Dick Smith The Godfather Of Make Up Analysis
Richard Emerson ‘Dick’ Smith was an American Special effects make-up artist, he was often thought as ‘The Godfather of Make-Up’. Smith is known for his work on films such as The Exorcist (where he mentored apprentice Rick Baker), Taxi Driver and The Godfather. He was awarded an Academy Award for Best makeup and Hairstyling for his work on Amadeus in 1985 and received an Academy Honorary Award in 2012 for extensive work in the film industry.
When Smith started in the industry facial prosthetics were normally made
Linda Blair as Regan in The Exorcist, 1973
Makeup by Dick Smith in one piece, but Smith started making them in three foam latex pieces. Smith’s techniques allowed the actors to use their full range of facial expressions, this method
of work was initially criticised by other artists in the industry but Smith’s approach proved to be superior and is now the standard way of applying facial prosthetics.
Smith is also responsible for the inventions of old age stippling recipes that are now industry standards, syrup based bloods which are also now industry standards, bullet hits on the skin, Tricloroethlane swell effects and developed make-up shades for the 1st colour TV programme among many other revolutionary methods.
Apart from the immense amount of
Dick Smith with some of his special effects creations talent and innovative methods Dick Smith had the thing I admire the most about him was his generous nature and willingness to share his knowledge with other up and coming makeup artists.
When Smith started in the industry facial prosthetics were normally made
Linda Blair as Regan in The Exorcist, 1973
Makeup by Dick Smith in one piece, but Smith started making them in three foam latex pieces. Smith’s techniques allowed the actors to use their full range of facial expressions, this method
of work was initially criticised by other artists in the industry but Smith’s approach proved to be superior and is now the standard way of applying facial prosthetics.
Smith is also responsible for the inventions of old age stippling recipes that are now industry standards, syrup based bloods which are also now industry standards, bullet hits on the skin, Tricloroethlane swell effects and developed make-up shades for the 1st colour TV programme among many other revolutionary methods.
Apart from the immense amount of
Dick Smith with some of his special effects creations talent and innovative methods Dick Smith had the thing I admire the most about him was his generous nature and willingness to share his knowledge with other up and coming makeup artists.