Martine with “Cavi”
Unknown
Photograph
Private Collection
1979
A candid photograph with the note “Martine with ‘Cavi.’ 1979.” The woman in the photo is costume designer Martine Noël, who built the monster prop from Rambaldi’s designs. This is the only time the monster is referred to as “Cavi.”
The cast and crew found the prop unnerving, even Martine. The costume would unexpectedly
make a loud snapping noise, but there was nothing faulty found in the build. Condensation
would build up on the costume, making it appear to sweat. Even with constant drying from Martine, it would seemingly remoisten itself every few hours. Subsequently, black mold grew between the folds of the cloak and the exposure made Martine extremely ill. She was hospitalized with a high fever and quit the project in early June.
The cast and crew found the prop unnerving, even Martine. The costume would unexpectedly
make a loud snapping noise, but there was nothing faulty found in the build. Condensation
would build up on the costume, making it appear to sweat. Even with constant drying from Martine, it would seemingly remoisten itself every few hours. Subsequently, black mold grew between the folds of the cloak and the exposure made Martine extremely ill. She was hospitalized with a high fever and quit the project in early June.
