How space movies evolved

In the realm of filmmaking, the portrayal of space has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past 120 years. From the fantastical illusions of Georges Méliès to the state-of-the-art visual effects of modern movies like "First Man," the journey has been one of technological breakthroughs and artistic innovation.

The Early Days: Méliès and "Destination Moon"

Long before humankind set foot on the moon, filmmakers were already dreaming of bringing their stories to space. In 1902's "A Trip to the Moon," director Georges Méliès created the illusion of a capsule landing in the moon using a substitution splice, a groundbreaking technique for the time.

In the 1950s, "Destination Moon" sought to be as scientifically accurate as possible, but the filmmakers had limited tools at their disposal. They used light bulbs for the stars in deep space and a matte painting as a backdrop to create the illusion of perspective on the moon's surface. The biggest innovation, however, was the use of wires to create the illusion of low gravity.

The Kubrick Era: "2001: A Space Odyssey"

The game-changing moment came in 1968 with Stanley Kubrick's "2001: A Space Odyssey." Kubrick pushed the limits of visual effects, using a 38-foot-tall centrifuge to imitate artificial gravity and elaborate models to create realistic-looking spacecraft. The film also introduced the concept of motion-control cameras, which would revolutionize space scenes in the decades to come.

The "Star Wars" Effect: Motion-Control Cameras

George Lucas' "Star Wars" saga took space scenes to new heights, thanks in part to the Dykstraflex, a motion-control camera programmed by a computer to move around miniatures and create the illusion of speeding through space. This precise programming allowed for seamless compositing and repeatable shots, making it possible to combine multiple models during the iconic Death Star dogfight.

Pushing the Boundaries: "Apollo 13" and "Gravity"

As filmmakers sought to create more realistic space scenes, they turned to new techniques. "Apollo 13" director Ron Howard put the cast in actual zero-g for wider shots, using NASA's KC-135 aircraft to achieve weightlessness. However, the limited time window and logistical challenges made it difficult to capture longer takes.

"Gravity" took things even further, with director Alfonso Cuarón and cinematographer Emmanuel Lubezki inventing new technologies like the light box to achieve harrowing continuous takes in space. The film also relied heavily on previsualized animations and digital characters to accurately portray weightlessness.

The Future of Space Scenes: "First Man" and Beyond

The latest advancements in space scene filmmaking can be seen in "First Man," where director Damien Chazelle used a massive LED screen to provide dynamic views of space in real time. This allowed for more realistic in-camera captures of the Gemini space capsule leaving Earth and the lunar surface.

Digital doubles have also become a crucial tool, as seen in "The Midnight Sky," where Framestore made great strides in creating weightless movements that were indistinguishable from reality. The use of virtual camera systems and careful planning has allowed filmmakers to capture complex spacewalks and other challenging scenes.

As technology continues to evolve, the future of space scenes in cinema looks brighter than ever. From the fantastical illusions of Méliès to the awe-inspiring realism of modern movies, the journey has been one of constant innovation and artistic expression, pushing the boundaries of what's possible on the silver screen.

Some of the earliest techniques used to create space scenes in movies included the experimentation with camera speeds to generate new effects, such as slow motion and fast motion. Filmmakers like Robert W. Paul and Cecil Hepworth utilized different camera techniques like reverse-cranking to create multiple exposures and manipulate the speed of the camera to convey movement in space scenes. Additionally, the use of artificial lighting, fire effects, and low-key lighting enhanced the atmosphere during sinister space scenes. These early innovations laid the foundation for the evolution of space scenes in cinema.