Signs of the Times: Graphic Design

Signs of the Times: Graphic Design (2007)

*** 1/2 (out of 4)

Production illustrator Tom Southwell is the main focus of this 14-minute featurette that can be found on the 30th Anniversary release of BLADE RUNNER. This is yet another winning featurette from Charles de Lauzirika who has certainly done this film justice. In this one, Southwell talks about the various designs he had to come up with for the movie but the most fascinating aspect is hearing him talk about what Scott wanted. It's interesting to hear from the man doing the job but you also have to consider that whatever is in his mind must first be approved by someone else. Then, as evident here, whatever Scott likes in your work he might request other changes. Sothwell was really wonderful here as he talks about various stages of the film and how they came up with them. This includes stuff like the neon signs, the magazine covers and even the ID that the Harrison Ford character uses. All in all this is another excellent featurette that gives you a great idea of what it was like putting the visuals together.