As you scroll through, you might even spot some of your favorite actors who keep surprising their fans to this day. I guess that's the whole beauty of art, isn't it? Well, I am no expert when it comes to knowing about the magic behind the screen or the efforts behind an actor's transformation.
That's why Bored Panda reached out to Rishaya Palkhivala—a writer and filmmaker—for an interview. Speaking about such surprising actor transformations, she expressed that the makers are willing to push the envelope to some extent. She added that on one hand, it can be used to generate interest, but on the other, it may make people lose interest.
"To transform a persona that is the actor takes effort from the director and makers beyond the actor as well!" Rishaya exclaimed.
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We also spoke to Rishaya about the importance of physical transformation versus emotional or psychological transformation in a performance. She believes that physical transformation definitely aids immersion into the character.
She explained, "Seeing the same face playing different characters gets quite familiar, especially when we are so exposed to actors beyond the screen. This is only useful when the role demands it; changing one's appearance for no particular reason is unnecessary. Overexposure is an issue for all actors, especially today."
"However, it is a true testament to their capabilities if they can immerse themselves in the character such that they blend seamlessly and believably into a whole new world. It is always enjoyable to see an actor do what you did not expect of them. For instance, Charlize Theron in Monster did alter her appearance, but her performance was so strong that it carried the story home," our expert added.
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During our conversation, we also indulged in the topic of casting directors during such transformations. Rishaya claimed that they may intentionally look for actors who would be an unusual pick for the role. However, she also added that, for the most part, actors tend to be typecast.
"I assume it also depends on the actor's desire to reinvent themselves for the audience. Tom Cruise has built a brand for himself as an attractive superstar. It was only when his star was fading in the 2000s that he created a comedic role for himself in Ben Stiller's Tropic Thunder. Wearing a bald cap and fat suit, he looked and acted well out of the 'character' of his stardom, in an uncredited role," she narrated.
However, this role was so loved that it is considered to have revived his career, she noted. Rishaya stressed that presenting a popular face in an unexpected way is bound to grab eyeballs if the public is ready to see their beloved actor in that light. "Naturally, casting directors use that to their advantage if it fits the film and genre," she elaborated.
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We also asked Rishaya about her mind-blowing moment when she realized that two very different characters were played by the same actor. Despite knowing the actor before watching him play the role, seeing Ben Kingsley as Mahatma Gandhi in the 1982 film Gandhi was quite surprising for her.
"A combination of having seen and heard of Ben Kingsley beyond the screen in the media, and having seen and heard of Mahatma Gandhi through history, made it a fascinating experience. While Kingsley was recognisable in Schindler's List and Tuck Everlasting, another role for which he physically transformed himself was Fagin in Oliver Twist."
"Having watched Oliver Twist when I was younger, I don't even remember him being in it. Beyond the look, Kingsley is a masterful actor who effortlessly enacts a multitude of roles," Rishaya concluded.
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Well, it was definitely enlightening to get expert insights, wasn't it? Anyway, that's it from our end, folks. Now we leave you to peacefully enjoy the list and give an upvote to your favorite transformation. Also, if we have missed out on any actors, feel free to share them with us in the comments. You know we always love to hear from you!
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