What makes a horror film great? A monster. One of the most interesting elements of monsters, beside from the special effects and startling plots, is the face behind the monster. Why would actors choose to do it, how do they nab the role and what it’s like to dress up as something scary?! Some faces are a surprise, some we’re all aware of, but either way, they’ve all got a story to tell. Join us and journey into the different motion pictures, discovering the face behind the monster!
Frankenstein (1931)
Monster: the monster
Face: Boris Karloff, the true icon of horror cinema, following roles in The Mummy and The Bride of Frankenstein.
Star Wars (1977)
Monster: Darth Vader
Face: David Prowse, an English former bodybuilder and weightlifter turned actor. Quite embarrassingly, Prowse spoke the dialogue during the making of the film, yet didn’t actually know Vader was Luke’s father until he saw The Empire Strikes Back in the cinema…
Alien (1979)
Monster: Alien
Face: Bolaji Badejo, is not an actor at but is an African design student.. He was picked up from a bar by Director Ridley Scott due to his 7ft 2inch height.
Little Shop of Horrors (1986)
Monster: Audrey II
Face: Levi Stubbs from the classic Motown classic band Four Tops Quartet.
Halloween (2007)
Monster: Michael Myers
Face: Former Wrestler, Tyler Mane, known in the wrestling world as Skywalker Nitron, meaning bodyguard for women. Tough huh! He then turned to acting, playing the roles of Sabretooth in X-Men and Ajax in Troy.
Insidious (2010)
Monster: Lipstick-faced Demon
Face: Joseph Bishara, more commonly known as a composer for a variety of thrillers including Dark Skies and Night of the Demons.
The Lords of Salem (2012)
Monster: Heidi Hawthorn
Face: The ultimate horror “Scream Queen” actress, Sheri Moon Zombie, known for her horror roles in Halloween, Halloween II, Toolbox Murders and The Devil’s Rejects. However in Lord of Salem, she swaps her model looks for the scary face of Heidi Hawthorn.
MAMA (2013)
Monster: MAMA
Face: Unexpectedly played by Mediterranean male actor and director Javier Botet.
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