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5 Reasons Why Vance Hopper’s "Eyeliner" Look In The Black Phone Defines His Volatile Character

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The question of whether Vance Hopper, the volatile, pinball-loving bully from the 2022 horror hit The Black Phone, wears eyeliner is one of the most enduring and frequently searched queries by fans, even now in late December 2025. This intense focus on a minor character's makeup choice highlights the success of the film's costume and makeup department in creating a truly memorable and distinct look. The short answer is that the dark, shadowed eyes are a deliberate cinematic choice, achieved through makeup application, to enhance the character's menacing, punk-adjacent aesthetic, rather than the character himself applying the cosmetic.

The dark shadowing around Vance’s eyes is not accidental; it is a crucial element of the character design, perfectly capturing the gritty, unsettling atmosphere of North Denver in 1978. While the cosmetic applied might technically be a subtle kohl or dark shadow rather than a heavy eyeliner, its effect is undeniable, contributing significantly to the aura of a juvenile delinquent who is perpetually ready for a fight. This deep dive will explore the definitive answer, the aesthetic context, and the symbolic weight of Vance Hopper’s iconic appearance.

Vance Hopper: The Character Behind the Eyeliner Query (Biography & Profile)

The character of Vance Hopper, portrayed by actor Brady Hepner, quickly became a fan favorite despite his limited screen time and aggressive nature. His distinct appearance—long, shaggy hair, a leather jacket, and intensely dark eyes—cemented his status as one of the most memorable elements of the film, which is based on the short story by Joe Hill.

  • Character Name: Vance Hopper (also known by the nickname "Pinball Vance Hopper").
  • Portrayed By: Brady Hepner.
  • Film/Source: The Black Phone (2022), directed by Scott Derrickson.
  • Setting: North Denver, Colorado, in 1978.
  • Character Type: Local punk, school bully, and juvenile delinquent.
  • Personality Traits: Volatile, aggressive, hot-tempered, and known for his fighting prowess. He is frequently described as a ruffian who was no stranger to the police before his disappearance.
  • Fate in the Film: Vance is the third victim of the serial child abductor known as "The Grabber" (played by Ethan Hawke) and is later seen as a spectral guide to Finney Blake.

Brady Hepner’s preparation for the role included discussing both the body language and the specific makeup used to achieve Vance’s menacing look, confirming that the visual design was a critical part of the character's construction.

The Definitive Answer: Was It Eyeliner or MUA Design?

The intense shadowing around Vance Hopper’s eyes is not makeup applied by the character himself, but rather a deliberate and subtle application of cosmetics by the film’s makeup artist (MUA) to achieve a specific aesthetic. This technique is common in cinema to enhance a character's mood, fatigue, or overall aura.

The Role of Kohl and Dark Shadow

While fans often call it "eyeliner," the look is more accurately achieved using a soft kohl pencil or dark brown/black eyeshadow (dark shadow) subtly blended around the lash lines and into the lower lids. This method avoids the sharp, defined line of traditional eyeliner, opting instead for a smudged, grungy, and worn-out appearance. The purpose is twofold:

  1. To Enhance Volatility: The dark makeup makes Vance's eyes appear deeper set, more intense, and slightly unsettling, reflecting his aggressive and unpredictable nature.
  2. To Fit the Grunge Aesthetic: It contributes to the overall "punk" and "ruffian" aesthetic of a 1970s juvenile delinquent who is often out late, fighting, and generally unkempt. This visual cue instantly communicates his status as an outsider and a threat within the community, much like his leather jacket and shaggy hair.

Director Scott Derrickson, known for his attention to detail, ensured that every character's appearance contributed to the film’s atmosphere. Vance’s look is a visual shorthand for his troubled background and rough life on the streets of North Denver. It’s an element of cinematic design that successfully fuels fan curiosity and debate, proving its effectiveness.

The Aesthetic Impact: Why Fans Are Obsessed With Vance Hopper's Look

Vance Hopper’s aesthetic, particularly the dark eye makeup, resonates deeply with audiences because it taps into several timeless subcultures and character archetypes. His look is a masterclass in visual storytelling, immediately placing him in a specific cultural context.

1. The 1970s Punk and Grunge Influence

The film is set in 1978, a period when punk rock was emerging and influencing fashion, particularly among rebellious youth. Vance’s entire ensemble—the denim, the leather, and the slightly unwashed, dark-eyed look—is highly reminiscent of the early punk and proto-grunge styles. This look suggests a detachment from mainstream society and a rebellious spirit, which perfectly aligns with his characterization as a local tough guy and delinquent.

2. The Symbolic Weight of the Dark Shadow

In storytelling, dark circles or shadowing around the eyes often symbolize fatigue, trauma, or a troubled soul. For Vance, the subtle kohl serves as a visual indicator of his constant state of agitation and aggression. It suggests a character who is perpetually stressed, ready to snap, or perhaps even a little bruised from his latest brawl. This visual element adds a layer of depth, making him more than just a simple bully; he is a complex, volatile figure whose life is clearly difficult.

3. Comparison to Other Characters

The dark eye makeup also serves to contrast Vance with the film's protagonist, Finney Blake, and the other victims, like Bruce Yamada and Robin Arellano. Finney and Robin have a cleaner, more typical 1970s suburban look. Vance’s grunge aesthetic immediately sets him apart as the community's "other"—the one who is already on the fringes, making his disappearance less immediately alarming to the police. This contrast heightens the film's thematic focus on who society values and who it overlooks.

Decoding the "Tough Guy" Look: Makeup Techniques Used

Achieving Vance Hopper's distinct look required precision from the makeup department to ensure the appearance was gritty and naturalistic, not overly theatrical. The goal was for the audience to question the makeup, which is why the "does vance wear eyeliner" query is so popular, rather than for it to be a clear, stylized choice.

  • Subtle Application: The MUA likely used a matte black or dark brown eye shadow applied with a small, stiff brush, focusing the pigment right at the base of the lashes and smudging it slightly outwards and downwards.
  • Kohl Pencil: A soft kohl pencil is ideal for the waterline, as it provides a deep, lived-in look that is easily smudged for a less polished finish. This gives the appearance of natural, dark shadowing.
  • Setting and Grime: To maintain the "ruffian" aesthetic, the makeup was likely set with a minimal amount of powder and perhaps mixed with subtle grime or dirt effects to match the overall unkempt nature of his hair and clothing.

The final effect is a look that mirrors the way many punk and goth figures of the late 70s and early 80s naturally appeared after hours of wear, fights, or simply poor sleep. It's a look that communicates a lack of care for conventional appearances, reinforcing Vance's role as a rebellious, anti-authority figure.

In conclusion, while Vance Hopper (Brady Hepner) does not canonically apply eyeliner as a character, the team behind The Black Phone certainly applied subtle, dark eye makeup (kohl/shadow) to him. This deliberate choice was essential to build his identity as a volatile, punk-adjacent juvenile delinquent in 1978 Denver, making the "eyeliner" a powerful, if subtle, cinematic tool that continues to spark conversation among the film's dedicated fanbase.

5 Reasons Why Vance Hopper’s
does vance wear eyeliner
does vance wear eyeliner

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