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1st?
by Alen Smithee
Jun 16th, 2009
03:08:36 AM
You lucky bastard!
second, boyeee
by briantag
Jun 16th, 2009
03:27:06 AM
Dick Smith is a legend.
The man is a god
by kwisatzhaderach
Jun 16th, 2009
03:27:33 AM
A living legend...
by Shatoichi
Jun 16th, 2009
03:31:42 AM
Great to see Dick Smith getting this tribute...what an artist. And a consultant on the Hobbit?!? Makes me look forward to seeing it even more than i am already! :D
Rarely am I envious of you junket-goers, Quint
by Frisco
Jun 16th, 2009
03:39:35 AM
But this time ya got me bad! That is going to be a fantastic trip and I hope you get to meet and interview not just Dick Smith himself, but Baker and anybody else (Greg Cannom, hopefully) who might be there.

You're right, this seems to be a dwindling art. And yet the difference between exquisite craftsmanship and only mediocre work is more apparent in make-up effects than in so many other aspects of movie making. The eye can be fooled into thinking a miniature is more detailed than it really is, and editing can sometimes cover for pedestrian direction. And as we all know, nice tits can make up for bad writing. But make-up: everyone can spot bad make-up in no time flat.

Dick Smith - hilarious name.
by JuanSanchez
Jun 16th, 2009
03:42:40 AM
Yeah but his version of Tim Tams suck.
by Amy Chasing
Jun 16th, 2009
04:23:47 AM
Those in the know, know what I mean.
Smith is awesome.
by InfiniteRegress
Jun 16th, 2009
04:27:20 AM
I remember, back when I was growing up in England, there was a Dick Smith horror make up set in a catalog. I wanted that kit so badly, and that Christmas by grandparents bought it for me. Was one of the best gifts I got as a kid. Smith is a legend. You look at the people who worked under him or were inspired by him....he's right up there with Chaney snr, the Westmores and Jack Pierce.
Is this tribute solely because the man is a genius...
by ELGordo
Jun 16th, 2009
05:09:20 AM
or do they know he's dying or something? I've been wondering about him and what he's been up to, teaching or simply just kicking back in his retirement and enjoying life.
The Day Practical Effects Die Is the Day I Stop Watching New Mov
by DOGSOUP
Jun 16th, 2009
05:46:43 AM
Quint's consulting on a giant geek movie?
by tonagan
Jun 16th, 2009
06:06:39 AM
wow..canada is represented..lol
by Bouncy X
Jun 16th, 2009
07:03:03 AM
totally off topic but i see an ad on this page for Smarties, the canadian equivalent to M&M's and not that other candy that americans always think we're talking about. wow...are we invading you guys slowly? if so, stop us, stop us now dammit.
..and back on topic
by Bouncy X
Jun 16th, 2009
07:07:30 AM
i dont think practical will ever completely die. it may get replaced by CGI for the bigger effects but i think makeup will always be around for actors. yes they can do very very good jobs sometimes (Davey Jones) but there will always be circumstances where practical is needed and looks better and well....is more practical. i think the one effect CGI is slowly replacing and will probably kill 100% one day is the world of animatronics and robotics. part of me doesnt mind because in some cases they do amazing work, but still...in a perfect world they'd constantly work together like in Jurassic Park 3. those scenes on the beach with the raptors, it wasnt perfect but they physical dinos looked almost as good and real as the CGI ones, i bet some people that aren't as movie savvy couldnt tell you which was which.
Is filmmaking going backwards?
by Knuckleduster
Jun 16th, 2009
07:21:40 AM
Going from masters like Dick Smith to Patrick Stewart looking like a homosexual alien in that Wolverine movie. So sad.
Giant Geek Movie?
by Kid Z
Jun 16th, 2009
07:25:13 AM
They're doing a Harry biopic???
That make-up on THE EXORCIST...
by spud mcspud
Jun 16th, 2009
07:27:38 AM
Is still the only make-up job in any movie that I can say still truly terrifies me. I can not watch that movie without wincing - there's something about that face that is seared into my nightmares. I even leapt out of my seat after seeing the spinning Regan head CAKE that they were making in ACE OF CAKES. Yeah, I jumped at a cake series commercial! Thank you, Dick Smith. You are a legend among men - particularly movie-lovin' men. Long may you reign.
big tings
by TheExterminator
Jun 16th, 2009
07:34:25 AM
I'm with you spud mcspud
by RighteousBrother
Jun 16th, 2009
07:37:09 AM
still terrifies me too. I saw the film when I was quite young, and couldn't face it again till I was in my thirties - still not too keen on watching it now.
well deserved tribute
by Genre_Baby
Jun 16th, 2009
08:37:13 AM
Wish I could go, so I'm very much looking forward to your reports/pix Quint. Have fun :)
Yep, Quint's worshiping some Dick alright...
by Bill Brasky
Jun 16th, 2009
08:54:36 AM
Big surprise here old buddy.
I also read headline to mean Quint was consulting
by Beezbo
Jun 16th, 2009
08:57:22 AM
I need to get better at knowing the behing the scenes
by CherryValance
Jun 16th, 2009
09:13:47 AM
people. On a movie like LOTR, I know all of those people from watching the DVD extras over and over again. But for most movies, I have no idea who did the make-up or costume design or any of that stuff.
Awesome Quint
by HerbWestAustin
Jun 16th, 2009
09:20:46 AM
just awesome.
Age does not exist in this dojo
by Cobra--Kai
Jun 16th, 2009
09:34:38 AM
Hmm, all power to Dick Smith but having a guy who's pushing 90 consult on THE HOBBIT...?

