Today, we will dive into the world of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and explore how this groundbreaking movie broke the rules of 3D animation. So, buckle up and prepare for a thrilling ride through the Spider-Verse!
What is Spider-Verse?
To understand how Spider-Verse broke the rules of 3D animation, let’s first dive into what exactly Spider-Verse is. Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse is a 2018 animated superhero film that introduces us to Miles Morales, a teenager who becomes the new Spider-Man and discovers the existence of multiple dimensions, each with its unique version of Spider-Man.
The movie was produced by Phil Lord and Chris Miller, who wanted to create a moving comic book that would break the rules of traditional animation.
Did you know? Spider-Verse won the Best Animated Feature award at the 91st Academy Awards, making it the first non-Disney or Pixar film to win since 2011!
Breaking the Rules of 3D Animation
The Spider-Verse isn’t your typical CGI movie. Instead, it combines new rendering styles with hand-drawn elements, creating a visually stunning and unique experience. Some illustrative principles used in rendering and compositing include graphic shapes, bold colours, strong composition, and simplified design.
Firstly, “Spider-Verse” introduced a groundbreaking technique called “comic book styling.” Instead of aiming for hyper-realistic visuals, the animators embraced the essence of comic books.
They incorporated thought bubbles, onomatopoeias, and comic-style panelling into the film. This unique approach not only paid homage to the original source material but also created a visually stunning experience that was both nostalgic and fresh.
Did you know? The film’s animation style was inspired by the works of comic book artists like Jack Kirby, Steve Ditko, and Sara Pichelli, who all contributed to the creation of the Spider-Man universe.
Another rule-breaking technique used in Spider-Verse was the incorporation of multiple frame rates. By blending different frame rates within a single scene, the filmmakers achieved a sense of depth and dimension, making the action sequences genuinely come alive.
From the sleek and futuristic Peni Parker to the noir-inspired Spider-Man Noir, the animators showcased an incredible range of creativity.
Next, Spider-Verse utilized a technique known as “motion blur reduction“. Typically, 3D animation employs motion blur to mimic the natural blurring effect seen in real-life movements.
However, the filmmakers intentionally minimized motion blur, creating sharper and more dynamic action sequences. This bold choice gave the film a distinct visual style and made the action feel more immediate and impactful.
And finally, The animators skillfully combined traditional 2D animation with cutting-edge 3D techniques to create a visually stunning masterpiece.
This blend of styles not only makes the movie visually appealing but also adds depth and complexity to the storytelling.
Did you know? A 14-year-old fan, Preston Mutanga was hired to animate for the film, after recreating the ‘Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse’ trailer in LEGO style.
Conclusion
Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse broke the rules of 3D animation by combining various styles and techniques, creating a visually stunning and groundbreaking movie. Its success has paved the way for future more innovative and rule-breaking animated films.