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7 of the best movie transformations

The films that had us double-taking in the cinema.

MAKE-UP CAN BE an amazingly transformative tool.

Films are about escapism, and modern developments in prosthetics and special effects have enhanced that feeling of transportation no end. The field of screen make-up has moved on a lot since the days of Marilyn Monroe’s single beauty mark.

A leg up in the field of make-up artistry could be the kickstart to a career in show business – and if you’re interested in the world of cosmetics, Simon Cowell’s You Generation talent hunt might be for you. This week, the competition is on the look-out for talented make-up artists. Could you recreate any of these movie transformations?

1. The Goonies

Did The Sloth terrify you? If so, you’ll be glad to know that it took layers and layers of prosthetics and make-up to get actor John Matuzak looking that creepy.

Images: via The Goonies

2. The Hours

Recognise this woman? Well, test audiences didn’t. A prosthetic nose helped transform Nicole Kidman into Virginia Woolf.

Image: Britannica

3. X-Men

The X-Men movies feature an unholy amount of special effects make-up, but no character seemed to have more than Mystique. (Admittedly, she did have a lot more skin on show that most other mutants.)

Image: Fanpop

4. The Elephant Man

John Hurt’s 1980 performance as John Merrick, the real life Elephant Man, earned a slew of Academy Award nominations for the crew. However, despite the special effects make-up in the film being revolutionary art at the time, the artist Christopher Tucker received no Academy recognition.

After the outrage at seeing Tucker’s extraordinary work go without an honour, the Academy introduced a new award the following year – for Best Make-up and Hairstyling.

Image: Fanpop

5. Mrs Doubtfire

Ever wondered how they transformed Robin Williams into Mrs Doubtfire? As you might have guessed, it was a lot more complicated than the simple mask he used in the film.

YouTube/Emrald659

6. Monster

Much was made at the time of Charlize Theron’s almost unrecognisable transformation into serial killer Aileen Wuornos in the movie Monster. They used fake teeth, light prosthetics and make-up to achieve the make-under.

Image: The Make-Up Gallery

7. The Dark Knight

Everyone remembers Heath Ledger’s incredible portrayal of The Joker, and the make-up that went along with it, but what about the scars underneath? This picture from behind the scenes shows Heath with scars but lacking the face-paint. And somehow it’s even more scary.

Image: Imgur

If you think you have what it takes to transform the masses, why not show off your talents? Entries for the make-up artist talent competition open today, and will close on 20 July.

Do you have any favourite movie make-overs? Let us know in the comments.

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