Okay, so today I’m gonna talk about something I messed around with the other day – trying to recreate Jared Leto’s look from Dallas Buyers Club. Yeah, I know, sounds kinda out there, but hear me out.
It all started when I was watching the movie again, and I was just struck by how iconic his look was. Super skinny, kinda androgynous, but still had this raw energy about him. I thought, “Why not? Let’s see if I can pull something even remotely similar off.”
First thing I did was hit up my closet. I knew I wasn’t gonna magically transform into Leto, but I figured I could at least try to mimic the vibe. Found an old pair of ripped jeans – the skinnier the better, right? Then I grabbed a vintage t-shirt that was a little too big for me. It kinda gave that loose, almost fragile look.
Next up: the makeup. I’m not a makeup guy, like at all. But I figured I needed to try to get that gaunt, almost sunken-in look around the eyes. I watched a couple of YouTube tutorials (thank god for the internet) on contouring and highlighting. Basically, I tried to make my cheekbones look sharper and my face look a bit thinner than it actually is. Let’s just say it was a learning experience. Ended up looking more like a raccoon at first, but I eventually got it to a point where it was… passable.
- Tip #1: Less is more. Seriously, don’t go overboard with the makeup. You want to look subtly sick, not like a clown.
- Tip #2: Blending is your friend. Blend, blend, blend until you can’t blend anymore.
The hair was another challenge. I didn’t want to shave my eyebrows off or anything extreme like that, but I did try to style my hair in a way that was kinda messy and unkempt. Lots of hairspray and a deliberate “I don’t care” attitude.
The final touch: attitude. This is where it got interesting. Leto’s character, Rayon, had this specific energy about him – this mix of vulnerability and defiance. I tried to channel that. Practiced in the mirror, if I’m being honest. It felt ridiculous, but I think it actually made a difference.
So, did I nail it? Absolutely not. I’m not a professional actor or a makeup artist. But I had a blast trying. It was a fun experiment in stepping outside my comfort zone and trying something totally different. Plus, I learned a lot about makeup and how much work goes into creating a character’s look.
Would I do it again? Maybe. But probably only for Halloween or a really weird themed party.
What I learned:
- It’s harder than it looks: Transforming yourself into someone else is a lot of work.
- Details matter: Even small things like the way you stand or the expression on your face can make a big difference.
- Have fun: Don’t take yourself too seriously. It’s just makeup and clothes, after all.
Anyway, that’s my story. Hope you found it entertaining. Maybe you’ll even be inspired to try your own transformation. Just don’t blame me if you end up looking like a raccoon.
