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| Superman: the Movie (1978) concept art by Chris Foss |
Every Friday I feature artwork from a classic of science fiction cinema. This week's "Flashback Friday" post is on Superman: the Movie (1978).
The planet Krypton has taken on many different looks including the most recent film Man of Steel which imagined it as a triumph of bio-engineering. Back in 1978, legendary concept artist Chris Foss briefly worked on Superman and shared some of his designs.
Foss is a professional concept illustrator who's worked on major Hollywood projects like Flash Gordon (1980), A.I. Artificial Intelligence (2001) and Jodorowsky's unmade Dune (2013).
Click on the images to enlarge.
Chris Foss told Moviefone, "We were all waiting to restart 'Dune' after Christmas; we had total loyalty to 'Dune.' And then the 'Superman' people came along. My initial reaction was, 'What a stupid thing, to make a film of a strip cartoon.' And there you go, history's proven me different. They wined and dined me and insisted I come and worked on 'Superman.' I thought, well, I'll do it until 'Dune' starts up, and of course 'Dune' never did. So I worked on 'Superman.'"
See more of Chris Foss's marvelous portfolio at http://www.chrisfossart.com
Click on the links if you want to see more of Chris Foss' work or Superman artwork on my blog.
Some images via The Guardian
What do you think of the concept art? If you've seen Superman what do you think of the planet Krypton?
Official Superman: the Movie Synopsis
"A box-office smash, an Academy Award winner and a fan favorite since it first flew into theatres in December 1978, Superman: The Movie assembles a cast and creative contingent as only a big movie can. At its heart (just as in three sequels) is Christopher Reeve's intelligent, affectionate portrayal of a most human Man of Steel. Watching Superman again isn't just like being a kid again. It's better. Reeve, Marlon Brando (Jor-El), Gene Hackman (Luthor) and Margot Kidder (Lois Lane) give indelible performances that fuel the film's aura of legend. Looks like a swell night for flying. Why not come along?"
Directed by Richard Donner
Cinematography by Geoffrey Unsworth
Production Design by John Barry
Starring: Marlon Brando, Gene Hackman, Christopher Reeve, Margot Kidder
Release Date: Dec 15, 1978
Official Site: http://www2.warnerbros.com/superman/home.html
© Copyright 1978 Dovemead Films, Film Export A.G., International Film Production, All rights reserveed
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I like his concept. I can see how it might be a little to busy for the 1978 aesthetic, though. It would work a lot better now, I think.
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