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Transformation is always a theme I enjoy seeing in movies. There are simply so many avenues you can go down with that, from a physical or literal morphing or something deeper. So I ask all you people, which transformations( of any kind) stand out for you in movies? Perhaps it’s one that is more subtle than overt? Or a sweet ugly duckling change in a character? Or maybe it is a frightening or shocking one? Whatever you think, please leave your opinions in the comments. Below is a video of possible character transformations of the look variety I found on YouTube. But a transformation can be what you make of it.
vinnieh 
I’m going retro here, but I always enjoyed the Hammer film where Ralph Bates turns into a woman! Dr Jekyll & Sister Hyde.
Modern good ones include Jeff Goldblum transforming into The Fly, and An American Werewolf in London.
Cheers mate, Pete.
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A Hammer Horror, I like the sound of that. As much as I like physical transformations, the ones where personality is changed in subtle ways really get my attention.
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David Niven in An American Werewolf in London. Kevin Spacey in The Usual Suspects. Eddie Redmayne in The Danish Girl.
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Good choice of Kevin Spacey in The Usual Suspects. I want to watch that film again now.
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In terms of physically, I love the way Linda Hamilton totally transformed her body between the first and second Terminator films to show the change in Sarah Connor. As for more internal changes, Ripley’s development from victim to warrior is definitely my favourite.
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Hooray for Ripley. That’s the kind of transformation that resonates with me. That journey from terrified to hardened warrior is amazing.
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Here are some of mine. Jack Nicholson into a wolf in Wolf. Michelle Pfeiffer’s transformation from timid secretary to the sexy, whip cracking catwoman in Batman Returns. Olivia Newton John changing from good girl Sandra, to bad girl Sandy in Grease.
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Oh I love the shout out to Michelle Pfeiffer. What an amazing actress.
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She is so talented. One of my favourites.
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A gorgeous and exceptionally talented lady.
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I second that!
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It’s a compelling scene.
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The Elephant Man is good transformation, not only physically, but also emotionally.
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Yes, it has both things in it. Such a powerful movie about struggling for acceptance and the horrible ignorance of some people.
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Jeff Goldblum in The Fly.
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I was waiting for someone to say that one, good on you for being the first.
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Great movie. First thing I thought of. 😃
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It’s been too long since my last viewing of it.
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Me too. It’s an oldie now. 😃
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I’m gonna find me a copy of it.
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Cool idea for a post!
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I thought it was a theme that had so much potential. Transformations can cover such a big ground.
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Agreed. I think the best ones are the physical ones actors go through for roles, like Christian Bale, or Donnie Wahlberg, or Matthew McConaughey (among many). It’s one thing for actors to bulk up with muscle when they have dieticians and personal trainers, but quite another to do what those guys did with weight loss and transformation – Dangerous!
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If I was to lose a lot of weight, I’d make sure to do it safely. I wouldn’t want it to have long standing consequences on my health.
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These are some cool transformations and injuries… Of course, Jackie Chan tops the list for injuries!
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Hehe, poor Jackie Chan. He’s been through the mill of injuries.
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When I saw this in my emails, I thought of Rachael Leigh Cook from She’s All That, and Julia Stiles from 10 Things I Hate About You. Cheesy, maybe, but those were the first two movies that came to mind. Great topic!
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Yes both are transformations of the almost Cinderella kind updated to the modern day.
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Eddie Redmayne in “The Theory of Everything”. It says a lot that the real Prof. Stephen Hawking thought he was watching himself. So did I.
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That was quite a performance, so convincing from start to finish.
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By the way, did you see my other blog? https://bunsareallthatyourequire.wordpress.com
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I’m… aware of it.
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Hope you enjoy it.
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Well in Logan they made Jackman even hotter 🙂
But the one I always remember is Cotillard in La Mome and how she went from being young Edith Piaf to looking so shockingly frail near the end of Piaf’s life. The film is nothing special but it’s an astonishing transformation
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Even I must say Jackman is a hot piece of ass! Cotillard was transcendent as Piaf, she literally became her. It was a haunting performance.
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De Niro in Raging Bull springs to mind!
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Definitely an iconic transformation. He really got into character.
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One transformation that will always stand out for me: Edward Norton’s complete character change in Primal Fear. I seriously remember my jaw dropping to the ground when I first saw that scene. Seriously…that was so cool 😊
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Oh now that is a scene that really gets you to sit up and take notice.
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I guess make-up effects wise you could say An American Werewolf in London. Special effects wise maybe Mystique. I immediately thought of Rachel Leigh Cook in She’s All That and I haven’t even seen the film. It’s like Adrian in Rocky, oh yeah this woman is obviously not hot because of glasses and a beanie. C’mon! De Niro and Hamilton in Raging Bull and Terminator 2 were pretty incredible physical transformations. Emotionally? It’s pretty interesting when somebody becomes hardened by the end of the film. Plenty of candidates there.
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Werewolf movies are a great metaphor for transformations of all kinds. And I concur that it’s interesting observing a character become hardened by the end of a film.
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All the good ones have been mentioned but for me Walter White over the course of Breaking Bad transforms “downward” from mild-mannered Chemistry teacher to arch-criminal capable of despicable acts.
In terms of very low-budget monster transformation I love the “under-the-table” make-up and edits of Dog Soldiers.
Great post btw!
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Breaking Bad is a very good one. Dog Soldiers is a kick ass movie too, lots of fun to be had there.
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. An American Werewolf in London, man that one is just amazing change from man to werewolf.. ohh..
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Definitely one amazing and pretty creepy transformation.
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It’s almost overwhelming to think about how many amazing transformations there have been in the history of movies and some people have already mentioned that I’ll always remember such as The Fly, American Werewol..but mentally also Edward Norton in Fight Club. That was such an impressive change of mood change and he changed his state of mind so drastically slowly but surely. And Christian Bale in American Psycho as a personal favourite and Jim Carrey in Me, Myself and Irene. Recently I watched Split so I’ll add that too. It’s such a powerful and scary personality changing movie which you’d enjoy.
Others from the top of my head would include The Thing, Jennifer’s Body, and most zombie movies. This was a great idea for a post. ☺
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I thought it was a compelling and thought provoking theme to discuss. And as there are so many types of transformations, it lends itself well to debate and opinion. Good call on Fight Club.
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My immediate thought was not a film but Michael Jackson in Thriller. Hey be sure to hop over to my blog today as was Vinneh inspired and I’ve linked to your blog 🙂
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Good choice, I’ll hop over now. Thanks for links.
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It just so made me think of you!
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You’re so very kind and sweet.
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Ah thanks!
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Drat. I was hoping to be the first with Jeff Goldblum in the Fly.
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It’s a popular choice and with good reason. It’s supremely chilling and creepy.
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One of my favorites.
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It’s been too long since my last viewing. It’s a great film but I can’t eat while watching it!
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Haha! I can understand why!
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Best to keep the food away until the credits roll!
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Another great character transformation was Lester Nygaard (Martin Freeman) in the first season of FARGO. He was a put-upon and bullied man and became something darker and confident as the show went on.
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I love those kinds of transformations. Especially when it’s an essential,y decent person emerging as something darker.
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Great post. As for me, I still cannot believe that Michael Keaton was Beetlejuice. This just does not make sense in my head because I always picture him as this calm, controlled individual. He is the Batman for me. But there, there is someone totally opposite of him, unrecognisable and freakish lol
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That’s one cool transformation. For years, I couldn’t believe it was him either.
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