Cinematography technique · used in 3 films

Used Universe Aesthetic

Designing a science fiction world that looks worn, dirty, rusty and patched up. The wear tells you this world had a long history before the story started.

Examples

3 films that use it

  1. Star Wars: A New Hope (1977) poster

    Star Wars: A New Hope

    George Lucas · 1977

    Production designer John Barry and Lucas wanted a "used future" where every piece of technology looks used and repaired. The Millennium Falcon's engine panels are taped and patched, the stormtroopers' armor is scuffed and the Mos Eisley cantina is properly dirty. You get the sense that this world existed long before the story started.

    Where to see it: The Millennium Falcon's first appearance. It is a broken-down freighter, the opposite of a sleek science fiction ship.

  2. Escape from New York (1981) poster

    Escape from New York

    John Carpenter · 1981

    Manhattan is dark, rubble-strewn and dirty. Cars are wrecked, power is out and the gangs live in what is left. The wear tells you the city had a long life before it became a prison.

    Where to see it: The trip across the island: Snake lands on top of the World Trade Center and moves through the ruined streets toward the Duke's hideout in Grand Central Terminal.

  3. Blade Runner (1982) poster

    Blade Runner

    Ridley Scott · 1982

    Every surface in Blade Runner's Los Angeles shows wear, decay and advertising pushing in. Spinners have scratches and buildings are patched. The Tyrell Corporation sits in Egyptian-style grandeur above a city that is falling apart below. The look makes this future feel inevitable, as the place where current trends lead.

    Where to see it: Street-level Los Angeles. You get the food vendors, the storefronts, the layers of architecture and the crowded commercial signs, all in a world of visible poverty.

Questions

Quick answers

What is used universe aesthetic in film?
Designing a science fiction world that looks worn, dirty, rusty and patched up. The wear tells you this world had a long history before the story started.
Which films use used universe aesthetic?
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977), Escape from New York (1981), Blade Runner (1982).
What kind of technique is used universe aesthetic?
It is a cinematography technique. Related cinematography techniques include Lyrical Yearning Image, Location Stand-In, Hard Science Fiction Aesthetics.

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