You wouldn’t be much of a monster maker if your portfolio didn’t include some classic creatures that we associated with Halloween. From zombies to werewolves to Frankenstein, the classic monster designs from Rick Baker demonstrate why he is unequivocally THE Monster Maker. Just in time for Halloween, we take a deeper dive into some of the classic monster designs included in the Rick Baker Monster Maker online auction.
Sir John Talbot Werewolf Mask, Neck, Teeth, Hands Lot
The Wolfman (2010)
A Sir Talbot werewolf mask, neck, teeth, hands lot from Joe Johnston’s The Wolfman. This piece is made of slip latex and has been painted throughout with various shades of brown. Brown and grey hair is hand punched around the face and ears to achieve the animalistic feel. The mask is offered onfoam head form and its original wooden stand. A latex chin and lower teeth piece and a separate top row of foam latex teeth are fully painted to match. The foam latex neck piece is painted as well and features power netting inside for stability. A pair of painted, slip latex gloves completes the lot. The neck piece has suffered significant damage but remains in overall good condition. Dimensions: 9” x 9” x 14” (23 cm x 23 cm x 36 cm), 14” x 12” x 6” (36 cm x 30 cm x 15 cm)
Hitchhiking Ghost (Jeremy Howard) Head Appliance,Lens and Teeth Lot
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
A Hitchhiking Ghost (Jeremy Howard) head appliance, lens and teeth lot from Rob Minkoff’s The Haunted Mansion. These pieces were made for Howard who portrayed a zombie in the film. The mask is made of a foam latex skin and is painted in great detail to recreate the look of the Disney park attraction’s iconic ghost. The teeth caps are made of black, vacuformed plastic. The eye lenses are made of solid acrylic with a small pinhole in each to allow for viewing. The head is offered on a biscuit foam bust of Howard’s head with a wooden stand. This mask shows signs of damage in the cracking foam along the edges, but remains in good condition. Dimensions: 15” x 15” x 13” (38 cm x 38 cm x 33 cm)
Frankenstein’s Monster Scalp Appliance and Lifecast
Twix: “Monster Commercial” (1995)
A Frankenstein’s monster scalp appliance and lifecast from a Twix candy commercial entitled “Monster.” This commercial sought to put a new spin on the classic Universal horror film by recreating Boris Karloff’s creature interacting with a young girl on the banks of a lake. This appliance was made for use in the commercial but was never finished.
The appliance is made of foam latex with tapered edges to allow the piece to be easily blended to the actor’s face. A small latex staple piece is attached to the top left side of the head. The appliance sits on top of rigid phone cast of the actor, mounted on a piece of particle board. The appliance has dried slightly along the edges but remains in great condition. Dimensions: 12” x 12” x 15” (30 cm x 30 cm x 38 cm)
Zombie Costume
The Haunted Mansion (2003)
A zombie costume from Rob Minkoff’s The Haunted Mansion. This complete costume consists of a black spandex undersuit, an outer spandex suit, gloves, shoes, balaclava, and mask. The outer suit is decorated with foam latex bone pieces that have been glued, sewn, or otherwise attached to the suit. A plate of bone pieces across the back attach via hidden snaps and hide the zipper. A front crotch zipper is hidden by fabric as well. An array of tattered clothing, plastic vines, and moss accents add to the piece’s exhumed visual. The black shoes and gloves feature similar latex and foam bone pieces as well as paint and cloth accents. The balaclava is worn beneath the mask to hide the performer’s features. The mask is offered on its original Styrofoam head and wood stand. The costume components remain in good condition. Dressed height: 74” (188 cm)
Lawrence Talbot Stunt Werewolf Mask with Hair
The Wolfman (2010)
A Lawrence Talbot stunt werewolf mask from Joe Johnston’s The Wolfman. This mask is made of slip latex and has been painted throughout with various shades of brown. The mask is unfinished, with hand punched facial hair but none on the scalp. The mask is offered on a Styrofoam head and remains in good condition. Dimensions: 9” x 11” x 11” (23 cm x 28 cm x 28 cm)
And when Halloween ends, we know Christmas is right around the corner. Oddly enough, Baker has a take on a classic Christmas character as well. Grinch anyone?
Carlos Huante Hand-Painted GrinchConcept
How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000)
A hand-painted Grinch concept from Ron Howard’s family comedy How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The artwork depicts an early design for the title character as illustrated by concept artist Carlos Huante. Markedly different from the final version, this image is a radical departure from the storybook drawings and depicts the Grinch smoking and holding a deranged looking Max the dog. This painting, done on sketch paper, is created using a mixture of ink, pastels, acrylic paint, and airbrushing.