Writtenwyrdd : Steampunk and Art Noveau

December 14, 2007

Steampunk and Art Noveau

I went and saw The Golden Compass last night (different from the book, but marvelous none the less) and now am doomed to Hell if I wasn't already. Because my poor wee mind's religious convictions cannot possibly stand the corruption of Phillip Pullman's athiesm, lol. Thumbs up on it, though. It was a good adaptation even though there were a few changes needed to translate the book to the big screen.

Anyhow, sarcasm aside, I was reminded by the vast and gorgeous backdrops they used in this imaginary London of how frequently Art Noveau aesthetics are used in fantasy. And steampunk, too. In the movie, they have the sweeping, organic curvatures of Art Noveau, as well as the steampunk fascination for gadgetry. Airships like zeppelins and hydrogen balloons floating ships. Power sources that look like some form of plasma in nesting hoops that sweep around the blue-glowing core. Curves on horseless carriages that are completely frivolous.

I wonder why it works so well to have the fantastically be visually organic yet still using the mechanical aspects of the steampunk? Because it does work. The two combined are extremely pleasing, visually. And you see the Art Noveau style sans steampunk in a lot of movies, too, such as LOTR.

I'd like to live in a world that allowed for architectural whimsy as in The Golden Compass. Oddly enough, though, I have a difficult time envisioning this sort of thing in my own work. Must be acculturation. I mean, it's a constant uphill battle where I keep reminding myself these people live in rooms with no corners or the like. Maybe I should draw a picture as a visual aid.

Dec 14, 2007 1:28:00 AM | Movie Review, On Writing