10 Famous Faces Successfully Hidden By Incredible Make-Up

4. Gary Oldman - Hannibal

gary_oldman_startraks--300x300 This is Gary Oldman we're talking about. The man doesn't do things halfway. So when he signed on to play a role in Hannibal, he was more than game for the intensive makeup sessions. He spent six hours a day in the makeup chair, having his lips prosthetically removed while heavy scarring was applied to his face. Ridley Scott wanted his character's makeup design to be disturbing, but still somehow sympathetic. He wanted people to feel bad for Mason Verger, not to be frightened of him. To that end, he turned down many designs that looked too much like zombies, and opted instead to encourage his artists to be inspired by fetal images, which he thought would allow them to establish an emotional connection between the character and the audience.
Contributor
Contributor

Audrey Fox is an ex-film student, which means that she prefers to spend her days in the dark, watching movies and pondering the director's use of diegetic sound. She currently works as an entertainment writer, joyfully rambling about all things film and television related. Add her on Twitter at @audonamission and check out her film blog at 1001moviesandbeyond.com.