- Incidents during filming leading to injuries, suit damage, and a lost shooting day.
Ray Harryhausen: Stop Motion Legend
- Discussion on Harryhausen's impact on the film industry and his stop motion techniques.
- Memorable scenes from Harryhausen's films like 'Jason and the Argonauts' and 'Clash of the Titans.'
- Appreciation of Harryhausen's work by modern filmmakers like Spielberg and Cameron.
John and the Schlock Throppus Movie
- John works on a low-budget movie inspired by the film 'Trog'.
- The filming process is intense, with long hours and minimal sleep.
- The challenges of makeup and filming during a heatwave in Agoura.
The Making of 'American Werewolf'
- John plans for his next film 'American Werewolf' with groundbreaking transformation scenes.
- Detailed process of creating the werewolf transformation including unique effects.
- Collaboration with a young crew to achieve the iconic werewolf look.
Rick Baker's Journey in Special Effects Makeup Industry
- Rick Baker shares his experience working on a werewolf film that changed his life and earned him his first Oscar.
- John Chambers, a significant figure in special effects makeup from Planet of the Apes, plays a key role in Rick Baker's career.
- Rick Baker recalls his early struggles in getting materials for his work and the impact on his health from exposure to certain chemicals.
Collaboration with John and Success in Film Industry
- John's introduction leads Rick Baker to significant opportunities, including working with Eddie Murphy and meeting his future wife on set.
- Rick Baker reflects on memorable scenes from films like 'American Werewolf' and 'Star Wars' and the innovative approaches taken in the special effects industry.
- The influence of 'American Werewolf' is discussed, leading to the evolution of transformation scenes in subsequent films like 'Thriller.'
Creating Zombie Dancers for Thriller
- Initial concept of zombie dancers discussed with crew
- Challenges faced due to time constraints in makeup preparation
- Unique approach using crew masks and sculpted pieces for dancer makeups
Making of Thriller and Transformation to Cat
- Financial constraints and intense work schedule for the production of Thriller
- Surprise making of Thriller documented Michael Jackson's transformation
- Discussion on the unique transformation concept from werewolf to cat in the music video
Discussion with Benicio de Toro during makeup sessions
- Benicio de Toro and the speaker bonded over their shared love for horror films and monster magazines
- The speaker shared his ideas for the transformation scene in the movie, influenced by American Werewolf
- Despite creative inputs, the speaker felt excluded during some production processes, feeling like 'unwanted children'
Creative Freedom and Challenges in Film Industry
- The speaker reflected on his career in the film industry, expressing gratitude despite challenges
- Discussed the process and challenges faced during the production of 'American Werewolf' and 'Gremlins 2'
- Collaboration with directors like Joe Dante, focusing on creative redesign of characters and effects
Angie's Transformation for Maleficent
- Angie wanted a specific effects makeup for the role of Maleficent
- Rick Baker was recommended for the makeup due to his expertise
- The process involved creating lightweight removable horns and intricate designs
- Angie's kids also played a role in the transformation process
Iconic Werewolf and Transformation Challenges
- Discussion on the iconic werewolf creation in films
- Challenges faced during makeup transformations like in 'Harry and the Hendersons'
- Frustrations with the production of 'Cursed', a werewolf movie with conflicting creative visions
Frankenstein - From Lawton's Brilliant Makeup to Disappointment with De Niro
- Praising Charles Lawton's brilliant makeup in the 1939 Frankenstein movie, feeling empathy for Frankenstein's monster.
- Expressing disappointment with the Robert De Niro version of Frankenstein, glad to have not been involved in the film.
- Reflecting on the impact of makeup and design in portraying Frankenstein, comparing iconic portrayals like Boris Karloff's.
Wolf Man Reshoot Woes - Rushed Production and Missed Opportunities
- Recalling challenges faced during reshoots for the Wolf Man movie, rushed production due to time constraints.
- Describing frustrations with production schedule, lack of adequate time for costume design and preparation.
- Highlighting missed opportunities in filming, including focusing on stunt doubles rather than key actors, leading to unsatisfactory outcomes.
Personal Anecdotes and Artistic Frustrations of Rick
- Rick shares amusing anecdotes about book signing mishaps, including misspelling names
- Reflects on his career choice and the joy of focusing on things he loves
- Emphasizes his hands-on approach in contrast to some industry peers, like Stan Winston
Legacy and Acceptance in Retirement: Meaningful Reflections
- Rick discusses the possibility of returning to projects and his enjoyment in retirement
- Shares thoughts on mortality and personal losses, highlighting a sense of fulfillment
- Describes his experience with creative battles, using Grinch makeup as an example of artistic integrity