Jacob Elordi embraced the extensive 11-hour process required to transform into his full Frankenstein character, recognizing the time as essential to preparing for the role before filming began. This painstaking makeup routine allowed him to deeply connect with the character in a way that he could not have achieved once cameras started rolling.
The Extended Makeup Process as a Tool for Immersion
During an appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Elordi explained that the lengthy makeup application was actually beneficial. He said,
“Well, it’s kind of, it was actually like the perfect amount of time. You don’t get that much time when you’re filming to be able to get into something,”
emphasizing how the waiting period created space to mentally transition into the character. He further noted,
“Yeah, so it was like the perfect amount of time to be able to sort of leave all of this stuff behind and sort of become something else, I guess. Hopefully.”
Developing the Character Through Movement
Elordi was also questioned about the distinctive walk he created for his Frankenstein role. He described his thought process as an attempt to imagine the sensation of a foot “waking up” after numbness and not responding correctly to the brain. He shared,
“First of all, I thought about what it would be like to, you know, when you’re trying to wake your foot up when you’ve been sitting on it for too long,”
adding,
“And it’s not listening to your brain. Things like that, like how would somebody else’s foot move on your body?”
To further refine the physicality of the character, Elordi collaborated with a Butoh teacher, gaining insight from the traditional Japanese dance form that often explores darker themes. This influence helped shape the unnatural and haunting movements seen in the film.
Significance of the Preparation for the Role
The intense preparation, both in makeup and movement, reflects Elordi’s commitment to fully embodying his character despite the challenges. The long hours in the makeup chair and the physical training highlight how actors sometimes require unconventional methods to realize complex roles. This thorough approach may set a precedent for future performances requiring extensive character transformations, blending physical endurance with creative exploration.
