From Gizmo to Gremlins: Creating the Creatures

From Gizmo to Gremlins: Creating the Creatures is a documentary that takes viewers on a thrilling journey into the development of two of the most beloved and iconic creatures in horror-comedy history: Gizmo, the gentle Mogwai, and the mischievous Gremlins. The documentary is a fascinating behind-the-scenes look at the creation of these lovable but monstrous creatures, featuring insights and anecdotes from the mastermind behind their design, Chris Walas, and the talented voice of Gizmo, Howie Mandel. The documentary opens with Walas, a renowned special effects artist, taking viewers through the early stages of his career, where he began by working as a prop designer in the 1970s. From there, he made the transition to film, working on several notable projects, including the cult classic, The Howling. However, it was his work on Gremlins (1984) that would cement his legacy and introduce him to a new generation of horror fans. When Chris Walas first read the script for Gremlins, he was initially drawn to the idea of creating a creature that could transform from a cute and harmless Mogwai into a ferocious and destructive Gremlin. He knew that this would require a combination of practical and visual effects, taking advantage of the latest technology available at the time. However, as the project progressed, Walas realized that bringing the creatures to life would require a tremendous amount of effort and collaboration among the team. The documentary highlights the painstaking process of building the original Gizmo prop. According to Walas, it took the team an entire year to develop the perfect Mogwai. They created multiple prototypes, each one undergoing countless hours of testing and refinement to get the perfect blend of cuteness and realism. The final prop was so intricate that it had to be hand-painted and detailed to perfection. Meanwhile, Howie Mandel recounts his own experience of being cast as the voice of Gizmo. He reveals how he initially struggled to capture the Mogwai's unique squeaky voice and how he ended up perfecting the signature sound after numerous takes. Mandel shares his insights on why Gizmo's soft and harmless demeanor made the transition to the more mischievous Gremlins so believable. One of the key aspects of the Gremlins' design was their unpredictability. To achieve this, the special effects team created multiple Gremlin props with distinct personalities and characteristics. These props were then used throughout the film to create the illusion that each Gremlin was unique, rather than just a single creature with different makeup. The combination of this technique with the impressive makeup and prosthetics work resulted in the unforgettable and chaotic battle scenes, where the Gremlins wreak havoc on the quaint town of Kingston Falls. The Gremlins' transformation was the result of the infamous "Rule of Three." By only using water, a Mogwai would not multiply, but exposing it to direct sunlight, feeding it after midnight, or getting it wet, would activate the spawning process. This clever plot device allowed the film's writers to create a sense of chaos and destruction, as the protagonist, Rand Peltzer (played by Zach Galligan), unwittingly unleashes a horde of Mogwais, only to discover that they would eventually become Gremlins. Throughout the documentary, Chris Walas recounts the many challenges he faced while working on the Gremlins. These included a strict budget, limited production time, and the need to constantly adapt to changing schedules and storylines. Despite these obstacles, Walas' dedication to the project led him to push the boundaries of practical effects and inspire a new generation of special effects artists. From Gizmo to Gremlins: Creating the Creatures offers a captivating glimpse into the creation of these beloved creatures, highlighting the creativity and perseverance required to bring them to life on the big screen. Through interviews with Chris Walas and Howie Mandel, as well as behind-the-scenes footage from the set, this documentary is a must-watch for horror fans, special effects enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the making of a cult classic.