Maleficent: Mistress of Evil And The Art of VFX
Visual effects (VFX) have become an essential part of modern filmmaking, allowing filmmakers to create fantastical worlds and creatures that would be impossible to achieve through practical means alone. Maleficent is a prime example of this, showcasing some of the most impressive and innovative uses of VFX in recent memory.
And when it comes to Maleficent: Mistress of Evil, this takes the special effects to the next level. This movie is a visually stunning film that showcases some truly remarkable VFX work. The movie, which was released in 2019, is a sequel to the 2014 hit Maleficent and features the return of Angelina Jolie as the titular character. While the first film introduced audiences to the world of Maleficent, it is the second movie that really takes us deep into the fantastical and magical world of the dark fairy. In this article, we will take a closer look at some of the brilliant uses of VFX in Maleficent 2.
#1. The world-building (in both 2014 and 2019 movies)
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One of the most striking aspects of Maleficent 2 is the world-building, which was also followed by the 2014 movie. The movie takes us to a variety of different locations, from the moors where Maleficent resides to the kingdom of Ulstead, and each one is brought to life with incredible attention to detail. One of the standout scenes in the movie takes place at a magical lake where creatures made entirely out of water come to life.
The scene is a true feast for the eyes, with the water creatures looking incredibly realistic and fluid. The VFX team behind the scene did an amazing job of creating creatures that felt like they were part of the natural world.
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Another example of the impressive world-building in Maleficent 2 can be seen in the design of the Dark Fey. These characters are a new addition to the Maleficent universe and are portrayed as a separate race of creatures who live in hiding.
The Dark Fey is beautifully designed, with intricate patterns and markings covering their skin, and the use of VFX helps to bring them to life in a way that feels both otherworldly and familiar. The scenes featuring the Dark Fey are some of the most visually striking in the entire movie.
#2. The transformation scenes
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Of course, the most impressive use of VFX in Maleficent 2 is the transformation scenes. Maleficent is a shape-shifter, able to transform herself into a variety of different creatures. In the first movie, we saw her turn into a dragon, but in Maleficent 2, we see her take on even more forms.
One particularly memorable scene sees Maleficent transform into a phoenix, a creature that is both majestic and terrifying. The transformation is seamless, with the CG rendering of the bird looking incredibly realistic.
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The use of VFX in Maleficent 2 extends beyond just creating fantastical creatures and environments, however. The movie also features a number of action sequences that are made all the more impressive thanks to the use of VFX.
One standout sequence takes place during a battle between the Dark Fey and the soldiers of Ulstead. The sequence is a masterclass in choreography and editing, with fast-paced action taking place on multiple levels.
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However, what really makes the scene stand out, is the use of VFX to create a sense of scale. We see the Dark Fey soaring through the air and leaping from one platform to another, while the soldiers on the ground fight off waves of attackers.
The VFX work in this scene is seamlessly integrated with practical effects and stunts, making for an incredibly immersive experience.
#3. The more subtle uses of VFX
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Finally, it's worth noting that Maleficent 2 also features some more subtle uses of VFX. For example, the movie features several scenes set at night or in low-light conditions, and the VFX team was responsible for adding additional lighting to make the scenes more visible. This may seem like a small detail, but it goes a long way toward making the movie feel more polished and complete.
It's clear that the VFX team behind the movie put an incredible amount of effort into every scene, and the end result is a visually stunning film that transports audiences to a magical and fantastical world. Maleficent 2 is a great example of how VFX can be used to enhance storytelling, and it's sure to be remembered as a benchmark in the field for years to come.
What do you think about the special effect in the movie? Let's share your opinion in the comments!