In the world of filmmaking, creating an authentic period setting requires meticulous attention to detail. This challenge is exemplified in the opening scene of "Bridge of Spies," set in Dumbo, Brooklyn, a neighborhood that has vastly changed since the 1950s. To convincingly transport viewers to that era, set decorator Rena DeAngelo, known for her Oscar-nominated work on various iconic films, has developed a comprehensive plan to alter the modern landscape into a 1950s time capsule.
Rena’s craft goes beyond simply dressing a set; it involves extensive research and understanding of historical aesthetics. She emphasizes the importance of swapping out contemporary elements for vintage ones. Every facet of the environment must align with the visual language of the era portrayed, from the designs on store signs to the models of cars on the streets.
Rena recalls the process of scouting locations. The first step is to eliminate anachronisms that would disrupt the illusion of time travel. This includes removing security cameras and replacing modern cars with vintage models featuring period license plates.
One of the most critical elements in crafting a believable historical scene is signage. Rena explains that advertisements and signs must be historically accurate. For instance, she notes the types of signs used in the 1950s, such as hand-painted advertisements, which were prevalent in many storefronts. The subtle variations in text—raised versus flat—also serve as indicators of the sign's age.
In "Bridge of Spies," specific signage is employed to resonate with the industrial atmosphere of the 1950s Dumbo, contrasting sharply with its current look dominated by high-rise apartments. Rena points out the importance of cultural signifiers, such as Hebrew signage and specific food advertisements, that evoke the community’s character of that time.
Rena's attention to detail extends to the materials of the signs themselves. Understanding the composition of signs—metal and wood for older signs versus plastic for more modern ones—contributes significantly to the believability of the period setting.
Given the limitations of replacing every contemporary structure, Rena cleverly employs props, such as hollow crates and barrels, to obscure modern elements. Using vintage telephone booths also aids in the visual disguise, while strategically placed kiosks help mitigate larger giveaways like contemporary streetlights.
Recreating storefronts to reflect the consumer culture of the 1950s involves thorough research into what products were being sold at that time. Each street corner had its unique offerings—shoe-repair shops were commonplace because repairing shoes was standard practice rather than buying new ones. Employing authentic products, such as vintage packaging sourced from local grocery stores, Rena populates store displays to reflect the bustling consumer environment of the decade.
She also emphasizes the significance of quantity in creating realism. For example, to transform a storefront, Rena may print and wrap empty boxes with copies of vintage packaging to fill the shelves, creating an illusion of abundance characteristic of the era.
Fashion is another area where specific models play a crucial role. Rena shares insights into the appearance of mannequins from the 1950s, noting the more modest and less glamorized features of female mannequins compared to later decades. The male mannequins, in contrast, sport slimmer and less muscular designs, reflecting the fashion trends of the time.
Additionally, Rena must also consider the less glamorous aspects of city life, such as garbage cans. By creating wire trash receptacles reminiscent of those from that era, she adds another layer of authenticity to the streets, often employing hundreds of these throughout a project.
While some period elements can be digitally altered in post-production, Rena advocates for physical authenticity on set whenever possible. For instance, in "Joker," the streetlights needed to reflect the aesthetic of 1981, often requiring filmmakers to swap modern LED bulbs for older sodium vapor bulbs to achieve the desired atmospheric glow.
All these components come together to transform a busy modern street into a convincing period scene. Rena reveals that this meticulous preparation can span days or weeks, culminating in just a few minutes of screen time that brilliantly encapsulate the essence of bygone eras.
The work of a set decorator such as Rena DeAngelo is pivotal in bridging the gap between modern audiences and the stories of the past. Through dedicated research, keen attention to detail, and creative problem-solving, she and her team breathe life into historical narratives, ensuring that every period piece resonates with authenticity and immersive experience for its viewers. This meticulous process ultimately demonstrates that in filmmaking, every detail matters in crafting a compelling narrative that transcends time.
