Fantastic Flesh: The Art of Make-Up Effects Review
“I actually like CG effects” says Rob Bottin.
No, say it isn’t so, Mr. Bottin, who is the great effects artist that gave us The Thing and The Howling. He adds, after a clip, “that it’s a tool and when melded with practical effects, the result is extraordinary”. Whew!
Okay, if that hooks you in, then the Starz documentary, Fantastic Flesh: The Art of Make-Up Effects should intrigue you. Like many of the artists here, I became fascinated with creatures and monsters, and then in high school, on how they are made. I believe this aspect has helped me watch the goriest of gore films, without flinching. In fact, many people look at me weird because I laugh. I guess it’s an appreciation for what was accomplished more than the nature of the effect in the context of the story.
Fantastic Flesh is meant as a primer course for these legends, their stories, and their methods. I’d say the overall film centers around the boys at KNB Effects, who did work for Tarantino, Scorsese, and all of the horror films recently of note. Nicotero and Berger are modern FX masters, and I remembering when Berger accepted the Oscar for Narnia, I was relieved that the majority finally recognized these guys. Love Kill Bill? Like the gore in Hostel? They did it and hearing them comment on the films, as well as having Simon Pegg, Tarantino, and Peter Dinklage talk about them.
The documentary breaks up the years, giving the KNB guys a historical context from where they came from, their inspirations, with a look at Lon Chaney, Dick Smith in an extended segment, and Jack Peirce, the creator of our modern images of Frankenstein, Wolfman, and the Mummy. Sadly, Stan Winston isn’t mentioned, and while Rick Baker is, he’s no where here. They are two very important men and having them glossed over is a shame. But most of this documentary’s information is rather broad, and many of us who are fans know some of this anyway.
The stories are always remarkable to hear again and again. Tom Savini gives props here, saying “when a new movie came out by one of these FX artists, it was like an art opening”. I totally agree. If anything, for the newbie to this world, I hope you seek out the many great books, interviews, and DVDs of these people, as your interest in this medium after Fantastic Flesh should be piqued.
Rating: 
