I watched the film Immortals when it was in theaters. It was OK, as far as the story went, not great, but what I did appreciate were some of the environments. I always imagine strange places in my head, I dream a lot about some places, actually, and there is often this rich, colorful quality that is not seen in real life. I’ve had dreams like that ever since I was a kid so when I saw this film, even though it didn’t look exactly the same, it had some of the same qualities as my dreams.
Above is one of the views from Mount Olympus, where the immortals observed the affairs of humans. This contrasted look is prevalent throughout the film. Just a thought on the side, I sort of feel like a snob when I say “film” instead of “movie”, but then I feel like an idiot when I say “movie” instead of “film”. Just thought I’d share.
Here you see the contrast again. Most of the colors in the landscapes are warm, even in the shadows.
Another shot from Olympus. I would have made these particular shots brighter. You have a lot of potential for detail in a locale such as this.
Again, a very contrasted look. This work has an almost constant golden hour quality to it.
Similar to the 2nd image, above. Note the reds and the greens in this, as well as the yellows. Very dreamlike, very unreal. Very organic, yet dreamlike, very earthy, yet divine. It almost looks like a live-action painting, in fact I read that one of the goals was to translate the nature of classical paintings to the screen.
Again, it looks like a painting, very unreal yet live-action. Notice how the bottom fades to nearly complete black, almost like trying to remember a dream where details get lost in the periphery. One of the reasons I am posting this is because this illustrates how important cohesive art direction is. Whether you liked the film or not, there is no denying that visually it all fits together and basically sets the tone for the whole affair.
I would love to explore a place like this. That’s one of the reasons got into CG in the first place, to recreate some of my dreams and be able to explore them. Now I can do that – while carrying a rocket launcher if I like.
Looking at this, it might seem relatively plain at first sight, but the color combination of blue and beige, the warmth in the clouds, these little details that we often take for granted actually create an environment that we want to see more of, which is part of the underlying allure, even if we don’t realize it.
From the end of the film, gods and titans fighting in eternity. Once again the colors work together beautifully, reds, yellows, blues, and white. This shot pulls back to reveal that the entire sky is filled with this sort of divine combat. I know there were some complaints about the mythology not being very accurately portrayed in this film but I think it looks great. Anyway, I really appreciate this approach to visuals in a film like this.
Eric Chamberlain 