Part 1/8:
Transforming Modern Streets into Vintage Scenes
In the world of filmmaking, creating an authentic period setting requires meticulous attention to detail. This challenge is exemplified in the opening scene of "Bridge of Spies," set in Dumbo, Brooklyn, a neighborhood that has vastly changed since the 1950s. To convincingly transport viewers to that era, set decorator Rena DeAngelo, known for her Oscar-nominated work on various iconic films, has developed a comprehensive plan to alter the modern landscape into a 1950s time capsule.
The Art of Set Decoration
Part 2/8:
Rena’s craft goes beyond simply dressing a set; it involves extensive research and understanding of historical aesthetics. She emphasizes the importance of swapping out contemporary elements for vintage ones. Every facet of the environment must align with the visual language of the era portrayed, from the designs on store signs to the models of cars on the streets.
Rena recalls the process of scouting locations. The first step is to eliminate anachronisms that would disrupt the illusion of time travel. This includes removing security cameras and replacing modern cars with vintage models featuring period license plates.
Signs of the Times
Part 3/8:
One of the most critical elements in crafting a believable historical scene is signage. Rena explains that advertisements and signs must be historically accurate. For instance, she notes the types of signs used in the 1950s, such as hand-painted advertisements, which were prevalent in many storefronts. The subtle variations in text—raised versus flat—also serve as indicators of the sign's age.
In "Bridge of Spies," specific signage is employed to resonate with the industrial atmosphere of the 1950s Dumbo, contrasting sharply with its current look dominated by high-rise apartments. Rena points out the importance of cultural signifiers, such as Hebrew signage and specific food advertisements, that evoke the community’s character of that time.
Small Details Matter
Part 4/8:
Rena's attention to detail extends to the materials of the signs themselves. Understanding the composition of signs—metal and wood for older signs versus plastic for more modern ones—contributes significantly to the believability of the period setting.
Given the limitations of replacing every contemporary structure, Rena cleverly employs props, such as hollow crates and barrels, to obscure modern elements. Using vintage telephone booths also aids in the visual disguise, while strategically placed kiosks help mitigate larger giveaways like contemporary streetlights.
The Importance of Consumer Culture
Part 5/8:
Recreating storefronts to reflect the consumer culture of the 1950s involves thorough research into what products were being sold at that time. Each street corner had its unique offerings—shoe-repair shops were commonplace because repairing shoes was standard practice rather than buying new ones. Employing authentic products, such as vintage packaging sourced from local grocery stores, Rena populates store displays to reflect the bustling consumer environment of the decade.
She also emphasizes the significance of quantity in creating realism. For example, to transform a storefront, Rena may print and wrap empty boxes with copies of vintage packaging to fill the shelves, creating an illusion of abundance characteristic of the era.
Mannequins and Props: Reflecting Fashion
Part 6/8:
Fashion is another area where specific models play a crucial role. Rena shares insights into the appearance of mannequins from the 1950s, noting the more modest and less glamorized features of female mannequins compared to later decades. The male mannequins, in contrast, sport slimmer and less muscular designs, reflecting the fashion trends of the time.
Additionally, Rena must also consider the less glamorous aspects of city life, such as garbage cans. By creating wire trash receptacles reminiscent of those from that era, she adds another layer of authenticity to the streets, often employing hundreds of these throughout a project.
Digital Enhancements and Lighting
Part 7/8:
While some period elements can be digitally altered in post-production, Rena advocates for physical authenticity on set whenever possible. For instance, in "Joker," the streetlights needed to reflect the aesthetic of 1981, often requiring filmmakers to swap modern LED bulbs for older sodium vapor bulbs to achieve the desired atmospheric glow.
All these components come together to transform a busy modern street into a convincing period scene. Rena reveals that this meticulous preparation can span days or weeks, culminating in just a few minutes of screen time that brilliantly encapsulate the essence of bygone eras.
Conclusion: The Magic of Filmmaking
Part 8/8:
The work of a set decorator such as Rena DeAngelo is pivotal in bridging the gap between modern audiences and the stories of the past. Through dedicated research, keen attention to detail, and creative problem-solving, she and her team breathe life into historical narratives, ensuring that every period piece resonates with authenticity and immersive experience for its viewers. This meticulous process ultimately demonstrates that in filmmaking, every detail matters in crafting a compelling narrative that transcends time.