Former CIA Chief of Disguise Breaks Down 30 Spy Scenes From Film & TV | WIRED
TLDRFormer CIA Chief of Disguise, Johnny Mendez, critiques and analyzes movie and TV portrayals of espionage and disguise techniques. He discusses the accuracy of quick changes, the use of wigs, makeup, and aliases, and the importance of blending into one's environment. Mendez also touches on the reality of creating and using alternate identities, revealing that the meticulous process is far from the glamorous Hollywood depiction. The video offers insight into the art of disguise, highlighting both the effective and the absurd tactics used in popular media.
Takeaways
- 🎭 Real-life spy disguises are meticulously created and used one at a time, unlike the large bundles or boxes of passports depicted in movies.
- 👩🦰 Dyeing hair is an ineffective disguise method; more comprehensive changes like cutting and styling, as well as using accessories like glasses, are recommended.
- 🛂 Distraction techniques, such as engaging in conversation or altering behavior, can be effective in diverting attention from areas of interest during security checks.
- 🎨 The ability to convincingly inhabit a disguise is crucial, with the goal often being to be forgettable or blend into the environment.
- 👥 Layered disguises were used in the field, with agents wearing multiple layers that could be removed to alter their appearance without leaving behind evidence.
- 🚫 Certain roles like religious figures, media personnel, and Peace Corps members are off-limits for CIA agents to use as covers to maintain their integrity and avoid suspicion.
- 👚 Quick changes in public are more feasible due to the anonymity provided by crowds, which can be used to lose surveillance.
- 🤹♂️ The use of technology, such as a hands-free earpiece system, was developed to avoid giveaways during covert operations.
- 🎭 High-quality masks used in films are a mix of CGI and practical effects, with real-life applications being limited by the need for a good match between the wearer and the mask.
- 🎬 Cover stories in real espionage need to be believable and carefully selected, with agents being restyled rather than disguised to fit into their new identities.
- 🗣️ Learning and adhering to cultural customs is essential to avoid blowing one's cover, as small mistakes can have significant consequences.
Q & A
What is Johnny Mendez's background according to the script?
-Johnny Mendez is a former Chief of Disguise at the CIA, and in the script, he is breaking down clips from movies and TV about spies and disguise.
What does Johnny Mendez claim about the reality of having a box of passports for spies?
-Johnny Mendez states that the portrayal of spies having a box of passports is unrealistic, as in reality, alternate identity documents are meticulously created one by one as needed.
How does Mendez evaluate the effectiveness of Carrie's disguise in 'Homeland'?
-Mendez criticizes Carrie's disguise in 'Homeland' as ineffective, suggesting that she could have made more significant changes such as cutting and re-styling her hair, changing her makeup, and using glasses to hide her distinctive eyes.
What does Mendez consider a 'brilliant' example of disguise from the script?
-Mendez considers the disguise in 'Alias', where the character dyes her hair outrageously red and adopts a whole persona including chewing gum and engaging in conversation with an airline agent, as a brilliant example of distraction and disguise.
What is the concept of 'quick-change' as mentioned by Johnny Mendez?
-Quick-change is the ability to clandestinely change one's appearance, as demonstrated in 'Mission Impossible'. Mendez mentions that in real operations, agents would layer disguises and never let a piece of disguise be left behind as evidence.
Why are certain disguises like religious figures or media figures off-limits for the CIA according to the script?
-These disguises are off-limits because they need to remain pure and untarnished by suspicion of harboring CIA officers. Religious figures are considered too vulnerable, and the media should not be involved to maintain trust and integrity.
How does Mendez describe the process of creating a believable disguise?
-Mendez compares creating a believable disguise to method acting, stating that not only should the look be part of it, but the person also needs to inhabit the disguise and become the character they are portraying.
What is the significance of the Hollywood location scouting team cover story in 'Argo'?
-The Hollywood location scouting team cover story in 'Argo' was carefully selected because it was a subject the characters could talk about believably. It allowed them to blend in and not raise suspicion while performing their mission.
How does Mendez comment on the use of overhead masks in the script?
-Mendez explains that overhead masks, like those shown in 'Mission Impossible', could change a person's gender and ethnicity but were limited by the measurements they had to work with. They were also additive, meaning they couldn't cover a larger feature with a smaller one.
What is the role of 'pocket litter' in creating a new identity according to the script?
-Pocket litter refers to the identity cards and other items that someone would typically carry in their wallet or purse. These items help to create a realistic new identity for an agent.
Why does Mendez consider the disguise in 'The Saint' to be a failure?
-Mendez considers the disguise in 'The Saint' a failure because it draws attention rather than blending in. A successful disguise should not stand out and should help the person become an 'infra hot' or forgettable figure.
What is the significance of the 'L pill' mentioned in the script?
-The 'L pill' refers to a lethal pill that some agents insisted on having as a means of suicide to avoid capture and interrogation. It was a form of protection for the agents in the field.
How does Mendez view the use of seduction in espionage?
-Mendez acknowledges that the use of seduction in espionage is not unheard of and has been used by various intelligence agencies, including the Russians and Germans, to collect intelligence.
What is Mendez's opinion on the portrayal of disguises in the 'Avengers'?
-Mendez suggests that the portrayal of black cat suits in the 'Avengers' is more for aesthetic appeal rather than practicality in real espionage operations.
