Rick Baker

Date: 2019-11-05 | Duration: 1h 58m

Episode Overview

Rick Baker shares an in-depth look at his legendary career as a pioneering special makeup effects artist, tracing his early fascination with classic monster movies like *Nosferatu* and Lon Chaney’s work to his breakthrough projects in Hollywood. He reflects on the challenges of working with crude materials and limited budgets in his early days, recounting memorable experiences on films such as *Schlock* and *Gremlins 2*. Baker highlights his collaboration with director John Landis on *An American Werewolf in London*, describing the innovative makeup techniques that earned him his first Oscar and forever changed the portrayal of werewolves on screen. He also touches on the physical demands and long hours involved in creating transformative effects, emphasizing the artistry and dedication behind the craft. Throughout the conversation, Baker shares personal anecdotes about meeting influential filmmakers like Quentin Tarantino and working on iconic projects including Michael Jackson’s *Thriller*. He discusses the evolution of practical effects in the digital age, expressing both admiration for new technologies and a preference for hands-on artistry. Baker also opens up about the importance of mentorship, the persistence required to break into the industry despite nepotism, and the pride he takes in preserving molds and designs from his most famous creations. His stories offer a rare glimpse into the intersection of creativity, technical skill, and passion that define his enduring legacy in cinematic makeup effects.

About Rick Baker

Rick Baker is a legendary retired special make-up effects creator and actor, renowned for his groundbreaking work in creature design and effects. With an impressive seven Academy Awards for Best Makeup from eleven nominations, Baker’s artistry has redefined the standards of visual effects in cinema. He is celebrated for his iconic creations in films such as "An American Werewolf in London," "The Howling," and "Men in Black," showcasing his unparalleled ability to bring fantastical creatures to life. Baker's innovative techniques and passion for storytelling through makeup have left an indelible mark on the film industry, making him a fascinating figure in the world of entertainment.

Key Moments

– Special Effects Makeup
– Film Prosthetics
– Creature Design
– Practical Effects
– Makeup Artistry History
– Horror Film Makeup
– Stop Motion Animation
– Film Industry Apprenticeships
– Makeup Materials
– Character Transformation
– Movie Monster Icons
– Makeup Effects Challenges
– Film Production Process
– Makeup Artist Career
– Michael Jackson Thriller
– John Landis Collaborations
– American Werewolf Makeup
– Film Makeup Awards
– Makeup Studio Setup
– Film Makeup Legacy
0:00:23 – Introduction and early inspirations
0:02:59 – Discussion of Nosferatu and early monster films
0:07:28 – Special effects and makeup brilliance in Werewolf
0:10:32 – Turning hobby into profession
0:12:00 – Retirement announcement from film industry
0:14:13 – Meeting Quentin Tarantino
0:16:36 – Breaking into the film industry
0:18:52 – Challenges of nepotism in apprenticeships
0:21:03 – Westmore regime and classic makeup artists
0:24:14 – First paid makeup job experience
0:26:24 – Deciding to pursue art as a career
0:30:21 – Working on Octoman film and stop motion
0:36:09 – Ray Harryhausen's influence on animation
0:41:33 – Second film Schlock with John Landis
0:44:03 – Stage transformation makeup techniques
0:51:29 – Winning first Oscar for makeup work
0:54:18 – Meeting wife on John Landis film
0:56:52 – Adding masks to Star Wars cantina scene
1:03:36 – Inspiration from Michael Jackson's Thriller
1:11:41 – Similarity to original Lon Chaney horror films
1:14:22 – Receiving awards and recognition
1:18:05 – Working on Gremlins 2 makeup effects
1:23:25 – Maleficent makeup consultation
1:27:33 – Fate of original American Werewolf molds
1:30:02 – Iconic monsters and legacy
1:41:22 – Reshoot challenges for Wolfman film
1:44:48 – Working style and dyslexia
1:46:19 – Career reflections and gratitude
1:49:21 – Bryan Cranston as potential Lon Chaney
1:53:44 – Creating the Grinch makeup
1:54:23 – Frustrations and pride in career

Transcript Excerpt

Starting point is 00:00:00 Here we go, in 3, 2, 1... Starting point is 00:00:23 Well, I had no idea. Starting point is 00:01:14 Well, you know, it's kind of the same thing for me. Starting point is 00:01:37 Well, I mean, I'm an only child. Starting point is 00:02:14 But, I mean, it started with that. Starting point is 00:02:59 You know, you go back to like Nosferatu is probably one of the very earliest. Starting point is 00:03:16 Yeah. Starting point is 00:03:49 It's more like about how much can you pile on someone's face, you know. Starting point is 00:04:11 Chaney movies. Yeah, and he's another Starting point is 00:04:27 Again, crude materials, you know. Starting point is 00:04:52 It's like kind of this liquid plastic, but it smells horrible. Starting point is 00:05:09 20, I don't know what. Starting point is 00:05:20 See if you can get a video of it. Starting point is 00:05:38 Like, how did they get his fingers? Starting point is 00:06:03 and it's not true. Starting point is 00:06:18 Same with the bald head. Starting point is 00:06:38 you think this is stupid. Starting point is 00:06:57 Yeah, someone smiling would freak out. Starting point is 00:07:28 One of the more brilliant things about it was the special effects and the makeup were fantastic. Starting point is 00:07:49 And what was great about Werewolf, working on that film with John Landis, was he, you know, said, you're the expert. Starting point is 00:08:09 with everything in it the nazi demons all that stuff you know cut to you know like when i did Starting point is 00:08:43 know, and this kind of stuff. Starting point is 00:09:10 nose wider yeah no i know yeah that's oh and it's you know it's watered watered down the design Starting point is 00:09:29 doing it Starting point is 00:09:34 well they're disturbing Starting point is 00:09:42 or not made Starting point is 00:09:55 And there was a guy, you know, for example, on Gremlins 2, Mike Finnell, who was the producer, who came from Roger Corman School of ...

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On Joe Rogan Experience #1377 with Rick Baker, topics include Special Effects Makeup, Film Prosthetics, Creature Design, and Practical Effects.

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