As a seasoned gamer of classic and contemporary television series, I can confidently say that “The Eye of the Beholder” from The Twilight Zone is a timeless masterpiece that continues to captivate audiences decades after its initial airing. Having witnessed countless reboots, remakes, and adaptations over the years, I can attest that this episode stands out as a unique gem in the vast landscape of storytelling.
As a dedicated gamer, I’ve learned that necessity truly is the mother of invention. The original run of The Twilight Zone, which I faithfully watched on SYFY, demonstrated this time and again. With limited resources, tight deadlines, and constant guidance from sponsors and the network, they consistently managed to create something extraordinary.
The main force propelling production has always been doing more with fewer resources, and arguably no episode from “The Twilight Zone” encapsulates this idea as perfectly as the second season’s “The Eye of the Beholder” (originally known as “The Private World of Darkness,” aired in November 1960). This episode is one of the series’ most valuable treasures and has been replicated and satirized numerous times throughout the years. A summary of its plot may seem redundant given its widespread recognition, but suffice it to say, “The Eye of the Beholder” showcases extraordinary skill in set design, lighting, acting, themes, and, notably, surprising viewers’ expectations.
Most notably, even with the twist already known, the episode remains enjoyable; the extraordinary and transcendent artistry shown throughout the meticulously directed 25 minutes by Douglas Heyes keeps you spellbound every viewing. Additionally, it’s worth mentioning that the grotesque appearance of the medical staff, reminiscent of pigs, consistently triggers feelings of disgust. What might surprise you is that the iconic makeup, crafted by William Tuttle, was partly influenced by the 1960 film adaptation of H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine, which starred Rod Taylor from The Twilight Zone. In this case, “And When the Sky Was Opened” was fittingly the title of that film.
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The Twilight Zone‘s iconic “Eye of the Beholder” makeup was inspired by The Time Machine
Initially, Heyes and Tuttle made a good beginning with designing the appearance of this reversed society members, but as anticipated, finances were the primary challenge they faced. Regrettably, their initial concept – which included intricate makeup effects that would have concealed the actors’ entire faces and heads – was beyond the budget constraints.
In “The Twilight Zone Companion,” Heyes notes, “Our initial challenge with the makeup for the episode… was that it would prove too costly.” He continues, “During ‘Eye of the Beholder,’ Tuttle had recently worked on The Time Machine, where he crafted the Morlocks. When he expressed his concerns about costs, I visited his department and observed some of the parts used to assemble the Morlocks. I suggested, ‘Bill, why don’t we try creating similar pieces and affixing them?’
Ultimately, Tuttle designed multiple versions of brow piercings and a substantial piece that encompassed the nose, cheeks, and upper lip, as mentioned by Zicree. The minimalist approach turned out to be beneficial because these prosthetics did not hinder performances and even served to strengthen the intended deception of the audience.
According to Heyes, the unique features of each actor remained visible – their cheekbones, jawlines, ears. Additionally, he was able to capture images from behind, including views of backs of heads, eras, and such. Only when viewed straight-on did they appear different.
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2024-10-02 20:31