Art deco is one of the most iconic design movements, and has become synonymous with the early 20th century, as depicted on the silver screen. So, how do filmmakers bring an art deco vibe to modern movies set in the past? Let’s take a look at a few techniques.
Stylistic Motifs
Perhaps the most recognizable characteristics of any art deco-inspired media are the shapes and icons included in the visuals. For the art deco movement, there are largely two ways that designers might lean. For example, let’s take a look at online casino games. On the Paddy Power Bingo site players in the UK can enjoy different art deco-themed bingo games. One of these, Lightning Ball Live, uses the classic monochrome and metallic color palette, with symmetrical linework and angular shapes. On the other hand, Dream Catcher takes on more of the carnival and circus-like aspects of the era, with sepia-toned pastels and swirling fonts.
A similar approach is also used in other entertainment mediums, such as films. Movies that are set in high class company, complete with balls and endless pomp and circumstance, will often use the angular shapes and gold-on-black contrasts to signify wealth. The monochromatic color palette is also heightened when the narrative covers serious topics. More playful movies that have lots of fun or comedic elements will often utilize more swirling calligraphy and color pops – even if they are muted – to add vibrance to the scene.
Set Design
The design of the set is one of the key ways that filmmakers are able to bring historical eras back to life. Every item or decorative element that is used to build a set has a meaning and a purpose, making the spaces more believable as the locations the characters on screen frequent. To get into detail about how art deco is brought into set design, let’s use the interior design principles as a guideline – after all, despite being a set, it still needs to appear as someone’s office, residence, and so on.
According to Architectural Digest, some of the key elements of art deco interiors include symmetrical designs, geometric shapes, particularly trapezoids, triangles, chevrons, zigzags, and sunbursts, up-scale ornamental lighting such as chandeliers, materials like brass, gilt, and upholstery fabrics, and a rich jewel-tone color palette. The combination of these elements can either exude understated elegance, mysteriousness, or chaotic energy, depending on what the filmmakers wish to portray.
Color Grading
Once a movie has been filmed, it undergoes many steps of post production. As defined by PC Mag, this includes things like editing and special effects. Another thing done in post is color grading, which involves adjusting the tones and colors of images or video. By tweaking these technical aspects, this can provide a unique visual identity and enhance the visual storytelling.
For example, a common technique to age a film is to add a sepia filter to it, the levels of which can significantly affect the color story, and also add romance and nostalgia. A warm, saturated golden glow can replicate the chandeliers and pick up on the golden highlights in the set. In addition, exposure may be reduced and shadows increased to make the black of the monochromatic palette bold and powerful.
As you can see, there are many ways that filmmakers bring the art deco vibe to life, emulating times past. By combining these techniques, this can make the setting of the film feel more authentic, in turn making the movie more engaging and immersive.