Trying to make a guy look old...

[JMB1138]

In a production I'm working on, one of the characters must age about 20 years. He becomes stranded in the wilderness and we next meet up with him rough 20 years later - so he needs to look considerably older and probably have longer hair. I'm not sure how to do this realistically. I'm a writer and a nuts and bolts guy, I've never really done any special make up effects though, but it's clear that I'll have to for this. What do you guys suggest that's within my power both artistically and financially that won't look hokey? Thanks.

[shakespeareskin]

well I guess it first depend on how old the actor is. if he's in his late 20's it will be a LOT easier than if he's like 18.

[juedm]

There's a book (somewhere) I seen it once in a Public Library about movie magic, make-up and the sort - it had a wonderful description of how they made Dustin Hoffman Look 100+ years old...anyways try the Library under Movies, etc. a Little Latex with Orange Peel texturing, some baggy eyes and wrinkles, turned-down mouth corners, thinning hair etc.!
Sorry that I can't remember the name of the book.

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[N. Foster Tyler]

If I were you, I would use two different actors that look similar. Whenever you use special make-up (and are not educated in the art), there is always the risk of it looking fake or cheesy.

Besides, people rarely look like the same person after 20 years. But, if it's a gradual aging process that takes place in the film, go with make-up.

-N. Foster Tyler

[Ravenhill]

There are many different ways that you can achieve an 'old age' look, including liquid latex, foam rubber, etc.
However, sometimes the simplest techniques are the best.
If the person in question has a beard and long hair when they are 'older' then that in itself will help a great deal. You can then supplement this with a simple brown make-up pencil. Get the actor to scrunch up their face, scowl, smile, and sneer. This should show the contours of their face and you will see where the skin wrinkles and creases. Using the brown makeup pencil, you can accentuate these natural lines. You see, instead of creating whole new wrinkles that may never exist on that persons face, you are identifying the imperfections and areas of loose skin that already exist.
Lastly, and most importantly, the best way to make someone look old is....through their movement.
If the person practices moving as if they were older - the joints become stiffer, they are less mobile, it takes longer to perform an action than if they were supple - then half the job is already done. You can stick half a pint of latex on somebodies face but, if their movement isn't convincing, the whole effect is spoilt.
Happy experimenting.