In cinema, blood often flows freely, but rarely is it the real deal. Theatrical blood, stage blood, or fake blood—whatever you choose to call it—is an essential element in bringing the visceral moments of the screen to life. From the infamous shower scene in “Psycho” to the chilling corridors of “The Shining,” the crimson fluid has played a pivotal role. But what exactly goes into creating this vital prop, and why is it preferred over the real thing?
Behind the Scenes: The Art of Simulated Gore
When a character takes a bullet or falls victim to a gruesome fate on screen, it’s not actual blood that spills. Instead, a concoction of ingredients carefully crafted to mimic the real deal takes center stage. These ingredients, mixed in various ratios, create the perfect blend of viscosity, color, and texture required for each scene.
Corn syrup forms the base, providing the desired thickness and stickiness reminiscent of blood. To prevent the blood from beading and staining, a dash of dishwashing liquid is added. Opacifiers, such as titanium dioxide, ensure the blood is non-translucent, enhancing its visual impact. Red and blue food coloring then give the blood its signature hue, while water is added to achieve the desired consistency.
Recipes for Gore: From Kitchen Staples to Silver Screen Staples
Believe it or not, the ingredients for theatrical blood can often be found in your kitchen cupboard. Tomato ketchup, chocolate syrup, and cherry or strawberry topping sauce are commonly used to darken the color, add texture, and increase viscosity. These everyday ingredients undergo a macabre transformation, becoming the lifeblood of cinematic moments.
One of the most iconic uses of fake blood in cinema history comes from Alfred Hitchcock’s “Psycho.” In the shower scene, the blood flowing down the drain isn’t the product of a gruesome murder but rather Bosco Chocolate Syrup. Since the film was shot in black and white, the color was less critical than the consistency, making chocolate syrup the perfect choice.
From the Streets of London to the Silver Screen: The Legacy of Kensington Gore
In the annals of fake blood history, one name stands out: Kensington Gore. A pun on the London place and street, Kensington Gore was the brainchild of British pharmacist John Tinegate during the 1960s and 1970s. Produced in the quaint village of Abbotsbury, Dorset, Kensington Gore offered filmmakers and theater productions a range of blood types, each with its own viscosity, shade, and texture.
Since Tinegate’s passing, the name Kensington Gore has become synonymous with stage blood, transcending its origins as a trademark to become a generic term. Its legacy lives on in iconic films like “The Shining,” where it was used to bring the haunting visions of Stephen King’s novel to life on the silver screen.
The Blood That Binds: Ethical and Practical Considerations
While the use of theatrical blood may seem like a straightforward choice, there are ethical and practical considerations at play. Concerns for the well-being of actors, as well as the logistical challenges posed by real blood’s tendency to coagulate quickly, make fake blood the preferred option on set. Its longer-lasting viscosity ensures continuity across multiple takes, allowing directors to capture the perfect shot without interruption.
In filmmaking, theatrical blood isn’t just a prop—it’s a vital tool that brings the art of storytelling to life. From its humble beginnings in kitchen cupboards to its iconic status in cinematic history, fake blood continues to flow through the veins of the silver screen, ensuring that every drop tells a tale worth watching.