Fish skin in "Beowulf"

As Grendel, the monster in "Beowolf"...	...Crispin Clover shows his true (?) skin.

Quirky character actor Crispin Glover appears to embrace skin challenged roles.  Anyone remember his bleached out super pale rat lover in “Willard?”  Anyone?

More are likely to catch Crispin’s turn as the evil creature Grendel in the epic fantasy “Beowolf.”  Rarely are actors so willing to reveal a skin condition.  In the film, no makeup is used to conceal Glover’s strikingly parched epidermis.  His brow and cheeks have the appearance of the skin of a freshly trapped trout with prominent scaling.  Called ichthyosis (literally Greek for “fish skin”), this condition requires vigorous moisturizers to combat a genetic tendency for skin that is extremely dry and flaky. Active ingredients that can improve Glover/Grendel’s skin include lactic acid and urea, softening and hydrating the scales. Treatment is imperative to prevent the itchy inflammation known as eczema. Currently, no cure exists for this inherited hassle.

Before we endure more flaming than a Hobbit descending into Mount Doom, we acknowledge that the skin shown is not Glover’s own, but a computer simulation of the genetic condition. For more on cinematic skin, both authentic and CG, check out www.skinema.com.