Today on Horror Happenings, it’s a mix of good and bad, with a makeup legend announcing his retirement and a classic coming back to theaters. Let’s get to it!
Makeup Master Rick Baker is Formally Retiring
It’s a sad day for fans of tangible effects as makeup legend Rick Baker has decided to retire from the film industry. In a radio interview with KPCC the “monster maker” announced his decision, explaining, “I said the time is right, I am 64 years old, and the business is crazy right now. I like to do things right, and they wanted cheap and fast. That is not what I want to do, so I just decided it is basically time to get out. I would consider designing and consulting on something, but I don’t think I will have a huge working studio anymore.”
For collectors who have some cash to spare and want to own a bit of horror history, Baker is auctioning off many of his creations via a company called The Prop Store. Baker explained, “The Prop Store guys come from a background of being like fanboys, and they have an appreciation for what this stuff is, and it wasn’t just about how much money they were going to get out of it. I liked that, and they seemed like really decent people.” Baker described the warehouse where his collection has previously been held, adding, “It was weird because it was a big empty building when I bought it, then I made it my own, and it was pretty cool. It is sad that it isn’t going to exist again. Nobody will be as stupid as I was to build this giant castle to make monsters in.” Jeez. What a depressing statement.
Fans of Baker’s will recall that the 12-time Oscar nominee has had a rough go of a handful of his recent studio efforts (Universal’s 2010 remake of The Wolfman comes to mind) dealing with an increase of CGI and seeming lack of respect or budgets for his art form. Baker will still be creating in other ways and frequently posts his own original art on his Twitter account.
Jaws Is Swimming Back Into Theaters for Its 40th Anniversary
They’re going to need a bigger theater! 40 years after Steven Spielberg’s classic created the summer blockbuster Jaws is returning to theaters in the US. Presented by Fathom Events, Turner Classic Movies and Universal Pictures, Jaws will screen in select theaters on June 21 with a second showing scheduled for June 24. Tickets are on sale now so get them while you can!
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What are your thoughts on Bakers retirement? Goodness knows, studio produced horror is currently going through some nonsense. Do you think he’ll be out of the movie game forever? What are some of your favorite Baker creations? Tell us your thoughts in the comments section!
