Captain America: The First Avenger Is Spectacular Filmmaking
NOVI (WWJ) – Captain America: The First Avenger is a must-see. Right from the start, the 3D draws you into the picture and makes you feel as if you're a part of the action. And on top of the impressive and realistic 3D (among the best I've seen thus far), the special effects are simply awesome!
Chris Evans portrays Steve Rogers, who eventually transforms into Captain America. Just how did the filmmakers manage Evans' transformation from the 98-pound Rogers to the buff Captain America? That job was entrusted to Visual Effects Supervisor Christopher Townsend. To pull it off, Townsend utilized a number of visual effects techniques, including body slimming and head replacement.
According to the filmmakers, when working their special effects magic, it was of the utmost importance to "preserve Evans' performance." So, "when using the head replacement technique, a slimmer body double would watch Chris Evans film the scene, then mimic Evans' performance as closely as possible. Then head and body were married…" But, the filmmakers go on to say that "Even at 5'7", the double didn't always appear slim enough, so software was employed to waste his body somewhat." Referring to this technique, Executive Producer Louis D'Esposito predicted that audiences were "going to be shocked to see the results and how the visual effect compliments his performance." After attending an advance screening of Captain America, I would have to agree. It's simply amazing stuff.
As far as the storyline, Captain America: The First Avenger takes place in 1941. After repeatedly being turned down in his efforts to join the U.S. Army, Rogers volunteers to participate in an experimental program that turns him into Captain America. After becoming America's superhero, Rogers joins forces with Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan) and Peggy Carter (Hayley Atwell) to wage war on the evil HYDRA organization, led by the evil Red Skull (Hugo Weaving).
At 2 hours and 10 minutes, Captain America: The First Avenger tackles a lot of territory. While this could be a daunting task for some, it wasn't for this group of filmmakers. The script is very well written and it's paced just fast enough; fast enough to keep the story moving and keep it interesting at the same time.
Captain America: The First Avenger is filmmaking at its best. Go see it opening weekend, so you can join the conversation when it becomes the movie that everyone is talking about.
Captain America: The First Avenger is rated PG-13.
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