*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 venture of famend stop-motion artist Ray Harryhausen, who devoted immense effort to bringing legendary creatures to life. Harryhausen’s workshop was a inventive 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 offered a great setting for his visible type, particularly with *Conflict of the Titans*’ bold scope and numerous creature lineup. He employed his “Dynamation” approach to seamlessly mix stop-motion with live-action footage, a course of particularly demanding in scenes involving the character Calibos, who interacted instantly with reside actors. Amongst Harryhausen’s most memorable creations was the Kraken, a fearsome sea monster symbolizing the gods’ wrath, crafted to seem each colossal and ominous.
The character Bubo, a comic book but sensible mechanical owl, required complicated mechanics to maneuver in a lifelike method whereas sustaining a playful edge. In the meantime, Medusa offered considered one of 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, full of detailed sketches and lighting setups, underscoring his meticulous method to animating these legendary creatures.
