*Clash of the Titans* (1981), directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross, is a classic fantasy adventure inspired by the myth of Perseus.
The film stars Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith, and Laurence Olivier. It marks the final project of renowned stop-motion artist Ray Harryhausen, who dedicated immense effort to bringing mythical creatures to life. Harryhausen’s workshop was a creative hub, where models of Medusa, Pegasus, the Kraken, and Bubo the mechanical owl took shape, each designed to capture unique textures and expressions.
h/t: vintag.es
Harryhausen emphasized that mythology provided an ideal setting for his visual style, especially with *Clash of the Titans*’ ambitious scope and diverse creature lineup. He employed his “Dynamation” technique to seamlessly blend stop-motion with live-action footage, a process especially demanding in scenes involving the character Calibos, who interacted directly with live actors. Among Harryhausen’s most memorable creations was the Kraken, a fearsome sea monster symbolizing the gods’ wrath, crafted to appear both colossal and ominous.
The character Bubo, a comic yet realistic mechanical owl, required complex mechanics to move in a lifelike manner while maintaining a playful edge. Meanwhile, Medusa presented one of Harryhausen’s greatest challenges, with each serpent in her hair animated individually to convey her sinister allure. Harryhausen’s workspace became a testament to his craft, filled with detailed sketches and lighting setups, underscoring his meticulous approach to animating these legendary creatures.