Lenses, prosthetics, eyebrow covers—Inside Glenn Close's demonic transformation for 'Deliverance'
Glenn Close's chilling portrayal of a demon-possessed character in Lee Daniels's The Deliverance has left viewers spellbound. The actor underwent a remarkable transformation for this role, spending four hours daily in the makeup chair under the guidance of special effects makeup artist Jason Collins. A key element of her metamorphosis was black sclera contact lenses, which Collins described as epitomizing evil.
'The Deliverance' plot and Close's character
The Deliverance, inspired by true events, narrates the story of Ebony (Andra Day), a single mother caring for her three children and her ailing mother Alberta (Close) in a seemingly haunted house. As the narrative progresses, their life is uprooted by demons. Alberta, who is battling cancer and undergoing chemotherapy, becomes possessed by the devil and undergoes a startling transformation.
Collins's approach to Close's makeup and transformation
Collins was mindful not to conceal Close under excessive prosthetics. He told Variety, "You want to identify that it's Alberta. This is a connection the audience has had, and you don't want to take them out of it." The transformation began with creating demonic eyes using black lenses. Initially, Collins considered using VFX for post-production corrections but ultimately decided on black scleral contact lenses that cover the eye's white portion after discussing with Close.
Close's commitment to practical effects and makeup details
Close expressed her willingness to use the black scleral contact lenses for a more authentic experience. Collins shared, "I asked her, 'Do you think this is something you could do?' And she's such a great trooper and a great actress, and she said, 'I'd like to try to do it practically if we can because I want to feel it.'" After the lenses were inserted, Collins focused on enhancing Alberta's cheekbones and adding extensive veining.
Close's transformation also included airbrushing and prosthetics
The process of making Close's skin appear translucent through veining required two hours of airbrushing. Another two hours were dedicated to applying prosthetics such as eyebrow covers and a full neck application with saggy skin. Collins also fitted Close with a bald cap, explaining, "The bald cap was a two-piece cap - the back piece goes on first, and the front goes on over it."
Attention to detail in Close's demonic transformation
Attention to detail was crucial in Close's transformation. Collins emphasized the importance of Alberta's teeth, stating, "In a scene like that, we wanted something that was really evidentiary and a quick read that it was demonic and evil." The teeth were created by Chris Lyons of Fangs FX based on a design sent by Collins. Additionally, Close suggested long toenails for her character—a detail that Daniels approved with some modifications. The Deliverance is out on Netflix.
