Movie costumes are an essential part of the film industry since they are so important in establishing a character’s visual identity and the mood and tone of a narrative. To make costumes that are both aesthetically pleasing and strong enough to withstand the rigors of filming, a complicated process of study, design, and fabrication is involved. Sometimes, CGI and special effects are employed to improve or change how costumes are seen on film.

However, since performers frequently spend a lot of time in the dressing room, designing movie costumes can be difficult. To change into personas that don’t resemble them, they might have to put on bulky costumes or prosthetics. This may make you feel uncomfortable, perhaps even physically.

Despite these difficulties, the outcome is always worthwhile. Movie costumes aid in bringing characters to life and escorting viewers to fascinating new worlds. They are a crucial component of the filmmaking process and have a significant impact on the final product.

#1 Angelina Jolie — Maleficent

Jolie’s Maleficent makeup used intricate prosthetics to create the character’s striking cheekbones and jawline. The makeup team worked for approximately 2.5 hours to complete the makeup. To give Maleficent a dramatic and stunning image, the makeup also involves extensive application of dark eyeliner and bright, almost unnatural-looking lipstick.

The most difficult element of the costume was donning a gigantic pair of horns, a black and silver helmet, a flowing black dress with a high collar, and a cape made of black feathers. In an interview, Jolie stated that because they were relatively heavy, her neck quickly became weary. She also wore 5-inch heels and frequently beat herself with the horns on stage. She nearly knocked herself out several times.

#2 Ralph Fiennes — Harry Potter saga

Every day of filming required Fiennes to wear a lot of makeup to produce Voldemort’s well-known appearance. This required cosmetics to create a pale, almost snake-like complexion as well as prosthetics for his nose and cheekbones. The goal of the makeup was to make Fiennes virtually unrecognisable while also terrifying and unsettling the viewers.

#3 Brie Larson — Captain Marvel

Larson did intensive physical training to get in shape and be able to carry out the action scenes required of the character. The character’s military history and her status as a frightening superhero were both represented by the suit, which was made to be both functional and aesthetically pleasing.

#4 Tilda Swinton — The Grand Budapest Hotel

For the role of Madame D, Swinton wears a lot of makeup. In addition to using cosmetics to create wrinkles, age spots, and other signs of aging, the makeup also uses prosthetics to alter the anatomy of her face. The result is a stunning and intriguing image of an old woman.
Tilda Swinton is expected to don exquisite costumes and a variety of accessories, including hats, gloves, and jewelry. In close collaboration with director Wes Anderson, the costume designers created a look that was both current and fitting for the character’s status and age.

#5 Saoirse Ronan — Mary, Queen of Scotts

Saoirse Ronan has to put on lots of prosthetics to alter the shape of her nose and ears, as well as makeup to create a pale complexion and dark circles under her eyes.

The costume worn by Ronan in Mary, Queen of Scots is also an important part of her transformation, a number of elaborate and historically accurate dresses, as well as a range of accessories such as jewelry and headpieces. The costumes were designed to reflect the character’s status and personality, as well as the period in which the film is set.

#6 Orlando Bloom — Lord of the Rings saga

For his role as Legolas in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Orlando Bloom donned blue contact lenses, but he disliked and found them unpleasant. His eyes were digitally colored blue in post-production by the creators using CGI. Bloom was able to do it without experiencing the agony and hassle of wearing contacts during filming.

#7 Shawn and Marlon Wayans — White Chicks

The change of the Wayans brothers in White Chicks is evidence of the effectiveness of cosmetics and attire in producing believable representations of characters from different races and genders. The actors were able to completely disappear into their parts because to the heavy use of prosthetics and makeup, as well as the lavish costumes and accessories, which produced a humorous and unique cinematic experience.

#8 Helena Bonham Carter — Planet of the Apes

When portraying his character in Planet of the Apes, Helena Bonham Carter wears a full-face prosthesis that changes the shape of her nose, jaw, and forehead in addition to cosmetics that adds fur and other elements. She donned a variety of clothes, including fur, to portray Ari, a chimpanzee who fights for human rights. To enhance her outfit, she additionally adorns herself with bracelets and necklaces.

#9 Gwyneth Paltrow — Shallow Hal

Gwyneth Paltrow revealed the emotional toll of filming her role of Shallow Hal in a fat suit and prosthetics in an interview with Oprah Winfrey. Paltrow said she was “humiliated” and “ashamed” by the first time she put on the costume and that the emotions of others made her “really sad.” She also talked about how the experience made her more compassionate toward persons with weight issues and how it opened her eyes to the destructive nature of conventional beauty ideals.

#10 Gary Oldman — Darkest Hour

The time it took Oldman to become the British prime minister was about 4 hours. Gary spent a lot of time on his makeup and wore patches on his body that looked like a Victorian corset to finish the look. He worried that he wouldn’t be able to keep up the act for 18–20 hours a day for 48 days. He was afraid that the glue would hurt his face too much.

#11 Michael Sheen — Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn — Part 1

Sheen’s metamorphosis started with a team of makeup experts covering his head in a bald helmet and putting sophisticated prosthetics on his face to imitate Aro’s distinctive facial characteristics, particularly his prominent. Sheen further wore a specially created costume that includes a body-hugging piece of armor and a long, black cloak. To facilitate movement during fight scenes, the armor was constructed from lightweight materials.

#12 Rachel Brosnahan — The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel

Brosnahan collaborated with a team of makeup artists to create a period-appropriate appearance for Midge, including the classic 1950s-style makeup and haircuts. The crew also constructed prosthetics to enhance Brosnahan’s nose and specialized dental prostheses to change the appearance of her teeth. Furthermore, the actress must enroll in a vocal training program in order to grasp Midge’s distinct speaking style, which is distinguished by a fast-paced, almost musical cadence. She also worked with a dialect coach to develop the New York accent used by Midge and the other characters on the program.

#13 Christina Ricci — Penelope

Christina Ricci discusses the main character’s play in the film “Penelope,” which was supposed to mimic a pig’s snout. The prosthetic was applied to Ricci’s face on each day of filming, and it took many hours in the makeup chair to produce the seamless effect. She also stated that putting on those filters required too much effort on her part.