Tom Savini's Terror-tory: Reshaping Horror's Facade

In the realm of special effects makeup, there are numerous luminaries, yet Tom Savini might not be the undisputed king compared to milestone figures like Stan Winston and Rick Baker. However, when it comes to his standing in European and American horror films, nobody dares to question it. He shares close ties with the father of zombies, George A. Romero, Robert Rodriguez, and many others. He stands alone as an actor, director, special effects makeup artist, and stunt performer in a place teeming with talent like Hollywood.

Image description

Godfather of Horror Makeup

2015 marked one of the most devastating years in the history of horror cinema, with many idols like Christopher Lee and Wes Craven passing, leaving fans in mourning. Among the tributes penned by other big names in the horror film realm, Tom Savini's character was among the most frequently mentioned. Now in his seventies, there's no hint of retirement as he remains active across various domains in the film industry — acting, teaching special effects makeup, choreographing action for horror video games. For any enthusiast of horror, it would be a missed opportunity not to explore the life and work of such a prominent icon in the genre.

Image description

Yet, utter the name Tom Savini with solemnity, and few would readily recognize it. His memorable portrayal as Sex Machine in Robert Rodriguez's cult classic "From Dusk Till Dawn" left an indelible mark. However, for many, he remains merely a familiar face in B movies, which is a significant oversight. Within the horror film industry, he is revered by all, hailed as the undisputed centerpiece in the realm of horror special effects makeup.

Savini, the golden makeup artist of "father of the zombie film" George A. Romero, is the "villain" Quentin Tarantino and Robert Rodriguez love inserting into their films. This rugged and ferocious character, often brutally killed in cinema, is not only one of the most recognizable figures in B movies but also the first to introduce blood and gore, eye gouging, and head chopping into horror films.

Image description

The Making of a Genius

Perhaps inherently rebellious, Savini, born into a Catholic family, wasn't bound by the conventional norms. Fascinated by Lon Chaney, who starred in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and "The Phantom of the Opera," from an early age, Savini acknowledged that it was Lon Chaney's "Man of a Thousand Faces" that bestowed upon him the inspiration and desire for special effects makeup.

Image description
Lon Chaney, who starred in "The Hunchback of Notre Dame" and “The Phantom of the Opera”

From experimenting on himself to persuading friends to be his guinea pigs, Savini's makeup skills continued to evolve. Alongside his burgeoning artistry, the highly expressive Savini often played pranks, scaring his friends while dressed in homemade costumes, and for him, every day seemed like Halloween.

If his early interests set the course for his future, his later military career undoubtedly deepened his style. During the Vietnam War, Savini became a combat photographer. "My job was to capture the ravages of war on people and machines. Through my lens, I witnessed too many horrific scenes. To desensitize myself, I had to convince myself that these bodies were specially prepared. As a special effects makeup artist today, I've essentially reversed the process."

Image description

Despite using the lens to restrain his aversion and fear of war, all the gut-wrenching memories lingered in his mind. The brutalities of the battlefield influenced his creative work, eventually shaping his style into extreme violence and bloodshed. "Damn, I hate those hypocritical war films. Real corpses don't portray serenity. I've seen half-open or completely unseeing eyes. Even if they wear smiles, the jaw relaxes after death."

In his collaboration with Romero, Savini showcased his talents. After a small-scale test in "Martin" (1977), the following year's "Dawn of the Dead" propelled him to fame. If George A. Romero laid the groundwork for the zombie genre, then Savini was the godfather who crafted an entirely new visual sensibility for such films.

In 1980, a legendary horror film hit the screens — the famous "Friday the 13th". Savini took onscreen bloodshed to a whole new level, etching Jason, the iconic masked man, into history. 1981 brought forth two movies, "The Burning" and "The Prowler," earning Savini the grand title of "The Ruler of Violent Films." In 1982, he collaborated with long-time partner George A. Romero and celebrated horror writer Stephen King to create "Creepshow," offering a plethora of vintage horror effects that left audiences wide-eyed. Following his work on "Friday the 13th," Savini returned to his forte — the zombie genre. His efforts on "Day of the Dead" earned him the prestigious Saturn Award for Best Makeup in 1985.

Image description
Stephen King|Tom Savini|George A. Romero
Image description
“Friday the 13th”
Image description
"Creepshow"

Golden Sidekick of Horror

Recognized more for his acting, he relishes playing various rough characters in movies like "Django Unchained," "Machete," "Dawn of the Dead," "Planet Terror," "Knightriders," among others. His characters, entwined in a whirlwind of bullets and blood splatters, embody a “sarcastic” dissection of zombies—a creation entirely his own. A seasoned slayer of zombies and capable of decimating vampires, he spares no bystanders, meeting often the most gruesome fate in the end. A master wielding blades, and firearms, and occasionally concealing a surprising element in his pants, he is a vivid embodiment of horror's arsenal.

Image description
"Machete Kills"
Image description
“Planet Terror”

True Persona

Off-screen, Savini is a gentle husband, a caring father, a reliable collaborator, and a righteous brother to the gang of "old bastards" and "bad boys" in the film circle. He's also a fencer, a gymnast, and a motorcycle stunt expert. Occasionally, he dabbles in directing, with the 1990 remake of "Night of the Living Dead," “The Theatre Bizarre” in 2011 and “Nightmare City” released in 2017 being among his directorial ventures.

Even in a supporting role, true badasses always radiate their aura. Tom Savini is a prime example, exuding madness in front of the camera and composure behind the makeup table. In the foreseeable future, this man, with his greasy curls and beard, will continue terrorizing many's nightmares.

As Tom Savini enters his seventies, time may impose limitations on his future plans, but one thing remains certain — his legend and accomplishments will continue to echo throughout Hollywood. Adored by horror enthusiasts, Tom Savini is an indispensable figure in the realm of horror movies, and his presence is an essential component of the genre.

Image description

0 Light Points

Spotlights help boost visibility — be the first!

Comments 2
Hot
New
A Narvaez Pedrosa
A Narvaez Pedrosa
 · 11/10/2024
Your title was visceral, congratulations.
2
Reply
Adri Oliveira
Adri Oliveira
 · 11/11/2024
great article, great job!
1
Reply
3
2
0
0