Latex versus Pixels: Practical Prosthetics and Digital De-Aging in Modern Film

The modification of the human face and body has long been a fundamental element of cinematic storytelling, enabling filmmakers to create more believable and engaging characters. This paper explores two contemporary techniques used for such transformations: practical prosthetics and digital de-aging. Prosthetics involve the use of physical materials applied directly to actors, allowing natural interaction with lighting and performance, while digital de-aging relies on visual effects in post-production to alter appearance with greater precision. By examining factors such as realism, performance, cost, and audience perception, the study highlights that neither method fully replaces the other, and modern filmmaking often combines both to achieve more effective results. This integration allows for a balance between authenticity and creative flexibility, making hybrid approaches increasingly common in contemporary cinema.