Trazee In-Depth: Unsung Heroes Behind Some of the World’s Most Famous Directors

Behind every iconic film there is a notable director, but what about the cast and crew? Some of the most memorable films in history come with a slew of famous names attached, from leading actors to iconic writers and producers, but there are so many even more talented names behind the scenes pulling the strings. The long scroll of credits at the end of every movie showcases the many names attached to the film, but not their notable achievements on the film.

Full-color films had been in fashion for some time before The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, but not Technicolor. The wife of the Technicolor founder, Natalie Kalmus, worked on the film as a color consultant. Kalmus wanted the film to be vibrant and eye catching, so much so she wanted the shoes to be red in the film, rather than silver, as they were in the book. The success of Kalmus’ idea to use Technicolor in the film kicked off a trend in the industry. Being the best in the industry, Kalmus was commissioned to take the lead on every film partnering with Technicolor, earning herself more than 360 film credits. Kalmus chose the color pallet for each film she worked on with Technicolor — sometimes even acting as the cinematographer and working with the likes of Alfred Hitchcock and Cecil B. DeMille.

The impeccable style and attention to detail displayed in Wes Anderson’s films can partly be contributed to costume designer Milena Canonero. Her designs on Anderson’s films include iconic scenes from The Life Aquatic With Steve Zissou, The Grand Budapest Hotel and The Darjeeling Limited. Canonero also designed the dresses for Marie Antoinette and even inspired fashion trends with her work on Chariots of Fire and A Clockwork Orange. Her costume design easily transitioned her work in the fashion world and consistently proves to be an asset in the overall aesthetic of a film.

Casting directors can make or break a film and receive very little recognition for it. Marion Dougherty became known as the Star Maker, and for good reason. Dougherty’s attention to detail, character and perspective helped changed the “cattle call” casting technique. After years of experience and attention to traits from appearance to quirks, Dougherty culminated a roster of index cards detailing defining characteristics of actors. Studios came to know and trust Dougherty’s taste and files of information that they would go to her for casting suggestions, rather than opening the role up to anyone who came to audition. Dougherty was able to narrow down casting options to quality actors and helped lead once unknown names such as Paul Newman, James Dean, Bette Midler, Dustin Hoffman, Al Pacino Robert Duvall, Christopher Walken and Diane Lane to incredible stardom.

Before the age of CGI and green screen, filmmakers had to be creative in special effects. Makeup was one of the only ways to completely transform a character’s overall appearance before CGI and, in the 1970s, Dick Smith was the master. By using foam latex, Smith was able to create completely life-like masks, turning young actors into older versions of themselves, like David Bowie in The Hunger, Marlon Brando in The Godfather and Dustin Hoffman in Little Big Man. The innovative facial designs changed the way makeup was applied and designed for film and ultimately how we use it today.

Even amazing performances by supporting actors can lead to an incredible film, but remain under the radar. With big budget, blockbuster films and star-studded affairs, such as The Lord of the Rings, it is easy to get lost in the action-packed scenes and miss the moments in between. Supporting actor Viggo Mortensen, whoplays Aragorn, a protector of the hobbits, found himself acting through the pain. His incredible performance was partially attributed to the fact he was actually getting injured on set. In The Two Towers, Aragon angrily kicks a helmet and screams in pain and grief, but little does the audience know the scream was actually real. In the moment when Mortensen kicked the helmet, he actually broke two toes and fell to his knees. Mortensen continued the scene without mentioning this to anyone. He contributed actual grief and pain, creating an authentic moment in the film that could have been no more than a blip in the three-hour movie.

There are countless other instances and names contributing iconic moments, scenes and details to classic films. Some of the most amazing moments in film and cinema history spurred from happy accidents and the hard work of someone behind the scenes. Thanks to talented visionaries, some of the stories behind the scenes of great films could be great films themselves.