How the film ‘American Primeval’ Successfully Executed the Scalping Scene

American Primeval is a Netflix miniseries that delves into the mass murder during the Westward expansion era. Dane DeHaan’s character, Jacob Pratt, becomes a victim of a land dispute that culminates in the 1857 Mountain Meadows Massacre. The practical makeup effects in this series are so realistic that they left the actor receiving messages about his scalp scene for days.

DeHaan’s character goes on a journey of revenge, fueled by the desire to avenge his wife’s fate. The series portrays the brutality of the time period with graphic depictions of violence and suffering. The makeup effects for Jacob’s scalp were meticulously designed by Howard Berger’s studio KNB EFX, creating a gruesome and realistic portrayal of the character’s deteriorating state.

The production of the series involved intense practical effects, such as the scalp scene, where a double-layer appliance was rigged with a blood bladder to create a realistic gory effect. The collaboration between the makeup artists and the director, Peter Berg, ensured that the makeup effects seamlessly integrated with the storytelling.

American Primeval is now available for streaming on Netflix, offering viewers a raw and immersive experience of the violent history of America’s founding.



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