A Compilation of the Coolest VFX Moments in Star Wars: The Last Jedi
Star Wars has always been on the forefront of filmmaking technology. George Lucas’ techniques were revolutionary, and we’ve come a long way since 1977. J.J. Abrams and Rian Johnson are both masters in their own right of using practical effects. However, it takes the good people over at Industrial Light & Magic to really put those finishing touches on the galaxy.
In promotion of their Oscars campaign, ILM compiled some of the best hits from The Last Jedi. The brief video doesn’t walk us through any particular technique, but it will give you a scope of the incredible artistry of The Last Jedi VFX.
That really tense first scene in which the Resistance attacks a First Order dreadnought was brought together with a combination of green screen and CG technology. You get to see the early mapping fade into the final product, and the math and art is mind-blowing.
You’ll also get to see the impending explosion from storyboard to final shot. There’s a lot of thought and design that goes into blowing something up. Not to mention, there are a lot of layers. From the fire to the smoke to the debris, each detail is carefully crafted to be as realistic as possible. Oh yeah, and then they had to go back and shoot it from multiple angles.
The video also puts into perspective the interaction between the really quality acting and technology elements. As Poe (Oscar Isaac) races to his X-wing on the hangar, an explosion occurs that drives him back. This was all added later and took countless layers of detail to add depth to the scene.
The Lucasfilm VFX company has already won 16 Oscars for Visual Effects. They’re up against Blade Runner 2049, War for the Planet of the Apes, Kong: Skull Island, and Guardians of the Galaxy 2 for the Academy Award this year. That’s one competitive category. It would be hard for the voters to go wrong this year.
Featured image: Oscar Isaac is Poe Dameron in Star Wars: The Last Jedi. Courtesy Lucasfilm.
