Every Friday I try and feature artwork from a classic of science fiction cinema or television. This week's "Flashback Friday" post is on Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace (1999) and Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones (2002).
There are some breath-taking scenes in the Star Wars prequels and one artist that helped bring those stunning visuals to the film is Kurt Kaufman. Kaufman is a professional concept illustrator and matte painter who's worked on major films like War of the Worlds (2005), After Earth (2013) and Jurassic Park III (2001). Check out his designs for the Jedi Temple, Coruscant and more.
See more of Kurt Kaufman's gorgeous portfolio at http://kurtkaufman.com
Click on the links if you want to see more of Kurt Kaufman's work or Star Wars: Episode I and Star Wars: Episode II on my blog.
What do you think of the concept art? If you've seen Star Wars: Episode I and Episode II what did you think?
Official Star Wars: Episode I - The Phantom Menace Synopsis
Stranded on the desert planet Tatooine after rescuing young Queen Amidala from the impending invasion of Naboo, Jedi apprentice Obi-Wan Kenobi and his Jedi Master Qui-Gon Jinn discover nine-year-old Anakin Skywalker, a young slave unusually strong in the Force. Anakin wins a thrilling Podrace and with it his freedom as he leaves his home to be trained as a Jedi. The heroes return to Naboo where Anakin and the Queen face massive invasion forces while the two Jedi contend with a deadly foe named Darth Maul. Only then do they realize the invasion is merely the first step in a sinister scheme by the re-emergent forces of darkness known as the Sith.
Directed by George Lucas
Cinematography by David Tattersall
Production design by Gavin Bocquet
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Liam Neeson, Natalie Portman, Jake Lloyd, Ian McDiarmid
Release Date: May 19, 1999 (USA)
Official Site: http://starwars.com/explore/the-movies/episode-i/
© Copyright 1999 Copyright Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox
Official Star Wars: Episode II - Attack of the Clones Synopsis
Ten years after the invasion of Naboo, the galaxy is on the brink of civil war. Under the leadership of a renegade Jedi named Count Dooku, thousands of solar systems threaten to break away from the Galactic Republic. When an assassination attempt is made on Senator Padmé Amidala, the former Queen of Naboo, twenty-year-old Jedi apprentice Anakin Skywalker is assigned to protect her. In the course of his mission, Anakin discovers his love for Padmé as well as his own darker side. Soon, Anakin, Padmé, and Obi-Wan Kenobi are drawn into the heart of the Separatist movement and the beginning of the Clone Wars.
Directed by George Lucas
Cinematography by David Tattersall
Production design by Gavin Bocquet
Starring: Ewan McGregor, Natalie Portman, Hayden Christensen, Christopher Lee, Samuel L. Jackson
Release Date: May 16, 2002 (USA)
Official Site: http://starwars.com/explore/the-movies/episode-ii/
© Copyright 2002 Copyright Lucasfilm, 20th Century Fox
Follow @filmsketchr
The set designs and all round CG worlds were the highlight of the prequel movies, IMO. I think it's a concept artists dream come true to work on those films.
ReplyDeleteAgreed Rusty. For all its flaws it's a gorgeous film and a lot of amazing artists worked on them and loved it.
ReplyDelete1999 and 2002? Wow. Now, I feel old. I think of these as the "new" Star Wars. Sigh. Ok, enough of that. The artwork is beautiful, and in the movies, it's lush, gorgeous, and inspiring. Thanks for sharing these. :)
ReplyDeleteThe worldscapes created in those two films have been much imitated over the years since. As I commented on a previous post, I think the time has come for something new but due credit should be given to the originals.
ReplyDelete