How do they make actors look like they are amputees in movies and on TV?

Answer 1

This effect can be created in two ways.

1. A digital removal by covering the actors limb with a green or blue screen fabric. This allows them to remove the limb digitally.

2. Take an impression of the actors limb and create a prosthetic arm that is attached to a shoulder cup/ sling. The actors real arm is hidden under wardrobe and the prosthetic amputated looking limb is attached directly to the actor. If movement is required a puppeteer that is hidden manipulates the limb.

Answer 2

Movies With Amputees

Answer 3

Often it's just a bit of clever illusion. A wheelchair can be made to appear to have the actor's legs cut off sitting on the seat, when these are dummy legs, and the actor's real legs are enclosed in a false area under the seat, or they are kneeling with just their calves and feet folded under the seat.

You can make a hand appear cut off by creating a "stump" for the actor's hand to fit inside, and lengthening the shirt sleeve to go over the slight extra length.

And you can make an arm appear cut off by shooting from the correct angles, with the arm positioned under the actor's top or folded behind them.

Answer 4

Both great answers above and by mixing the methods within a film no one can be sure when one practical effect ends and where the other visual effect begins. Next time you go to the beach prepare a pair of trousers with holes at the back of the knees and put your legs through the holes, dig a hole in the sand and bury your legs up to the knees fold the trousers back over your knees and lie down....you might make a few quid :-) It's an old trick that goes back hundreds of years. Like in the court of miracles in the hunchback of notre dame, or Peachum's crooked beggars in the threepenny opera.

Answer 5

1. matt damon bourne ultimatum 2. shane west 3. i think i'll have to agree with maloney Goran Visnjic love him from ER!