Smells like a PR stunt to me. Maybe Quint can find out if old Dick will actually make a genuine contribution?

I love all the old school FX best...
by Kid Z
Jun 16th, 2009
09:42:26 AM
...it all just brought a sense of realness to the improbable. The transformation scene in An American Werewolf In London, non-CGI original ET, the H R Giger-designed stuff in Alien, I'll take any of it over phony CGI anyday. There's even a rumor going around that one of the old school makeup artists is responsible for that classic, supposedly "real" Bigfoot sighting home movie film from the 1960's. Wouldn't doubt it for a minute, those old dude were true artists and masters of their craft.
Fuck fuck fuck FUCK! (excuse my French)
by half vader
Jun 16th, 2009
09:45:16 AM
I woulda hopped on a damn plane and flown to L.A. (from Oz) for this. I'm not bloody kidding. If only I'd known I woulda been there. This will NEVER HAPPEN AGAIN. Aaaarrggh!

I hope they have the Big Dick er, bust there that Kazu Tsuji made for Smith's 80th (I think) birthday. That thing is incredible and it brought a tear to Dick's eye. If you know about makeup effects I'm sure you know what I'm referring to.

Amy, I know what you mean
by half vader
Jun 16th, 2009
09:49:33 AM
but you must admit that his version of Redheads matches - "Dickheads" are bloody awesome.
Rick Baker. Dick Smith. The Academy
by BenBraddock
Jun 16th, 2009
09:51:15 AM
of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. Do you *know* how lucky you are to be living within reach of such an awesome happening? Sigh..
By the way, his Regan and Jack Crabb STILL RULE!!
by BenBraddock
Jun 16th, 2009
09:53:11 AM
The "Little Big Man" work is phenomenal. Ok, he got a little help from Dustin Hoffman there too, but...

by Cobra--Kai
Jun 16th, 2009
09:56:46 AM
Kid Z, you seen the special edition of ET with the extra scene of CGI ET messing around with toothpaste in the bathroom? Fuck me it looks lame. Really takes you out of the movie.
Bought his Famous Monsters Make Up Book
by skimn
Jun 16th, 2009
10:09:48 AM
back in the late '60s, and instilled a love and appreciation of all things shape altering. From Lon Chaney, Jack Pierce, John Chambers, to Rick Baker, Rob Bottin, The KNB folks and beyond, there should be a statue or shrine erected for Mr. Smith.
Count Your Blessings Quint...
by THE TRUE PINBACK
Jun 16th, 2009
10:19:15 AM
You are one LUCKY bastard!!! There are many of us out herein the geek community who tremble at the thought of getting the opportunity you're getting...don't waste it!!!
Thank you half vader.
by Amy Chasing
Jun 16th, 2009
10:36:16 AM
I was starting to think I was the only one who knew the helicopter flying, home-brand food alternative, electronics rip-off shop man that is Australia's Dick Smith.

I miss Big Kev.

