“There Are Such Things:” 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy on Screen
“There Are Such Things:” 20th Century Horror, Science Fiction, and Fantasy on Screen
Construction Drawings: Egyptians Joint x Chop Suey Diner
Lot Closed
April 3, 06:27 PM GMT
Estimate
2,000 - 3,000 USD
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Description
[Lawrence G. Paull, art director]
Original set designs for the 1982 Warner Brothers film Blade Runner, March, 1981.
4 set design construction drawings in pencil, ink, felt pen, and marker. 42 x 35 inches (106.68 x 88.9 cm); 44 1/2 x 36 1/4 inches (113 x 92 cm); 42 1/2 x 36 inches (107.95 x 91.44 cm); 45 1/2 x 36 1/2 inches (115.57 x 92.71 cm). Several SIGNED by art director LAWRENCE G. PAULL. Additionally signed by the uncredited set designer William Ladd Skinner as "Bill Skinner." Wear consistent with preproduction use. Signature shows signs of bleeding. Seven digits inscribed in pencil on border.
Upon its release in 1982, the distinctive visual style of Ridley Scott's Blade Runner left an indelible mark on popular culture. These construction drawings offer an incredible look into the process of how the world of Blade Runner was created and brought to life by visual futurist Syd Mead and art director Lawrence G. Paull.
The sketches in the present lot reference key details in the world-building of the future Los Angeles depicted in Blade Runner. Syd Mead described the sociological underpinnings of the design elements in American Cinematographer: "The consumer delivery system has sort of broken down. The available capital is all going to research and development and the consumer base is being neglected." This emphasis results in an urban environment made up of both new technology and outdated elements cobbled together. Mead explained, "Ridley wanted things to look like they had to be jacked up a little bit to work at all — a panel refitted here, a larger unit clapped on because the old one didn't work, that kind of accumulative-accretion look."
Rick Deckard (played by Harrison Ford) eating at the Chop Suey Diner is one of the most iconic scenes in cyberpunk film history, serving as an introduction to both his character and the world of Blade Runner.
