Men in Suits

Men in Suits is a unique tribute to the unsung heroes of the film industry - the actors and stuntmen who wear incredible costumes and creature suits to bring monstrous creatures to life. The documentary takes a fascinating look at the craftsmanship and imagination that goes behind creating these iconic characters. The film focuses on several key figures who have played pivotal roles in the development of cinematic monsters. One of the most influential is Harry August Josenhans, a Canadian actor and stuntman who worked extensively on films such as King Kong and The Beast from 20,000 Fathoms. Josenhans discusses his experiences on set, recalling the painstaking process of getting into and out of the massive Kong suit, which was often a logistical nightmare. Another prominent figure featured in Men in Suits is Ricou Browning, the legendary actor who portrayed the Gill Man in the Creature from the Black Lagoon. Browning shares his memories of filming in a tank filled with water, often at a depth of 15-20 feet, to create the surreal underwater sequences that are a hallmark of the classic 1954 horror film. He also discusses his involvement in several sequels and remakes, often wearing the iconic Gill Man costume in a variety of creative and sometimes absurd contexts. Men in Suits also delves into the world of special effects, examining the pioneering work of legendary makeup artist Stan Winston, who created iconic creatures such as Predator and the Xenomorph from the Alien franchise. Winston's approach to creating life-like alien creatures is explored in depth, including the time-consuming and labor-intensive process of developing intricate masks, prosthetics, and animatronic suits. Furthermore, the documentary pays tribute to the unsung heroes who worked behind the scenes to bring Godzilla and other monsters to life. These are the stuntmen, riggers, and costumers who often worked tirelessly for weeks or even months to perfect the appearance and movements of these creatures. One of the most fascinating stories featured is that of Yasujirō Oike, a renowned stuntman from Japan who worked extensively on the Godzilla films. Oike recounts the often-dangerous and grueling process of filming these iconic showdowns between Godzilla and other monsters, which were often achieved through a combination of live-action and miniature effects. Throughout Men in Suits, these stories weave together to create a captivating tapestry of the creative processes and technical challenges involved in bringing monstrous creatures to life. The film offers a unique glimpse into the world of creature design, special effects, and stuntwork, highlighting the people and craftsmanship that have captivated audiences for generations. Ultimately, Men in Suits serves as a loving tribute to the art of cinematic storytelling, celebrating the dedicated individuals who have been responsible for creating some of the most enduring and beloved creatures in film history. The documentary is a must-watch for horror fans, film enthusiasts, and anyone interested in the technical and creative wizardry that goes into bringing monsters to life on screen.