Bana's Make-up in Star Trek XI

[Cary L. Brown]

I think that's just the way the shadows are playing on his face.

It's not, it's really not. He's wearing an appliance.

Look at Eric Bana's "un-made-up" face. Look at this picture. Look specifically at the region between his nose and his brow. In the picture, there's a big, broad "outswell" from the nose to the brow which the REAL Eric Bana (without makeup) does not have.

This detail is something which all Klingon makeup since TMP has had, however, to varying extents. This is why the "is this guy a Klingon" conversation was taking place... and the "what, exactly, IS this guy" is STILL taking place (albeit it's pretty much confirmed he's a Romulan... the real issue is now "what does that mean in the context of this character... 'cuz he sure doesn't look like he's the same race as Spock!)

 

[Cary L. Brown]

All that can do is further fracture the "fan base."

The fanbase is about to grow expotentially, as it did during ST IV's first few months, and Seasons 3-7 of TNG.

I rather doubt that. Though I s'pose it all depends on how you define the term "fan base."

There are a ton of people out there who enjoy James Bond films, for instance, and who'll go see a Bond flick if it comes along who aren't really "Bond fans." They just want a good movie.

I certainly think that a lot of people will go see this movie, and that it's most likely going to be a success. And I suspect that there will be SOME new "fans" (remember, the term "fan" is taken from "fanatic"). But "growing exponentially" is highly unlikely on the basis of a 2-hour MOVIE.

Tons of people have seen, and enjoyed "The Dark Knight" recently. But does that make all of those people "fans" of Batman? I don't think so.

Disagree? Let's hear your definition of what a "fan" is.

 

[Therin of Andor]

Let's hear your definition of what a "fan" is.

Anyone who enjoys a particular show or movie can be "a fan". Whether they buy a licensed tie-in novel as well, or an action figure, or are said to be eagerly awaiting a sequel, or are desperate to race off to find a local ST fan club to join, depends on many, many factors.

I joined a local ST club after seeing ST:TMP. I liked ST enough that I wanted to meet other ST fans, because none of my family were interested in my new passion. There was a groundswell of new members to the club just like me. Similarly, the club had huge groundswells (from 200 to over 1000 - that's expotential to a small band of helpers; just collating the newsletters became a chore), especially with ST IV and then TNG. To the point where holding meetings in small community halls or fans' loungrooms became impossible. Mind you, we also lost some long-standing members, who felt that ST IV was "watered down"/"dumbed down" simulacrum of ST to appeal to the masses.

One of the big US newspapers did a "man-on-the-street poll" during the height of TNG's popularity and a large number of Americans identified as being "a fan" of ST. It was a huge number, something like 70%. But that doesn't mean they were fans for life, or that they never missed an episode, or that they'd all stick around for DS9, VOY or "Insurrection". And, indeed, not many did. They were off in search of other things to be fans of. But some will also stay on.

I have no doubt at all that ST XI will appeal to many in the general populace, and will also attract new avid fans who want to find and join the so-called "fan base". We've seen "the fan base" swell before: with 70s syndicated TOS repeats, TMP, ST II, ST IV, TNG.

I also have no doubt that some longstanding fans will be disgruntled - about ST XI, about JJ and his approach to "the canon", and at the thought of newbies "coming in and taking over" their fandom. I was hit with the same accusations in January 1980.

 

[JuanBolio]

I think that's just the way the shadows are playing on his face.

It's not, it's really not. He's wearing an appliance.

Look at Eric Bana's "un-made-up" face. Look at this picture. Look specifically at the region between his nose and his brow. In the picture, there's a big, broad "outswell" from the nose to the brow which the REAL Eric Bana (without makeup) does not have.

This detail is something which all Klingon makeup since TMP has had, however, to varying extents. This is why the "is this guy a Klingon" conversation was taking place... and the "what, exactly, IS this guy" is STILL taking place (albeit it's pretty much confirmed he's a Romulan... the real issue is now "what does that mean in the context of this character... 'cuz he sure doesn't look like he's the same race as Spock!)

Perhaps, but if so its very subtle. More like exaggerated brows, not unlike some humans have. Not what I'd call "ridges".

 

[MattJC]

I also have no doubt that some longstanding fans will be disgruntled - about ST XI, about JJ and his approach to "the canon", and at the thought of newbies "coming in and taking over" their fandom. I was hit with the same accusations in January 1980.

That's right. Those people will be pseudo-Trek fans.

 

[Gepard]

That's right. Those people will be pseudo-Trek fans.

And if the new film leads them to check out and love the original series, what will they be then?

 

[MattJC]

I really doubt these so call new fans will check out TOS or any of the other series.
They'll just stick with the reimagined crap Abrams throws at them. Why bother with the cheesy stuff when you can have the version with the flashier and modern special effects?
Besides, I doubt one movie would cause people to develop a strong interest in Trek in general.

 

[Akiraprise]

The two hour premiere episode of TNG got me interested in all of Trek. Before that I never gave TOS or their movies much thought at all. Granted I was five at the time. I can see the new movie getting a few people to check out the older series.

 

[Therin of Andor]

That's right. Those people will be pseudo-Trek fans.

