Recent times have seen a dynamic shift in the way movies are presented to the audience, not only the script or the actors are emphasized but also the location and sets that basically build the storyline.
With a surge in technological advancements, Computed Generated Imagery has found new meaning in the world of cinema and set design. It is one of the most popular architectural professions and has growing demand and potential. Let's look at two recent movies that I came across, that left me dissecting the architecture long after.
PONNIYIN SELVAN I
A recent blockbuster in the Kollywood Industry, this movie follows the Cholas through the 9th century. We are shown the different kinds of clothes that were worn in that era along with the glory of the Cholan architecture. They were known for their striking architectural features and finest craftsmanship.
The cholan empire was extremely skilled and produced the largest temples in South Indian History including the Big Temple of Thanjavur, which is the largest hollow gopuram of Tamilnadu. With an astounding height of 200 ft, the gopuram is anointed with a gold finial at the top and still stands as an architectural paradox like the Egyptian pyramids. The movie takes us through these architectural marvels and also gives us glimpses of some northern conquests.
WAKANDA FOREVER
As painful as it was to watch this movie without Chadwick Boseman, it still comes across as a beautifully constructed set with utopian ideas and the perfect blend of VFX and action. Wakanda Forever takes us to the aftermath of the death of T'Challa and the destruction of the heart-shaped herb. We dive into a world with highly efficient technology and incredible architecture that comes close to concepts like "THE LINE" in Dubai and the "SKYRING" around the Burj Khalifa.
Most of the architecture was inspired by real-time locations says Sam Williams. The capital and palace complex is inspired by the Djinguereber Mosque and smaller buildings can be seen taking inspiration from designs by Zaha Hadid. The interior of the palace was said to be inspired by the Buckingham Palace in London,
The Jabari tribe is seen as a more tribal form of people with more brutalist and crude customs. This is reflected in their visuals through a more parametric and scattered form of architecture, which brings about the integration of a more raw and nature-oriented form of spaces. The use of rocky mountains and wood yet portrayed in a contemporary format brings about the utopian nature of the story in every scene.
African references and murals are taken into consideration and brought out through the colors and placements of objects. One of the best architectural representations so far, it can be said that the architecture and set of Black Panther is what boosted this movie into an instant hit. With perfectly balanced visuals between contemporary architecture and vernacular design, it is definitely worth the watch.
Architecture has a phenomenal impact on the way a script is conveyed to the audience, A small change in lighting, orientation or even landscape can make tremendous changes to the context and setting of a scene. I personally believe that such movies are truly inspiring to budding architects and motivate us to think outside the box. Wait up for some more underrated movies that have the most impressive architecture!
Stay tuned for more such articles and follow us for regular updates!
Check out our latest article by following the link below!
Comments