JRE #409 – Patrick Magee

10/29/2013

Joe Rogan Experience #409 – Patrick Magee: Topics and Quotes

In this episode of the Joe Rogan Experience, Joe Rogan sits down with special effects and make-up artist Patrick Magee, discussing the world of special effects, from classic horror movies to the modern era of CGI, and delving into the captivating topic of Bigfoot. The conversation takes some unexpected turns, exploring everything from werewolf transformations to the evolution of horror movies, even touching upon the psychology behind fanatical beliefs. Patrick Magee’s insights, coupled with Joe Rogan’s inquisitive nature, make for a highly engaging and thought-provoking discussion.

Major Topics:

1. Patrick Magee’s Journey into Special Effects: Patrick Magee’s passion for special effects started young, ignited by the iconic werewolf scene in “An American Werewolf in London.” This sparked a lifelong fascination with creating realistic monsters and transforming actors into fantastical creatures. His journey highlights the allure and dedication required to excel in this demanding field.

1. The Evolution of Special Effects: The conversation explores the transformation of special effects over the decades, from the groundbreaking techniques employed in classic films like “An American Werewolf in London” and “Alien” to the dominance of CGI in modern productions. Patrick Magee provides valuable insights into the pros and cons of both traditional practical effects and digital wizardry, highlighting the impact on storytelling and the suspension of disbelief.
2. The Uncanny Valley: Patrick Magee discusses the “uncanny valley” concept, a term used to describe the unsettling feeling evoked by something that closely resembles a human being but is not quite real. This phenomenon often plagues CGI characters, reminding viewers that they are not actually experiencing the presence of a living being. He posits that the skillful use of practical effects can often create a more believable and immersive experience.
3. The Bigfoot Phenomenon: The conversation delves into the ongoing debate surrounding Bigfoot, with Patrick Magee offering his expert opinion on the infamous Patterson-Gimlin footage. He contends that the footage, while impressive for its time, ultimately depicts a man in a suit. This assertion sparks a passionate discussion about the psychology behind believing in the mythical creature and the persistence of the Bigfoot legend.
4. The Future of Special Effects: Patrick Magee talks about the cutting-edge technology being developed by NVIDIA, aiming to bridge the uncanny valley by creating hyper-realistic digital representations of human beings. This potential advancement could significantly reshape the future of filmmaking and video games, blurring the lines between reality and simulation.
5. The Impact of Studio Executives on Creativity: The discussion touches upon the influence of studio executives on creative decisions, often leading to a compromise of artistic vision in favor of commercial appeal. This highlights the challenges faced by artists attempting to maintain their unique perspectives in a system driven by financial considerations.
6. The Importance of Storytelling and Suspension of Disbelief: Patrick Magee emphasizes that a good movie, regardless of its special effects, must tell a compelling story and engage the audience emotionally. He argues that excessive CGI can sometimes detract from the experience, making it difficult for viewers to suspend their disbelief and fully immerse themselves in the narrative.
7. The Appeal of Classic Horror Films: The conversation explores the enduring appeal of classic horror movies, with Patrick Magee highlighting the effectiveness of limited special effects in creating suspense and tension. He credits the skillful use of shadows, strategic shot selection, and a focus on psychological horror for enhancing the impact of these films.
8. The Evolution of Zombies: From the iconic “Thriller” zombies to the fast-paced creatures of “28 Days Later,” Patrick Magee examines the evolution of zombies in popular culture. He discusses the influence of “Thriller” on the zombie archetype and the contrasting styles of zombies in movies like “Dawn of the Dead” and “World War Z.”
9. The Psychology of Fanatical Beliefs: The conversation touches upon the psychological dynamics behind fanatical beliefs, particularly in the context of Bigfoot and Scientology. This exploration delves into the human need for meaning, the power of shared narratives, and the dangers of blind faith.
10. The Value of Traditional Makeup Effects: Patrick Magee argues for the continued relevance of traditional makeup effects, citing their ability to create a more tactile and believable experience. He contrasts this with the often overused and sometimes distracting nature of CGI, particularly in cases where viewers can clearly see the digital manipulation.
11. The “Notebook” Phenomenon: Patrick Magee offers a humorous perspective on the popularity of romantic movies like “The Notebook,” suggesting that they cater to a specific audience and provide a escapist fantasy that often defies logic and reality.
12. The Challenges of Making a Good Monster Movie: Patrick Magee reflects on the challenges of making a truly successful monster movie. He points out the abundance of mediocre monster films and the difficulty in finding a balance between spectacle, story, and genuine scares. He suggests that a good monster movie must effectively tap into primal fears and evoke a sense of genuine unease.
13. The Importance of Original Ideas: The conversation touches on the trend of remaking classic movies, questioning the effectiveness of recycling old ideas. Patrick Magee notes that while some remakes can hold their own, others simply fall flat due to the lack of originality and the difficulty in surpassing the impact of the original versions.
14. The Future of the Monster Movie Genre: Patrick Magee expresses his concerns about the state of the monster movie genre, noticing a decline in innovation and a lack of exciting new projects. This prompts a discussion about the factors contributing to the genre’s stagnation and the potential for resurgence.
15. Patrick Magee’s Upcoming Projects: The conversation concludes with Patrick Magee discussing his upcoming projects, including his Bigfoot film in development and his role as makeup supervisor for the Grinchmas event at Universal Studios Hollywood. He reveals his passion for pushing boundaries and creating compelling visual experiences for audiences.

Memorable Quotes:

• “I saw that movie when I had 7. and scared the heck out of me and haunted me. So I had to find out, you know, you’re always told monsters aren’t real. So, okay, it must have been made by somebody and I found out who made it and I, you know, felt like, okay, I gotta get into this.”
• “He’s the best. Right? Is he is he the, like, the Richard Pryor? Richard Baker? He’s the man. Is he the Rick he’s the Richard Pryor? like, the guys that everybody bows down to. I didn’t even say he’s the Michael Jordan. Woah. Yeah. Wow. Either’s Yeah. I don’t know. He found a way to make Benicio Del Toro’s wolf man scary.”
• “It’s like a cryptozoological Jesus. Like, you’re not supposed to fuck with the Patterson Gimlin footage. They all believe it. I have not talked to one of those due to her, like, crazy big foot fanatics who think it’s a hoax. Wow. They’re also fucking wanna believe.”
• “And that’s kinda like, it’s fun, but it’s not the same kind of fun. alien is terrifying. Alien is a Gothic. It’s a haunted house movie. Yeah. There’s it’s in the dark again, much America World London. It’s very limited in what they show you where aliens is just a romp. You know?”
• “If you’re gonna branch too far left and not stick to to it. There’s obviously gonna be those people that are gonna go, you know. That’s not the real bigfoot. You know, that’s the real bigfoot. But, you know, you wanna as an artist, you wanna put your own twist on it and, you know, if you’re doing anything right, it should take off.”