Make-Up artist Dick Smith interviewed by Jordu Schell Part 1 of 2

[@DamienLeone84]

I come back to this video regularly just to hear Dick's story about the cinematographer doubting his skills on Amadeus. The tear it brings to Dick's eye when he recalls the validation he received once the make-up was complete is so beautiful. I still believe the Salieri makeup is the greatest old-age makeup of all time even with all of the advances in the industry. It is 100% convincing. When I first saw the film, I was around twelve years old and I actually believed it was an older actor (not F. Murray) playing old Salieri. What a remarkable achievement. RIP Mr. Smith.

[@taylortaylor2412]

agreed! i burst into tears at that moment. haha what an absolute legend. RIP to the greatest

[@CraigMansfield]

Damien Leone I always loved that make-up. I told Dick as well, and he was very polite about my enthusiasm. I think the make-up makes the film. If you were ever distracted by looking at the make-up, you'd never be listening to the character's story. And the whole film is from Salieri's perspective :) I love how one moment he's expressing the sheer beauty of Mozart's music, but then he gets consumed by hatred that he himself didn't write the music or receive the worship. And you never think anything about make-up, it's just an old, bitter man :)

[@ritualpenguin]

I love listening to anything he has to say! Genius!

[@BrianStocking]

He lived next door to my Grandparents in Larchmont Ny and when I was 5 or so (early 70's) we would swim in their pool. His basement was full of neat masks and props. Once he pulled a knife out and stabbed me. It was one of those that the dull blade retracted into the handle, but as a kid it scared the heck out of me. He and his wife were stand up people. I feel lucky I had a chance to meet him.

[@centralfloridaenthusiast7254]

rest in piece man!!! your going to be missed so badly by so many.

[@5jerry1]

He seems like such a cool, laid back guy.

[@GP-Music.]

Both legends in their own respects. Great interview.

[@jean-pierrejipi5720]

rip Dick.You are a genius.Forever

[@CraigMansfield]

Dick was such a lovely man. I used to write to him when I was following his make-up course. You couldn't find a nicer, or more informed gentleman if you tried. R.I.P. Dick

[@CraigMansfield]

And EVERYBODY, I repeat everybody in SFX, has a debt of gratitude to Dick Smith. He wasn't the first person to be making monsters and special effects, but he was the most scientific, determined, free thinking and most selflessly generous man in the business. Without Dick there was no Rick Baker, no Rob Bottin, probably no Stan Winston.....And on and on. He truly was the father of the most historically important SFX in history. And he behaved with absolute humility. He'd speak to me like we were friends, not like he was this big famous, important person. (Which he was). He was just a diamond of a man. I loved him, I really did. I haven't done make up or sculpting for years, I could have sold his course, but he asked us in good faith to never sell or copy his work, and I shredded my copy out of respect for this gentlemen. He even told me that he'd not increase the cost, because he knew I was poor. The only thing I've kept are the photographic slides, because they're beautiful. Oh, this has made me cry. I didn't expect it. I suppose he meant a lot to me.

[@ianmeadows5937]

I talked to him several times over the phone as a kid, just the sweetest guy

[@RIP3ooo]

May his Soul rest in peace! #DickSmith

[@locksmithdb5987]

Amadeus is my favorite movie of all time. What a great movie from director to special effects. Mozart is my favorite musician of all time and Dick Smith is my favorite effects person of all time. That movie for those who don't know, won 9 academy awards ( the most ) until brave heart and then Titanic.

[@terryheutmaker8621]

So amazing

[@jerrylentz]

Yay!!!