Gothic Horror: Prosthetic Scars Used In Film

After attending the talk given by prosthetic artist Neill Gorton, I decided to look up and research the use of prosthetics in TV and Film. During this course I will be learning how to create scars using make up, but I wanted to research the use of prosthetics. Prosthetics have become an important part of the film industry, and their use can range from scars and warts to false noses and foreheads. These are more complicated to produce as they require a life cast of the actors face. Prosthetics are usually made out of soft materials such as gelatine, rubber or plastic. This means that they are able to be moulded more easily.

The production in making prosthetics usually begins with the creation of a mould or cast from an actor's body. The cast is then moulded into a lifelike model of the actor which acts as a base for the artist to work on, this is called lifecasting. Once the prosthetic piece is created it can take many hours for it to be applied, depending on the size of prosthetic and how much needs to be done in matching it perfectly to the skin.

Sources: http://www.delamaracademy.co.uk/the-make-up-artist/make-up-techniques/make-up-techniques-prosthetics

http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-prosthetic-makeup.htm

Prosthetics In Action:

In the film 'Cake' (2014), the Hollywood actress Jennifer Aniston has deep looking scars on her cheek, chin, neck and hands. In the film she plays Claire Simmons, a women who takes an interest in the suicide of one of the women in her support group, and goes on to develop a relationship with the dead lady's husband. On the website 'Eonline' it talks about the scar on her cheek, the website says 'It would appear that the scar is one of the lingering visible reminders of whatever accident or trauma that Claire went through to cause her such pain' The prosthetic artist in the film was Scott Stoddard who has worked on films such as 'Thor' (2011) and 'Pearl Harbour' (2001). I think the use of prosthetics in the stills I have seen on the film look incredible, they blend seamlessly into Jennifer's skin and I believe if you were watching the film you would easily forget they were false.

Jennifer Aniston On The Red Carpet
http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/02/24/jennifer-aniston-oscar-dress-2013-photos_n_2755722.html

Jennifer Aniston In Cake
http://www.digitalspy.co.uk/movies/news/a563139/jennifer-aniston-wears-prosthetic-facial-scars-on-set-of-film-cake.html

Jennifer Aniston In Cake
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz/article-2599317/Barefaced-Jennifer-Aniston-displays-deep-scars-face-films-Cake-alongside-Sam-Worthington-Anna-Kendrick.html

Nicole Kidman in the film 'Hours' (2002) wears a prosthetic nose, the use of the nose made her almost unrecognisable as it completely changed the overall look of her face.