Examined by the Light of the Moon: Comparing and Contrasting the Critical and Production Reception of Practical Creature Effects in the Films of Rick Baker

Pinsent, Benjamin (2024) Examined by the Light of the Moon: Comparing and Contrasting the Critical and Production Reception of Practical Creature Effects in the Films of Rick Baker. Doctoral thesis, University of East Anglia.

Preview

PDF Download (3MB) | Preview

Abstract

Rick Baker’s special effects make-up career lasted from 1971 until 2014. He won seven Academy Awards for Best Make-up and Hairstyling during this period. Baker is undoubtedly a critical figure in practical special effects cinema history due to his role in shaping the cultural perceptions of monstrosity and the makers of monsters. As such, this thesis positions Baker and his special effects as a constant variable throughout a historical examination of broader issues concerning the perception of special effects. This thesis will also seek to examine how, why, and in what way does the discourse surrounding Baker’s practical creature effects work change over time.

Special effects studies are a relatively new and much-ignored area of research despite the fertile ground it provides for exploration. As such, this research aims to contribute towards and build on the work of previous special effects scholars while testing their theories of special effects appreciation and connoisseurship in relation to the discussions of Baker and the texts he worked on (Pierson, 2002; North, 2008; Prince, 2012). Using a historical materialist methodology (Staiger, 2000; Klinger, 1994.), this thesis will examine various primary sources from newspapers, genre magazines, and industry-specific publications to explore the types of discussions surrounding each case study and how these affect the perception of the special effects.

This research aims to unpack and interrogate the many factors that affect the perception of special effects and the special effects artists who created them. It also aims to explore the relative visibility of special effects and the effects artists themselves. By placing Baker and his effects centrally in this study, the overriding aim of this research is to allow for the proper examination of the role of special effects in the production of Hollywood Cinema.

Item Type:	Thesis (Doctoral)
Faculty \ School:	Faculty of Arts and Humanities > School of Art, Media and American Studies (former - to 2024)
Depositing User:	Chris White
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2025 14:37
Last Modified:	03 Feb 2025 14:37
URI:	https://ueaeprints.uea.ac.uk/id/eprint/98353
DOI:

Downloads

Actions (login required)

View Item