| Chicago Background actors in “Public Enemies” Sacrifice their ‘Hair’ to Work in Film | | Print | |
| Written by Jessica Aymond |
| Tuesday, 05 February 2008 00:00 |
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If background actor, Darlene Kancilja Benigno could sum up her experience on the set of Public Enemies, the title explains it all. As curiosity inevitably strikes us, however, I won’t selfishly keep the details to myself… “I was absolutely thrilled,” Benigno said upon receiving the phone call to work on Public Enemies with one of her most admired actors, Johnny Depp. Benigno spoke of her memorable moments conversing with Depp regarding the Chicago Cubs. Depp was talking to another extra about being a Cubs fan when Benigno, an avid Cubs fan herself asked, “Who is a Cubs fan?” Depp immediately turned around with a smile, “I am.” Depp meant, “I” as in his character, John Dillinger, the legendary bank robber who fooled countless authorities during the Depression era.
“When you’re on set with people like Johnny it’s fascinating to see them when they’re in character and if they stay in character between takes” The invitation to be a background actor wasn’t the only news Benigno received during that memorable phone call, however. “Be prepared to get your hair chopped and no tanning,” the voice on the other end alerted. Benigno was anything but hesitant, “I would have shaved my head to work with Johnny Depp.” Benigno cut 10 inches off of her long, blonde locks.
“Hard work and long hours…I wouldn’t have changed it for anything to have this experience” Women were not the only one’s who had to endure drastic changes to perfect the classic 1930s look. Even stand in actor, Brent Caputo, had to cut his already short hair as acclaimed director, Michael Mann, has a reputation for perfection. Despite Mann’s intensity on set, his final product makes it worthwhile. Caputo said some struggled working with Mann but, “he gets the job done and knows what he wants. It’s hard to swallow at first, but you get through it and move on.”
Caputo attended stunt rehearsals where Mann would direct and film from many different angles in order to determine which shots would be just right for the scene. Depp thoroughly enjoyed interacting with the extras between takes whether it was tossing popcorn into extra’s mouths or playing guitar. Apart from shooting, Depp and co-star, Christian Bale, never interacted.
Each day, Benigno and over a hundred other extras arrived with their hair in rollers. After two hours in hair and makeup, the women had to dress in sports bras to flatten their chests, followed by a full-length girdle and a dress. The 1930s arm interlocking “walk” was even perfected as men walked on the outside of the women near the street so they would not get splashed. When asked to describe her overall experience in three words Benigno said, “amazing, fun and fascinating", adding, “it was an honor to be chosen to work on a movie with such high caliber talent.” “Public Enemies” opens July 1st and I’m sure film buffs will be amazed by the historic details. Jessica Aymond© August 20, 2008 |
