Review: Elysium – The Art of the Film / Author: Mark Salisbury / Publisher: Titan Books / Release Date: Out Now
In the foreword to this sleekly designed art book, director Neill Blomkamp asserts that he is primarily a visual artist, a sentiment that rings true throughout this companion piece for his latest creation Elysium. Crammed full of stunning production stills, art designs from the celebrated Weta Workshop and closer looks at props you may have missed, this book serves as the ideal complement to Blomkamp’s latest sci-fi thriller.
It isn’t a fluke that has led critics to deliver unanimous praise for Elysium’s visual aesthetic. The weaponry, robot characters and vehicles have been created with such intricate detail that general assertions like “it looks pretty good” begin to feel like a patronising pat on the head. Every last detail has been constructed to tell you something interesting or special about the landscape (even down to the tattoos on lead Matt Damon) and this book does an excellent job of feeding across Blomkamp’s love for building these fantastic futuristic worlds.
Unfortunately, given that this is an art book, there’s not a whole lot in terms of text. So if it’s a meaty read packed full of facts and figures you want, this won’t be for you. However, if what you crave is a well-designed, glossy and impressive book spilling over with stunning Elysium art work, something that will serve as an attractive piece of memorabilia, then look no further. A collection ideal for film buffs, sci-fi enthusiasts and those who like to intensely gaze at Matt Damon.
