*Conflict of the Titans* (1981), directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross, is a traditional fantasy journey impressed by the parable of Perseus.
The movie stars Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith, and Laurence Olivier. It marks the ultimate undertaking of famend stop-motion artist Ray Harryhausen, who devoted immense effort to bringing legendary creatures to life. Harryhausen’s workshop was a artistic hub, the place fashions of Medusa, Pegasus, the Kraken, and Bubo the mechanical owl took form, every designed to seize distinctive textures and expressions.
h/t: vintag.es
Harryhausen emphasised that mythology supplied a perfect setting for his visible model, particularly with *Conflict of the Titans*’ bold scope and various creature lineup. He employed his “Dynamation” method to seamlessly mix stop-motion with live-action footage, a course of particularly demanding in scenes involving the character Calibos, who interacted straight with reside actors. Amongst Harryhausen’s most memorable creations was the Kraken, a fearsome sea monster symbolizing the gods’ wrath, crafted to look each colossal and ominous.
The character Bubo, a comic book but sensible mechanical owl, required advanced mechanics to maneuver in a lifelike method whereas sustaining a playful edge. In the meantime, Medusa offered one in all Harryhausen’s biggest challenges, with every serpent in her hair animated individually to convey her sinister attract. Harryhausen’s workspace turned a testomony to his craft, crammed with detailed sketches and lighting setups, underscoring his meticulous strategy to animating these legendary creatures.