I was called a pseudo-fan by a few TMP haters for about ten years. I had to catch up on about 75 TOS episodes over the early 80s - no mean feat since it wasn't airing on Australian TV - but by the time I was running the local ST club at the end of 1983 they weren't complaining.

Writing off new fans of ST as "pseudo" because their first taste of ST will be a movie that you are already set to not enjoy is simply not fair.

 

[MattJC]

The two hour premiere episode of TNG got me interested in all of Trek. Before that I never gave TOS or their movies much thought at all. Granted I was five at the time. I can see the new movie getting a few people to check out the older series.

That'd be great, if that did happen, but I really think they'll just stick with Abrams' Trek and nothing else. I mean, I read that one of the actors in this movie himself, Clifton Collins, say that he couldn't watch TOS, that it was too cheesy. He also said this movie is "the real deal". I would bet that there are a lot more people who feel the same way as Collins does.

 

[Therin of Andor]

I doubt one movie would cause people to develop a strong interest in Trek in general.

Ha! How wrong you are.

 

[pookha]

Ridges are canon.

Non-ridged Romulans are also canon.

Show me one example of a Romulan in Star Trek that had ridges.

considering about 90 percent of the romulans were wearing those helmets you cant say either that they didnt have ridges.

 

[Cary L. Brown]

Perhaps, but if so its very subtle. More like exaggerated brows, not unlike some humans have. Not what I'd call "ridges".

It's not so much that it's "subtle" as it's "not what you're looking for." You're thinking, I think, in terms of the 'hard lines" on the forehead... which are NOT present, I agree. But he's wearing a MAJOR prosthesis nevertheless.

Here's Bana's un-made-up face...

Here he is in "Nero" mode...

Now, here I've highlighted the entire area on his forehead which is clearly prosthetic, and I've outlined the area where the most obvious change from his natural facial structure is present.

THAT is what I've been talking about, and what I think others have been as well. That particular element... the "bridge of the nose flaring widely into the brows" thing... is something which has been very common on Klingon makeups, yet never present on Romulan makeups, in the past. And which is totally absent in Spock (and thus, resumably, in ALL Vulcans... since most people wouldn't have known, during TOS, that Spock was a half-breed).

 

[Jon1701]

The two hour premiere episode of TNG got me interested in all of Trek. Before that I never gave TOS or their movies much thought at all. Granted I was five at the time. I can see the new movie getting a few people to check out the older series.

That'd be great, if that did happen, but I really think they'll just stick with Abrams' Trek and nothing else. I mean, I read that one of the actors in this movie himself, Clifton Collins, say that he couldn't watch TOS, that it was too cheesy. He also said this movie is "the real deal". I would bet that there are a lot more people who feel the same way as Collins does.

So what?

Really, so what?

I like the new Batman films. Doesn't make me want to read the comics (which, I'm sure are fine by the way). The Lord of the Rings trilogy is brilliant - I don't want to read the books though. I didn't enjoy the original series of Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy, but I enjoyed the movie.

Why can't people enjoy the movie on its own merits?

Oh, and TOS is "cheesy" (space hippies?) So what?

I love the original show, but even I can admit that

 

[JuanBolio]

Perhaps, but if so its very subtle. More like exaggerated brows, not unlike some humans have. Not what I'd call "ridges".

It's not so much that it's "subtle" as it's "not what you're looking for." You're thinking, I think, in terms of the 'hard lines" on the forehead... which are NOT present, I agree. But he's wearing a MAJOR prosthesis nevertheless.

Here's Bana's un-made-up face...

Here he is in "Nero" mode...

Now, here I've highlighted the entire area on his forehead which is clearly prosthetic, and I've outlined the area where the most obvious change from his natural facial structure is present.

THAT is what I've been talking about, and what I think others have been as well. That particular element... the "bridge of the nose flaring widely into the brows" thing... is something which has been very common on Klingon makeups, yet never present on Romulan makeups, in the past. And which is totally absent in Spock (and thus, resumably, in ALL Vulcans... since most people wouldn't have known, during TOS, that Spock was a half-breed).

No, I spotted it. I get what you're pointing out. And I agree, its there and its artificial. I just don't think its something that necessarily screams "ALIEN!" as much as "VILLAIN!" They might've done the same thing with a human baddie without making him look alien. Hell, Ron Pearlman has heavier brow ridges than that...

 

[Alidar Jarok]

Ridges are canon.

Non-ridged Romulans are also canon.

Show me one example of a Romulan in Star Trek that had ridges.

This dude

 

[Chaos Descending]

Ridges are canon.

Non-ridged Romulans are also canon.

Show me one example of a Romulan in Star Trek that had ridges.

This dude

I don't see any ridges.

 

[Jack Bauer]

They're under the helmet.

 

[Admiral Buzzkill]

Those people will be pseudo-Trek fans.

And when the majority of long-time Trek fans embrace the movie, what useless name will you call them?

 

[Sharr Khan]

Originally Posted by MattJC
Those people will be pseudo-Trek fans.

No one can be a "pseudo-Trek fan" that's just silly! There's no litmus test for Fandom nor should there be.

I doubt one movie would cause people to develop a strong interest in Trek in general.

Why not? After all usually its "one episode" which does the trick so certainly a two hour movie can get it done.

Sharr