Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice Makeup: A Masterclass in Transformation

An Exploration of the Iconic Character's Look

Michael Keaton's portrayal of Beetlejuice in the 1988 film of the same name is a cinematic masterpiece. His unforgettable appearance, brought to life by the brilliant makeup artistry of Ve Neill and Steve LaPorte, played a pivotal role in establishing the character as an iconic figure in film history.

The Origins of Beetlejuice's Look

To create Beetlejuice's unique and grotesque appearance, Neill and LaPorte drew inspiration from a variety of sources, including classic horror films, comic books, and even Keaton's own facial features.

Keaton's distinctive cheekbones and angular jawline provided the perfect foundation for Beetlejuice's exaggerated features. The makeup artists enhanced these features with prosthetics, creating a skeletal and otherworldly look.

Creating the Signature Stripes

One of the most striking aspects of Beetlejuice's makeup is the series of black and white stripes that run down the sides of his face.

These stripes were created using a combination of greasepaint, latex, and tissue paper. The makeup artists meticulously applied the stripes by hand, ensuring that they were perfectly even and symmetrical.

The Green Skin and Sunken Eyes

Beetlejuice's sickly green skin and deep-set eyes were achieved through a combination of makeup and lighting techniques.

The makeup artists used a custom blend of green and yellow greasepaint to create the skin tone. They applied the paint in thin layers, building up the color gradually to achieve the desired effect.

To create the sunken eyes, the makeup artists used a combination of shadows and highlights. They darkened the area around Beetlejuice's eyes with black greasepaint and added highlights to the brow bones and cheekbones to create a gaunt and skeletal look.

The Final Touches

To complete Beetlejuice's transformation, the makeup artists added a number of finishing touches, including a hooked nose, sharp teeth, and a disheveled wig.

The nose was created using a prosthetic, which was attached to Keaton's face with spirit gum. The teeth were made of acrylic and were fitted over Keaton's own teeth.

The wig was styled in a messy and unkempt fashion, giving Beetlejuice a wild and untamed appearance.

Conclusion

Michael Keaton's Beetlejuice makeup is a testament to the power of transformation. Through a combination of innovative techniques and meticulous attention to detail, the makeup artists created an iconic character that has left an enduring mark on cinema history.