Free Essay About Production Of The Film Lucy

Written and directed by Luc Besson and produced by his wife, the film Lucy is a science fiction, action film released in 2014. Shot in Taipei, New York, and Paris, he film stars actors like Morgan Freeman, Choi Min-Sik, Scarlett Johansson, and Amr Waked. The lead role is Johansson, who plays a woman who after accidentally ingesting a nootropic drug into her bloodstream, gains psychokinetic abilities. Released on 15 July 2014, the film became an instant box office hit, grossing a little over $458 million against a budget of $40 million. At the heart of the film’s production was visual effects, which makes the methodology a particular are of interest for this essay.
The second largest budget French film production in 2013, the film is one of the biggest productions for EuroaCorp, Luc Besson’s company. The film has a plethora of visual effects, particularly so in a Besson production. Under the supervision of Nicholas Brooks, the film employs over 1,000 effects. The bulk of these visual effects were done by ILM, (Industrial Light & Magic), Richard Bluff. Based on the concept of art provided by Besson, Bluff began working on Lucy in July 2013. Examples of these include Lucy’s disintegration effects, in addition to her sprouting the black tendrils. To bring this to fruition, ILM had to study a plethora of materials, chemical reactions inclusive. They also studied the work of Perry Hall, and the numerous laser lighting displays commonplace in raves. Rodeo FX was also a major player , especially in the Paris chase scene. Rodeo FX was also responsible for other effects, such as the visual depiction of cell phone radio waves as seen by the enhanced vision of Lucy, in addition to the Taipei Matte Paintings.
With the help of Thiery Argogast, the cinematographer, along with the brilliance of the visual effects technicians at ILM, Besso successfully delivers a film that effortlessly introduces a sense of wonder akin to the silent era of the fantastical shorts of Georges Méliès.

Works Cited

Giardina, Carolyn. 'Lucy:' How VFX House ILM 'Surprised' Luc Besson With the Visuals. The Hollywood Reporter, 30 Jul. 2014. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
Lee, Chris. Can Luc Besson score another French-import blockbuster with 'Lucy'? (Updated). Entertainment Weekly, 18 Jan. 2015. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.
Martin, Simon. Fifth Element' and 'Lucy' director Luc Besson answers burning film questions in Reddit AMA. Tech Times, 31 Aug. 2014. Web. 23 Apr. 2015.