I gotta admit it....
by dancetothebeatofthelivingdead
Jun 16th, 2009
11:01:56 AM
When I read the headline, I honestly had never heard of Dick Smith. Once I read the story, I said, "Wow, cool" I then went to IMDB and typed in his name, My "Cool's" went to "Damn's" pretty quickly, which eventually segued into, "Holy shit's."

My knowledge of SFX guys and make-up men pretty meuch stops and starts with the likes of Savini and Baker. Just like my knowledge of score composers is limited to Williams, and Elfman and the giants tat get the credit that so many deserve.

That doesn't mean I don't appreciate the shit out of real SFX and Make-up. Make-up and miniatures vs. CGI and green screens? Star Wars, enough said.

I consider myself to be up there with the best of them as far as movie knowledge and just a flat-out trivia buff. A "professional appreciator" some maight say, yet these guys don't even get enough credit to register on my radar; why is that? Aren;t they just as responsible for making the magic happen as directors and a whole hell of a lot more responsible than producers? Yet, the producers go home with the big prize every year.

Quint, take the time, if you get the time, to let this man know that there are millions of fans out there that don;t even know his name. This man is responisble for some of the finest images ever put on screen, Dorian Grey for Christ's sakes? Let him know we all said thank you and we're all glad he's getting the recognition from the Academy that he truly deserves.

CGI has no soul, it is a soul vacuum that sucks the realism out of the films that a fake rubbery mask givces birth to. Ironic isn't it?
It's nice they're throwing him a bone as "consultant."
by Bob Cryptonight
Jun 16th, 2009
11:21:00 AM
Good guy...the last of a breed we won't see again.
Dick Smith's work on F. Murray Abraham in AMADEUS...
by ZombieHeathLedger
Jun 16th, 2009
11:40:08 AM
...turning him into the aged Salieri is hands down THE best aging make-up job I have ever seen in cinema including the recent CGI job they did on Brad Pitt. Wasn't he the guy on Taxi Driver, too?
My makeup heroes...
by Phloton
Jun 16th, 2009
11:40:49 AM
When I was a lad (and still) were: Dick Smith - old age makeup Rick Baker - anything he did (especially apes) Rob Bottin - weirdo creatures Tom Savini - gunshots
Thanks for posting this, just bought my tickets.
by BlackBanana
Jun 16th, 2009
11:48:56 AM
Moving back to LA has finally paid off.
Is he a Makeup Smith or a Dick Smith?
by Rubiks Doob
Jun 16th, 2009
11:49:24 AM
GAW
Old Bowie in The Hunger
by Tin Snoman
Jun 16th, 2009
11:53:56 AM
Absolutely amazing.
Because of Dick Smith ...
by ColonelFatheart
Jun 16th, 2009
12:42:22 PM
I had "Exorcist" nightmares for 20-odd years. Damn you, Dick Smith! You raped my psyche!
Another amazing old age makeup thats overlooked
by skimn
Jun 16th, 2009
12:53:25 PM
is Father Merrin in The Exorcist. Max Von Sydow was a still young looking 43. Since I had no prior knowledge of his filmwork, through his performance and Smith's amazing and subtle makeup, I believed he was this 75-ish year old man. I think Smith has said himself that Merrin was a more complex job than the Megan demon.

by Cobra--Kai
Jun 16th, 2009
01:05:00 PM
jobless, fuck off and get a job instead of spamming up this tb.

If you want to advertize then pay for it like all the other motherfuckers.

