One of the most important and memorable special effects sequences in the history of horror films is the transformation of David Kessler played by David Naughton into the titular werewolf of An American Werewolf in London. The scene was most striking in that, for the first time, it was filmed in a brightly lit setting. All the effects seen are real physical workings created by master SFX technician Rick Baker. The sequence was so well received that the academy recognized the achievement with the very first regularly awarded Oscar. It has been awarded every year since with Baker winning a further 5 times to date.

This is one of a series of heads that were created for the central element of that shot. Sadly the distinctive skin and fur have long since rotted away but that does give us an insight into an elaborate set of mechanisms specially designed to bring the transformation to life. The forehead and cheek sections move outwards, controlled by air through syringes. Perhaps most impressive and certainly the most unforgettable element of the creature is the jaw section, which opens and moves forward to transform the human face into that of the lycanthrope.