Visual Effects Case Study: “Madame Hattori's Izakaya”

When Phoenix filmmaker Shanna Fujii set out to make her latest short film, she drew inspiration from the eerie yet fascinating Japanese folklore of the futakuchi-onna, or "two-mouthed woman." To bring this mythological character convincingly to the screen, Fujii turned to the expertise of Foxtrot X-Ray, specifically engaging the talents of VFX Supervisor Paul DeNigris for visual effects. The project required intricate planning and a seamless blend of practical and digital effects, so DeNigris collaborated closely with Make-Up Artist Amber Revae to achieve the desired look for the futakuchi-onna. Revae crafted a custom latex mask to create the second monster mouth on the character’s head. This physical creation served as the foundation upon which DeNigris added digital enhancements, including a realistically moving tongue, dripping saliva, and articulating jaws that brought an added layer of realism. This collaborative effort showcased the potential of combining practical effects with digital VFX, and ultimately elevated the supernatural essence of Fujii’s vision on screen.

Other projects featuring similar effects by Foxtrot X-Ray include The Black String, Pendulum, and The Legend of La Llorona.

To discuss how Foxtrot X-Ray can create terrifying horror VFX for your projects, schedule a meeting with our team of professionals today.