Men in Suits sheds light on a side of film-making that is often overlooked: the physicality, artistry, and challenges faced by actors in suits.
In Men in Suits, director Frank H. Woodward explores the world behind monster suits, from classic Kaiju films like Godzilla to gorilla suit performances in old cinema. The documentary highlights the artistry and challenges faced by actors who bring these iconic creatures to life in suits—whether it’s a monster, ape, or alien.
The film features interviews with industry legends such as Doug Jones (Hellboy), Tom Woodruff Jr. (Alien 3, Aliens), Brian Steele (Predators), and Haruo Nakajima, the original Godzilla actor. The documentary delves into the physical and emotional toll these suits take on performers, who often worked long hours in heavy, restrictive gear. Nakajima recounts the grueling experiences of wearing the original Godzilla suit, which weighed 220 lbs and could only be worn for short periods due to its heat and weight.
The film also touches on the rise of CGI and its impact on suit performances. While CGI has largely replaced practical effects, the resurgence of hybrid suits—enhanced with CGI—has led to more believable performances, as evidenced by characters like Doug Jones’ Abe Sapien in Hellboy.
Additionally, it highlights the technical aspects of suit design, featuring actor Douglas Tait’s experience creating a character for the film Nights of Badassdom. We see the step-by-step process from suit design to the actor’s physical performance on set.
Men in Suits sheds light on a side of film-making that is often overlooked: the physicality, artistry, and challenges faced by actors in suits. It also addresses the shift in how these performers are viewed, from being seen as mere “props” to being recognized as true actors in their own right.
For fans of monster films like Godzilla, Creature from the Black Lagoon, and Pan’s Labyrinth, this documentary offers valuable insight into the world of suit acting. Though it’s more introductory than in-depth, it’s a fascinating watch for anyone curious about this unique form of film performance. While it could have gone further into the technical side of suit acting, it’s an excellent starting point for newcomers.
4.0 out of 5.0 stars
