10 Movies That Totally Transformed Their Actors, And It's Jaw-Dropping
From jaw-dropping transformations to unexpected plots, it's a testament to the lengths actors will go for their craft.
1. "Thinner" (1996)
Let's kick this off with something old but gold, shall we? Remember that Stephen King novel adaptation, "Thinner"? Well, Billy, an overweight lawyer, is cursed to become progressively thinner after accidentally killing a Romani woman and avoiding prosecution.
From scales to skeletons, Billy's journey is far from weight watchers. Now, here's the kicker: actor Robert John Burke packed on padding to start hefty and then had to physically trim down (and be supported by makeup effects) as the plot progressed.
Gnarly transformation, right? Definitely had me biting my nails and munching on popcorn!
2. "The Machinist" (2004)
Christian Bale? A total chameleon. But, let's look beyond Batman, mate. In "The Machinist", he played Trevor, an insomniac who hasn't slept in a year. Hallucinations, paranoia, a haunting thriller.
But what's even more haunting? Bale dropped an astounding 63 pounds for this role. Imagine living on just an apple and a can of tuna daily – that's dedication!
3. "Mary Queen of Scots" (2018)
Ah, the regal Margot Robbie! Who could forget her as Harley Quinn? But in "Mary Queen of Scots", she portrayed Queen Elizabeth I, suffering from smallpox.
From striking beauty to a face covered in brutal scars, it's a transformation that leaves you gasping. Prosthetic makeup took hours, and the ravages of disease took a toll on Robbie's flawless appearance. Who knew royalty came at such a cost?
4. "Shadow" (2018)
Have you dipped your toes in Chinese cinema? Zhang Yimou's "Shadow" is an artsy choice, where the main dude plays a double role – a Commander and his "shadow" or body double. There's deceit, epic battles, a fight for power and love. The visuals are monochromatic, mirroring ancient Chinese ink paintings.
But Deng Chao's transformation between roles? Let's just say, he sported different physical mannerisms, hairlines, and even a lighter frame as the "shadow". Truly, like night and day, in a world painted in grayscale.
5. "Tarnation" (2003)
Okay, indie fans, this one's for you! "Tarnation" isn't your run-of-the-mill cinema. Made on a shoestring budget (like, $218.32, can you believe it?!), it's a documentary-esque blend of real-life footage of director Jonathan Caouette's life.
From his childhood to adulthood, he showcases his relationship with his schizophrenic mother. It's raw. It's real. And watching Caouette's transformation over years, all compiled in a single film? It's a poignant metamorphosis of time and circumstance.
6. "Monster" (2003)
When you think Charlize Theron, "drop-dead gorgeous" probably jumps to mind, right? But "Monster"? She embodied real-life serial killer Aileen Wuornos, gaining 30 pounds, wearing prosthetic teeth, and embracing a rougher appearance.
From flirtations to murders, this drama chronicles Wuornos' tragic life. The tale's gripping, but Theron's appearance? Staggering! Who knew America's highway-haunting killer could look so... Oscar-worthy?
7. "Mr. Nobody" (2009)
Jared Leto does it again. Or should I say, does it multiple times? "Mr. Nobody" presents Nemo, the last mortal in a utopian future, reflecting on his life choices. But it's not just one life – it's multiple lives, stemming from different choices at pivotal moments.
Leto's aged with makeup, regresses in age, and even dons a different physique in various life scenarios. Ponder this: Can one man truly lead countless lives?
8. "Ghajini" (2008)
Switching gears, ever dive into Bollywood? Aamir Khan, in "Ghajini", is an absolute powerhouse. He goes from a slick, urbane businessman to a roaring, revenge-driven machine with short-term memory loss.
Physically, Khan bulked up immensely, and that sculpted body played a fierce contrast to his prior lean figure. Memory might fail, muscles definitely didn't. Want some spice with your cinema? This is it!
9. "Dallas Buyers Club" (2013)
Alright, back to Hollywood. Leto (again, I know!) and McConaughey? Name a more transformative duo. Set amidst the '80s AIDS crisis, McConaughey's Ron Woodroof transitions from a homophobic cowboy to an unlikely savior of the gay community.
The actor shed almost 50 pounds, presenting a gaunt, desperate figure. Leto, too, underwent a remarkable change to play a transgender woman. It's gritty, it's grim, and it's totally transformative.
10. "Bronson" (2008)
Tom Hardy. There, got your attention! In "Bronson", he's Michael Peterson, Britain's most violent prisoner. But it's not just another prison drama.
With a bald head, handlebar mustache, and a beefed-up body, Hardy's transformation is just as captivating as his character's antics. It's violent, it's vaudevillian, and oh boy, it's pure visceral cinema. Can you handle the intensity?