The new version of Frankenstein, directed by Guillermo del Toro, has impressed both for its classic narrative and its state-of-the-art practical effects.
However, what has truly captured the audience’s attention is the spectacular transformation of Jacob Elordi into the Creature, a role that required a monumental effort on his part.
A Hard Work
Elordi spent 10 hours a day in makeup sessions, during which 42 prosthetics were applied, 14 of them just on his head and neck. In total, the actor dedicated 500 hours to this process throughout the filming.
Elordi’s dedication and the mastery of the makeup team, led by Mike Hill, culminated in the well-deserved Oscar for Best Makeup and Hairstyling and recognition for the artisanal detail of their work.
Mike Hill, the head makeup artist, had anticipated that Elordi might complain during the long hours. However, he was surprised by the actor’s patience and kindness, who never expressed discontent even during 20-hour days. According to Hill, “What we were trying to do was practically show the inside of a human body on the outside.” This approach allowed the Creature to appear both as a monster and a true product of Victor Frankenstein’s meticulous work.
Jacob Elordi himself shared that the time allocated for makeup was essential for his transformation process, describing it as “the perfect amount” of time to disconnect from his own identity. “There was a time when I didn’t think in terms of morning, afternoon, or night,” he stated, noting that this “ritual” allowed him to fully immerse himself in the character.
The result of this arduous work was a captivating and deeply impactful representation, reflecting the mastery of the team, which sought for the Creature to not only impress but also tell its own story through its physical appearance.
