Are the Harryhausen critters behind glass? I've seen some of them before at other exhibitions, but never been able to get any decent photos (thanks to auto-focus). (I know, I should get a proper camera...)
It's a shame that the more feathery creations, such as the Pegasus, haven't aged too well. And is that the original Rhedosaurus, or a modern replica? It looks too new to be real. And a BLACK lighthouse? Dramatic, but surely counterproductive!
SharonM - I love them! They are really small and exquisitely crafted and they are so evocative: I look at them and I am suddenly 9 years old again! :)
BILL FIELD - As you say, a class act. One has only to look at the rubbish that was the latest Clash of the Titans to see (despite all the wonders of modern technology) how very crummy cgi can be when compared to brilliantly executed stop-frame animation.
Phil - They are behind glass but with very low room lighting so if you get your camera up close to the display case, you can get some not too bad shots.
And, yes, The Rhedosaurus is one of Ray's sculptures as opposed to the model used in the film.
Harryhausen has the advantage over many of todays film makers in that he has imagination. I was going to say that when I was little, we were more terrified of his creations than anyone elses but looking at Taylos and the Teeth of the Hydra, I'm still scared ! Both he and his friend Bradbury were pioneers in their day but, possibly uniquely, their work has never really been outdated or invalidated by what has come after. We still appreciate their creations with the same thrill we did half a century ago.Live forever !
Ray Bradbury puts in his "sorry I can't be with you tonight" piece at about 34:00. The best bit, though, is Peter Jackson near the end, showing his teenage attempts to emulate Harryhausen.
12 comments:
And indeed, wondrous they are!
Nice pic of you, too.
Ray is in the same class as Scarfe- A total original, and artisan with no equal. These are artists that make life and its many mediums really amazing!
Are the Harryhausen critters behind glass? I've seen some of them before at other exhibitions, but never been able to get any decent photos (thanks to auto-focus). (I know, I should get a proper camera...)
It's a shame that the more feathery creations, such as the Pegasus, haven't aged too well. And is that the original Rhedosaurus, or a modern replica? It looks too new to be real. And a BLACK lighthouse? Dramatic, but surely counterproductive!
SharonM - I love them! They are really small and exquisitely crafted and they are so evocative: I look at them and I am suddenly 9 years old again! :)
BILL FIELD - As you say, a class act. One has only to look at the rubbish that was the latest Clash of the Titans to see (despite all the wonders of modern technology) how very crummy cgi can be when compared to brilliantly executed stop-frame animation.
Phil - They are behind glass but with very low room lighting so if you get your camera up close to the display case, you can get some not too bad shots.
And, yes, The Rhedosaurus is one of Ray's sculptures as opposed to the model used in the film.
I agree with SharonM, Brian. You take a good photo - in both senses!
Well, of course, David took that picture!! :)
Harryhausen has the advantage over many of todays film makers in that he has imagination. I was going to say that when I was little, we were more terrified of his creations than anyone elses but looking at Taylos and the Teeth of the Hydra, I'm still scared ! Both he and his friend Bradbury were pioneers in their day but, possibly uniquely, their work has never really been outdated or invalidated by what has come after. We still appreciate their creations with the same thrill we did half a century ago.Live forever !
You are right, Boll Weavil, timeless and, therefore, immortal!
A master, a craftsman, an artisan, I love his work... by the way, that skeleton seems to take one of this souvenir-swords of Toledo ;)
And the best thing is, all those creatures move!
Lovely photos Brian!
Eudora - Not surprised about the skeleton: he's a shifty-looking individual! :)
Alex Milway - I know, but guess what? all the time I was looking, they never moved once!
When Harryhausen was honoured by BAFTA and the BFI a couple of weeks ago, the whole event was filmed. And it's available to view online:
http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid50891059001?bclid=0&bctid=111575232001
Ray Bradbury puts in his "sorry I can't be with you tonight" piece at about 34:00. The best bit, though, is Peter Jackson near the end, showing his teenage attempts to emulate Harryhausen.
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