MaXXXine's Prosthetic Scene: A Clever Nod to Mia Goth's Real-Life Experience as Pearl
Maxxxine, the final installment in Ti West's slasher trilogy, is full of Easter eggs and references to its predecessors, X and Pearl. One such subtle nod is a scene where Maxine, played by Mia Goth, gets a plaster cast of her head for a gruesome nightmare sequence in the film. This seemingly simple scene becomes even more impactful when you consider Goth's real-life experience playing Pearl in X.
MaXXXine's Makeup Scene: A Meta-Gag and a Reminder of Pearl's Humanity
In MaXxxine, Maxine is cast as the lead in a horror sequel titled "The Puritan II." During the film's production, she undergoes a makeup test, which involves a plaster cast being applied to her face. While sitting still with the plaster setting, she can't stop picturing Pearl's hands reaching for her, and in a terrifying moment, she ends up pulling the plaster off her face.
The scene is a clever meta-gag, as Goth herself endured hours in the makeup chair while transforming into the elderly Pearl for X. She used the uncomfortable experience to get into character, and in MaXXXine, Maxine's reaction to the plaster cast is a reflection of Goth's real-life experience.
How Mia Goth's Experience in X Elevates MaXXXine
MaXXXine's makeup sequence is more than just a scary scene; it's a smart meta-textual moment that subtly connects the three films in the trilogy. By referencing Goth's personal experience as Pearl, West highlights the humanity behind the character, making her story even more compelling.
Both Pearl and Maxine are complex characters who are on a journey to find their place in the world. Goth's portrayal of Pearl, aided by her intense makeup experience, resonated with audiences, making the character surprisingly sympathetic despite her violent actions. In the same way, MaXXXine encourages viewers to look beyond Maxine's seemingly superficial exterior and follow her on her own journey.
- MaXXXine's prosthetic scene is a clever nod to Mia Goth's real-life experience playing Pearl in X.
- The scene is a meta-gag, as Goth's discomfort with the makeup process is mirrored by Maxine's reaction to the plaster cast.
- The scene connects the three films in the trilogy by highlighting the humanity behind Pearl and Maxine.
- Goth's experience as Pearl makes her character even more sympathetic, and MaXXXine encourages viewers to see Maxine's journey with compassion.
MaXXXine is a film full of intricate details and hidden connections, and the prosthetic scene is a perfect example of how West uses subtle touches to create a richer and more engaging story.
