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A review by scottlukaswilliams
Makeup Man: From Rocky to Star Trek the Amazing Creations of Hollywood's Michael Westmore by Jake Page, Michael Westmore
4.0
When I was a teenager, I strongly considered becoming a special effects makeup artist. I was inspired mostly by the work of Michael Westmore, the genius who birthed hundreds of unique creations on the Star Trek series and films from 1987-2005. Somewhere, I have Westmore's response to a fan letter I mailed him in the mid-90s.
This is enjoyable memoir that begins with a history of the Westmore family: makeup artists and hairstylists in Hollywood for four generations. Westmore shares his recollections of working with stars from Greer Garson and Elizabeth Taylor to Sylvester Stallone and Robert DeNiro.
For me, he could have spent much more time on Star Trek. I would have loved an in-depth analysis of every alien or character he ever created but such a thing is just not practical. I think the book might have benefitted from a researcher/editor. There were several occasions where Westmore repeats himself and a few spots where his recollections of dates, the spellings of actor's names or episode titles are incorrect.
Despite any shortcomings, the book is a must-read for Trekkies, fans of Hollywood history and lovers of special effects makeup.
This is enjoyable memoir that begins with a history of the Westmore family: makeup artists and hairstylists in Hollywood for four generations. Westmore shares his recollections of working with stars from Greer Garson and Elizabeth Taylor to Sylvester Stallone and Robert DeNiro.
For me, he could have spent much more time on Star Trek. I would have loved an in-depth analysis of every alien or character he ever created but such a thing is just not practical. I think the book might have benefitted from a researcher/editor. There were several occasions where Westmore repeats himself and a few spots where his recollections of dates, the spellings of actor's names or episode titles are incorrect.
Despite any shortcomings, the book is a must-read for Trekkies, fans of Hollywood history and lovers of special effects makeup.