What does Mendez suggest about acting drunk as an undercover tactic?
-Mendez advises against acting drunk undercover as it would defeat the purpose of the operation. He mentions that agents were advised to use certain substances to appear drunk without actually consuming alcohol.
Outlines
🕵️♂️ Hollywood's Portrayal of Spies and Disguise
Johnny Mendez, a former chief of disguise at the CIA, critiques the accuracy of spy movies and TV shows. He explains the meticulous process of creating alternate identities, contrary to the Hollywood depiction of a 'box of passports.' Mendez also discusses the ineffectiveness of simple hair dye as a disguise, as seen in 'Homeland,' and praises the more convincing disguises in 'Alias' and 'The Americans.' He emphasizes the importance of not only looking the part but also inhabiting the character when in disguise.
🎭 The Art of Quick Change and Disguise
The concept of quick change in disguise is explored, where spies must change their appearance rapidly and without detection. Mendez explains that layered disguises were common, but single-use items were never discarded due to the risk of leaving evidence. He also touches on the off-limits covers for CIA officers, such as religious figures, media personnel, and Peace Corps members, due to the potential damage to their reputations and the CIA's. Examples from 'Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles' and 'Baby Driver' illustrate the principles, with varying degrees of success.
🎬 Behind the Scenes of Hollywood's Cover Stories
Mendez delves into the creation and execution of cover stories in espionage, using 'Argo' as a case study. He describes how six Americans trapped in Iran were rescued using the cover of a Hollywood location scouting team. The operation's success hinged on the believability of the cover story and the ability of the individuals to convincingly play their roles. The importance of a well-chosen cover story and the meticulous planning behind it are highlighted.
🎭 Advanced Disguise Techniques in Espionage
The script discusses advanced disguise techniques, such as the use of overhead masks and the creation of custom facial features like noses and teeth. Mendez explains the limitations and challenges of these methods, including the need for a good match between the donor and recipient. The use of CGI in modern films like 'Mission Impossible' is also examined, showcasing the seamless blend of real actors with masks.
🕵️♀️ The Reality of Espionage and Identity Management
Mendez addresses the reality of creating and managing new identities for spies, contrasting it with the humorous portrayal in 'Spy.' He explains that pocket litter, or everyday items that help establish a cover, is essential. The importance of understanding cultural customs to avoid blowing one's cover is also highlighted, using examples from 'Inglourious Basterds' and personal anecdotes.
🤡 Unconventional Disguises and Espionage Tactics
Unusual disguises, such as clown costumes and furniture camouflage, are discussed, along with their effectiveness in blending in or drawing attention. Mendez shares stories of agents using pens as concealment for poison or cameras. He also addresses the use of aliases in the CIA, emphasizing the importance of non-descript names that avoid drawing attention.
🎭 The Role of Deception in Espionage
The script concludes with a discussion on the various forms of deception used in espionage, including the use of seduction, accents, and voice disguise. Mendez comments on the plausibility of certain tactics portrayed in films and the importance of adapting to one's environment. He also reflects on the fun he has in identifying the inaccuracies in Hollywood's depiction of spycraft.
Mindmap
Keywords
💡Disguise
💡Alternate Identity Documents
💡Quick-change
💡Pocket Litter
💡Cover Story
💡Exfiltration
💡Method Acting
💡Surveillance Evasion
💡Voice Modulation
💡Alias
Highlights
Johnny Mendez, former chief of disguise at the CIA, debunks common spy movie tropes and explains real-life spy techniques.
In reality, spies don't carry boxes of passports or large sums of money; they meticulously create alternate identities as needed.
Disguises in the field are not just about appearance but also involve adopting mannerisms and behaviors to fit the cover story.
Quick-change techniques are used to switch appearances rapidly, often layering disguises for operational flexibility.
The CIA avoids using certain covers like religious figures, media personnel, and Peace Corps members to maintain their integrity and protect the vulnerable.
Blending into a crowd is a practical technique for evading surveillance, as large groups can be more forgiving to changes in appearance.
High-tech gadgets like earpieces are often depicted inaccurately; spies use hands-free systems to avoid giveaways.
Custom-made disguises are preferred for operatives to ensure a perfect fit and to avoid drawing unwanted attention.
The use of uniforms, such as maintenance or military attire, can help spies blend into their environment and avoid suspicion.
Operation Argo's successful exfiltration of Americans from Iran is highlighted, emphasizing the importance of a believable cover story.
CGI masks in movies are purely fictional; real-life disguises are carefully crafted to match the operative's features.
The CIA uses 'pocket litter' to help create a backstory for operatives, including identity cards and personal items.
Cultural customs play a crucial role in espionage; spies must learn and adhere to local practices to avoid detection.
Chemical engineering in espionage includes the use of poison in pens, which has a historical precedent in real spy operations.
Voice disguises are not commonly used by spies; instead, they focus on blending in and not drawing attention to themselves.
Seduction has been used as a tool in espionage, with historical examples of 'swallows' and 'sparrows' trained in psychological manipulation.
The importance of meticulously planning operations and having contingency plans is emphasized, avoiding sloppy or poorly planned scenarios.
The transcript concludes with a reminder that while movies often get some things right, many spy techniques are far more nuanced and carefully executed in reality.
Transcripts
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