The Lighting of Tintin

“The Adventures of Tintin” opens today. Director Steven Spielberg gets an additional end credit for lighting. The lighting is exquisite. It truly is a work of animated art. Attention to detail, single sources, shadows, composition, separation, and all the ingredients of good gaffing abound.

Thundering typhoons, the virtual camera work is astounding–swooping, looping, flying, moving in places real cameras on real remote heads couldn’t possibly navigate. Flashing back three centuries earlier, a naval battle that would shiver the timbers of any live-action marine coordinator takes us to places few have imagined. Spielberg should also get credits as virtual dolly grip, remote camera operator and rigging ringmaster.

This is the best 3D I have seen. After a few minutes, I forgot I was watching an animated movie and never had the urge to pull off my 3D glasses. Although some Tintinologists have lamented the richness of technique or whined about more character development, it’s all about the technique, lighting, style, and adventure. “The Adventures of Tintin” is not to be missed. It is a resoundingly rollicking ride of a 3D movie.

Picture above: WETA Digital Ltd. © 2011 Paramount Pictures. All Rights Reserved.

 

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2 Responses:

  1. Howard A Phillips says:

    Pas tout à fait d’accord with “it’s all about the technique, lighting, style, and adventure. “, unless you mean Spielberg’s movie is all about that – and it is, in glorious tones too! Great fun, excellent 3D, the movie puns throughout were a lot of fun too. Hergé is quoted as telling Spielberg, after agreeing to sell the rights to Tintin “Even if you mess up the adaptation to cinema, at least it will be messed up with talent!”

  2. Pingback: Tintin… animation or ‘real’-amation | red rooftops

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