In a recent episode of the David Letterman talk show, a special guest made a big impression with their horror effects from the film “Day of the Dead”. Tom Savini, the mastermind behind these incredible effects, showcased some truly terrifying creations that left the audience in awe.
As the conversation began, it became apparent that the topic of “Day of the Dead” was a recurring theme whenever the guest appeared on the show. But Tom Savini confirmed that this installment was the next in the series, set to be released in July.
Among the effects showcased on the show were a severed head and a decapitated body. Savini showcased his attention to detail as he explained the process of creating these gruesome pieces. With latex foam, glass eyes, and acrylic teeth, the severed head looked incredibly lifelike. He even revealed that the brain was cast from a model brain, ensuring that every detail was captured accurately.
Savini didn’t stop there. He also presented a realistic tongue and a hand puppet with a moving head, both of which added to the horror factor of the film. He explained that the zombies in the movie were portrayed eating people, so one character had to walk around chewing on a piece of foam rubber.
The talk show host was fascinated by the level of realism in these effects and asked about the use of real body parts. Savini clarified that they ordered models of brains and other body parts rather than using real organs. He even joked about the possibility of the production company discarding the real brains they acquired.
In a daring move, the conversation took an unexpected turn as Letterman suggested setting Savini’s hand on fire. The segment was not rehearsed, and with some hesitation, Savini agreed to the stunt. With a fire-retardant substance applied to his hand, the moment had a tense atmosphere. However, things went awry, and Savini ended up with a burned hand, as some cement poured on it.
Despite the mishap, Savini demonstrated his expertise in horror makeup effects. He showcased the process of creating a severed arm and emphasized the use of special effects to make it appear as if the arm was bleeding after being severed. His attention to detail and the realism of the effects were truly impressive.
The segment ended with Letterman and Savini discussing the possibility of slicing the talk show host’s arm open to further showcase Savini’s skills. Although it was clear that this was a part of the act, the audience was captivated by Savini’s ability to create such convincing effects.
Overall, the conversation between Tom Savini and David Letterman during this episode of the talk show was filled with jaw-dropping moments and a deep dive into the intricate world of horror effects. As we eagerly await the release of “Day of the Dead” in July, fans can expect to be mesmerized by the talent and creativity of Tom Savini.
