Transforming Lily James and Sebastian Stan in 'Pam and Tommy': A Behind-the-Scenes Look at Prosthetics and Transformation
Introduction to 'Pam and Tommy'
Hulu's 'Pam and Tommy' is a dramatic retelling of the marriage of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee and the unauthorized release of their sex tape. The show, which airs Wednesdays, is an authentic and detailed depiction of their relationship, with significant focus on the actors' transformation processes. This article delves deeper into the meticulous makeup, prosthetics, and overall transformation of Lily James and Sebastian Stan, used to make them look like their respective characters.
Care and Authenticity in Transformation
Making the actors look authentic was a top priority for the makeup and prosthetics team. David Williams, the makeup artist, emphasized that authenticity and believability are paramount. ‘“For me authenticity and believability are absolutely paramount,” he said. “I wanted to stay as true to Pam as could possibly be done because we are replicating an image that is well burned into the zeitgeist of America.” ’ This meticulous attention to detail ensures that the audience feels immersed in the world of the show.
Lily James' Transformation
Among the stars of the show, Lily James required the most significant prosthetics. Her transformation process began with comparisons of her face and features to those of Pamela Anderson. Collins, the cosmetic sculptor, took three-dimensional images of James and determined what needed to be altered to match Anderson's appearance. A forehead prosthetic was key, allowing James' hairline to be moved up and her natural eyebrows to be covered. This detail, along with a matching hairline, helped achieve a more accurate representation of Anderson.
Adding to the Transformation
James' look was further enhanced with additional makeup techniques. Thin eyebrows, smoky eye makeup, and teeth veneers were used to mimic Anderson's iconic makeup look. Additional details like acrylic nails and prosthetic breasts completed the transformation, bringing Anderson's figure to life on screen.
Sebastian Stan's Transformation
Sebastian Stan's transformation was more significant in terms of body modifications, particularly relying on Tommy Lee's numerous tattoos. Three-dimensional photos were taken of his body to determine the size of the tattoos, which were then re-created in Photoshop and applied to his body. Collins noted that they aimed for a specific set of tattoos to maintain consistency throughout the show, despite Lee getting more tattoos in reality.
Tattoos and Prosthetics
Tommy Lee was also known for his nipple piercings, which required prosthetics to be applied to Stan during scenes. This attention to detail ensured that Stan's appearance closely matched Lee's as seen by audiences in real life, enhancing the believability of the scenes.
The Role of Hair Stylist
Both James and Stan's hairstyles were meticulously designed to match their characters' styles. However, the hairstyles for James were more complex to match the over-the-top and wild looks of Pamela Anderson in the 1990s. Hair stylist Moe Collins noted that some of these looks needed to be re-created to a T, ensuring they looked natural on James and did not distract from her performance.
Transferring Styles to the Screen
The hairstyles were adjusted to ensure natural and believable looks on camera. This meant considering which hairstyles would look best on the screen and which would not only present a more authentic portrayal but also not detract from the actors' performances.
The Impact of Transformation on the Characters
The transformation process involved not only physical changes but also a deep understanding of the characters' personalities and stories. Prosthetics and makeup played a crucial role in establishing the look and feel of the characters, making the audience believe that these were genuine depictions of Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee.
Conclusion
Transforming Lily James and Sebastian Stan into Pamela Anderson and Tommy Lee required extensive use of prosthetics and makeup. The attention to detail in the transformation processes ensured that the characters came to life on screen, providing audiences with an authentic and compelling viewing experience. The makeup and prosthetics teams played a vital role in ensuring that the characters were believable and memorable.