Qunit's going to LA? Don't you live there?
by YackBacker
Jun 16th, 2009
01:24:34 PM
I'm not a stalker, I swear!
Skimn, you're right
by BenBraddock
Jun 16th, 2009
01:42:23 PM
It's funny seeing von Sydow today, he's about the age Merrin was in "The Exorcist" and Smith wasn't far off! Funny thought: when they do the inevitable and re-make "The Exorcist", von Sydow could play Merrin again, this time with no makeup
DAMN!!! SOLD OUT before I could even click 'buy tickets'
by CENOBITE
Jun 16th, 2009
01:51:49 PM
you bastards that are going... hope you're happy.
In that photo of all the heads....
by bobbofatz
Jun 16th, 2009
02:12:21 PM
are any of them real people? Or are they all special effects? And is that a Dick head?
A MASTER! AND 'ALTERED STATES' IS A+
by uberman
Jun 16th, 2009
02:47:00 PM
This man deserves major props. And Quint, we agree 100% on your assesment of practical effects as opposed to CGI, esspecially for horror. Aside from his wonderful work on ALTERED STATES, this movie is, in my opinion, one of the deepest, most profound movies ever made. I first saw it in 1980 or 81 at college, and I sat through the showings like 3 x in a row, trying to get my mind around it. If you have not seen it, see it.
Re: GHOST STORY
by ArmageddonProductions
Jun 16th, 2009
02:48:10 PM
No love for GHOST STORY? Granted, the movie sucked harder than Lindsay Lohan on her knees at the Disney offices, begging for her old job back, but Smith's makeup effects were amazing (you can see two of the heads used in the movie in that bottom pic). In fact, I bought my first Fangoria with Alice Kridge's rotting ghost head on the cover.
Re: GHOST STORY #2
by ArmageddonProductions
Jun 16th, 2009
02:50:45 PM
... aaaaand if ever there was a property ripe for an honest-to-God remake, GHOST STORY would be it. The book was a classic. The movie ... well, the movie had Fred Astaire, Douglas Fairbanks and Craig Wasson's penis in it.
GHOST STORY
by uberman
Jun 16th, 2009
02:52:31 PM
Scared the living shit outta me when I first saw it. If my memory serves me right, that movie DID NOT suck. Even thinking about it now, I can remember alot, and none of it bad.
I love Dick Smith
by HideousSecretion
Jun 16th, 2009
03:11:40 PM
He forged me a massive wang. A veritable Hephestus of man meat. All kidding aside, Dick Smith is an amazing legend and from friends who studied under him a great guy. I wish him nothing but the best.
yep...
by ufoclub1977
Jun 16th, 2009
03:28:23 PM
Dick Smith! I knew who he was back in middle school. Who also remembers Stuart Freeborn, Craig Reardon, Tom Burman, Carl Fullerton...?
ufo
by skimn
Jun 16th, 2009
04:46:41 PM
Hey bud, I name checked John Chambers, and remember his work, sp the giant head he put on David McCallum for The Outer Limits, before he did Planet Of The Apes.
Ghost Story? I'm still waiting for some cable net
by skimn
Jun 16th, 2009
04:51:51 PM
to helm Straub and King's The Talisman...
ufo
by Quint
Jun 16th, 2009
07:47:59 PM
I actually met Craig Reardon on a set once. We talked about Poltergeist. It was his hands that ripped apart the face of the dude who freaks out looking in the mirror. There some amazing, untold stories floating around out there.
Quint, you better record the damn thing.
by half vader
Jun 16th, 2009
08:25:42 PM
The WHOLE thing. Do whatever you have to. This is a once-in-a-lifetime thing. Baker hosting! Gaah!
Here's that awesome bust of Smith:
by half vader
Jun 16th, 2009
08:27:39 PM
http://tinyurl.com/kt6ex5
The best Ghost Story design was left out of the movie!
by half vader
Jun 16th, 2009
08:41:06 PM
The chick with no face except for the icky mouth:

http://tinyurl.com/npyano

I also bought his Famous Monsters Make Up Book
by Droogie Alex
Jun 17th, 2009
02:09:34 AM
when I was a kid, wanting to be a make-up man. I still have it, and later got into stop motion via Ray Harryhousen, then editing animated series thanks to guys like them.
Wonderful Show
by FXArtist
Jun 18th, 2009
07:03:35 AM
It was a wonderful show. The guests were great (Linda Blair and Hal Holbrook were great to see), and the behhind the scenes film clips were priceless. It re-inspired me for the industry I love. Congrats Dick!
I'm so envious FX
by half vader
Jun 19th, 2009
02:35:33 AM
How could it not have been great?! Aaaaarrgh - behind the scenes stuff! Anyway glad you had fun and can't wait for the Rick Baker one (I can hope).
Chick with no face in
by djwow
Jun 20th, 2009
03:50:36 AM
faceless ghost
by djwow
Jun 20th, 2009
03:53:46 AM
I OWN the actual head and shoulders from the scene! It's worn and crusty but it's the original. Smith had to clear out excess props from his basement and my friend snatched up a bunch of stuff. http://tinyurl.com/npyano
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