Art Direction
Scene investigation and interpretation
Introduction: Below is a series of scenes from movies and games. The content aims to break down the visual elements into their constituent parts. Since these are films and movies the content is simply analytical. However, an ongoing analysis of scenes would bring about recommendations for improvement.
Movie: John Carter - Visual Analysis
Discussion:
Faces predominate in this image which is something all people look for immediately. Human and creature faces help create focal points that imply lines converging into the distant horizon. Light also exists at that point, which causes the eye to move toward the central figures and follow up toward the main character's face. The princess is shrouded in light, perhaps to indicate her place beside the head of the lands.
The riding alien creature is beside a prominent tower, which is triangular in shape implying they are the source of aggression.
Discussion: The left to right orientation of the picture takes us from the human down to a gloriously elegant curve that pulls us into the lower middle of the picture. From there, the curve explodes upward into the sky. The curves and use of all the space makes for an impactful image.
Discussion: S-curves are always my favorite in a picture. The deep valley is a powerful statement in the picture. It says it's impossible to ascend and has only one way in via a land route. The reverse L shape from the pillar and bridge provokes interest due to its imbalance within the picture. All this complements a highly detailed set of building that makes us want to know more about these people.
Game: No Mans Sky - Visual Analysis
Conclusion: These images are expertly composed and transitioned. Each of them indicates a profound understanding of composition. The art teams knew how to lead the eye in every scene. John Carter is a masterpiece of visual composition, and every scene is expertly worked. No Mans Sky is at another level of composition. Its scenes are dynamically generated (for every planet. That makes for some impressive expertise in dynamic composition.
A lot can be learned from these and other scenes. A wonderful journey for anyone who is aware of these extra layers of interwoven subtlety. I hope this helped enlighten some folks out there.
