As I set out looking for sponsors for our BROKEN MOON Monster Makeup Challenge, I never imagined I would have the opportunity to speak with Academy Award winner and long-time monster kid Matthew M. Mungle! For those who don’t know, Matthew is a highly regarded member of the movie makeup effects world, whose credits include EDWARD SCISSORHANDS (1990), Bram Stroker’s DRACULA (1992)—which earned him his Academy Award— SCHINDLER’S LIST, BEDAZZLED, THE SKELETON KEY, RED DRAGON, ANCHORMAN, THE X-FILES, INCEPTION, and more, not to mention his numerous TV and Broadway credits. Matthew is still very active in film while continuing to work on shows like C.S.I., NCIS, and WGN’s new series SALEM. Matthew was extremely generous in his donation of prizes for our contest and was even gracious enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for me!
Famous Monsters: How did you discover Famous Monsters magazine?
Matthew M. Mungle: My brothers brought a copy of one home a day in 1965 when I was 8 years old. I was enthralled with it and couldn’t put it down. Besides all the Monster movie stuff, there were photos of Jack Pierce applying the make-up to Boris Karloff as Frankenstein’s Monster or The Mummy. I was really captivated by that and kept wondering how I could do it too. Then I got a copy of Dick Smith’s Make-up Handbook, and I was hooked.
Famous Monsters: Where did you get the inspiration for the “Man-Thing” and how did you construct it?
Matthew M. Mungle: I was a big comic book reader at that time, and the “Man-Thing” creature was one that caught my eye. I constructed it on a thermal underwear shirt and pants with lots of latex. The head was constructed on a wig form with cotton, latex, string and acrylic spheres.
Famous Monsters: Was that your first attempt at makeup FX/costume making?
Matthew M. Mungle: Not at all, I had been making prosthetics, suits and costumes about a few years before that and actually created the “PLANET OF THE APES” prosthetic make-up before that.
Famous Monsters: Did you know ahead of time that you had gotten second place or was that a surprise?
Matthew M. Mungle: I had no idea. It was a huge surprise when I picked up a copy of the magazine the week it came out. It was a real boost to validating my career choice in the art of make-up.
Famous Monsters: What was your favorite part of the magazine?
Matthew M. Mungle: Any time I would see photos of any Make-up Artist applying a prosthetic make-up. That’s really why I loved the magazine so much.
Famous Monsters: Did you ever have the opportunity to meet Forry or tour the Ackermansion?
Matthew M. Mungle: I actually met him twice. At the Saturn Awards Show in 1978 and another time with Joe Blasco, my make-up mentor in 1999. Of course I did have to mention I won second place with a make-up I created. He was a very kind man and always eager to talk about monster movies.
Famous Monsters: Clearly the magazine encouraged your love for monster makeup; how did it evolve from a childhood interest to a full-fledged career?
Matthew M. Mungle: I was always creating prosthetic make-ups in high school and as I continued into 2 ½ years of college at Oklahoma State University. In late 1977 I convinced my parents to send me to Hollywood to attend The Joe Blasco Make-up Center. Since it was a trade school and because they knew my passion for the art of make-up they helped me see my dream come true. I will always be grateful to them for supporting me.
Famous Monsters: What have been your favorite things about working in the industry?
Matthew M. Mungle: Creating character make-ups on actors faces and seeing them come to life when they act. It’s always a challenge, reward and pleasure to make the prosthetics as believable as I can possibly make them.
Famous Monsters: Do you have any advice for younger generations trying to work as makeup creators?
Matthew M. Mungle: Make sure it’s your passion, practice as much as you can, and always be open to suggestions and constructive criticism.
A BIG thank you to Matthew for his time and generosity.