Bifrost Bridge Film Techniques
Director Kenneth Branagh aimed to set the visually stunning tone for Thor with the introductory scene that was filmed in New Mexico. The state’s huge expanse and open landscape was the ideal setting in that it was able to convey the vastness of the Marvel universe that the film is based upon. With regards to the visual aspects of the movie, one of the early challenges that the visual design team faced was choosing the type of texture to depict Asgard’s “Bifrost Bridge”. The team spent months researching crystals, quartz, and plastics to capture the light that would convey a “magical” feel in the computer generated bridge. In one particular scene, in which the characters traveled through a “space portal”, the design team took special attention
…show more content…
Other more subtle techniques used in the visual developments of the film included split screens, accelerating shots, and flipping/flopping shots that contributed to creating stunning visual effects. One of major challenges that the filmmakers faced was the type of lens and angles that would be utilized to shoot the film. Director Branagh ultimately made the controversial decision to use wide-angled lens with “lots of depth”. He utilized these qualities to maximum effect by filming certain scenes with a “tilted angle” due to its “comic-book like” quality. Branagh felt that it was only proper that Thor had some qualities that could be tied back to its origins. Another technique that I found particularly interesting was that the producers took special attention to depth and how much was going on in the frames to minimize visual discomfort that could pose potential issues in the film’s 3D rendition, a problem that Branagh claims is occasionally evident in such films. While visual techniques played a critical role in Thor’s development, audio aspects were also vastly significant. Branagh gives much credit to music director Patrick Doyle for creating a soundtrack that developed scenes by building climax and drama; as Branagh asserts, Doyle’s dramatic flair built the ups and downs of the
Other more subtle techniques used in the visual developments of the film included split screens, accelerating shots, and flipping/flopping shots that contributed to creating stunning visual effects. One of major challenges that the filmmakers faced was the type of lens and angles that would be utilized to shoot the film. Director Branagh ultimately made the controversial decision to use wide-angled lens with “lots of depth”. He utilized these qualities to maximum effect by filming certain scenes with a “tilted angle” due to its “comic-book like” quality. Branagh felt that it was only proper that Thor had some qualities that could be tied back to its origins. Another technique that I found particularly interesting was that the producers took special attention to depth and how much was going on in the frames to minimize visual discomfort that could pose potential issues in the film’s 3D rendition, a problem that Branagh claims is occasionally evident in such films. While visual techniques played a critical role in Thor’s development, audio aspects were also vastly significant. Branagh gives much credit to music director Patrick Doyle for creating a soundtrack that developed scenes by building climax and drama; as Branagh asserts, Doyle’s dramatic flair built the ups and downs of the