The galaxy far, far away is in mourning. Colin Cantwell, one of the most important creators of the Star Wars universe died on May 21 at the age of 90. A look back at his journey and the importance of his work on the very first Star Wars released in 1977.
From NASA to; Star Wars via Kubrick
Few people know Colin Cantwell, yet he was one of the great architects of the success of Star Wars Episode IV: A New Hope. Far from the spotlight,Cantwell worked in the shadows and served as a layout artist and on the optical effects of the film released in 1977.
The beautiful story begins as Cantwell works on; NASA on educational programs aimed at popularize spaceflight. He will be approached; by Stanley Kubrick to work on the space scenes for his cult film, 2001: A Space Odyssey. Artisan of success, he will subsequently be contacted; by Georges Lucas for his ambitious science fiction project: Star Wars, and will charge him with design multiple types of vehicles and spaceships.
From the X-Wing to the TIE fighter and the Dark Star, Cantwell has imagined almost everything. and conceptualized, even including the choice of ship names. Here are his 3 works that have been selected for the film.
the X-Wing
Initially, the X-Wing was to be inspired by the F-104 fighter planes of the Spanish army. Indeed, George Lucas had considered to engage the latter, and straighten its fighter planes to make them rebel fighters. The idea was to film them rolling and taking off on a runway.
The project was eventually abandoned, for too expensive, and put into the hands of Cantwell. It will be inspired by two materials for the development of the famous vessel: a dart and a dragster. No relation to this. a priori. However, he invented S-wings so they look like the wings. a cowboy drawing his weapons. The landing gear will be them inspired by ice skates; ice.
À note that in its conceptual design, the X-Wing could accommodate 2 pilots.
the TIE Fighter
More rigid and vertical, the TIE Fighter was thought by Cantwell so that the public will more easily recognize Empire ships from Rebel ones.Fun fact: when the design was finalized, Cantwell realized he had forgotten. to provide an entrance for the driver to enter the module. He then suggested to suspend them from the ceiling so that pilots can enter them from above. Clever.
the ÉDeath Star
To design the ÉDeath Star , Cantwell opted; for polystyrene, and the color silver.A color considered more easily visible from any angle, and whose details of the structure would be more highlighted when the light is projected ;e above.
On the other hand, the notorious trench in which the rebel pilots insert themselves as a deterrent. to destroy the space station was imagined due to a problem with the molding. polystyrene. A way to circumvent this concern and turn it into one of the most cult scenes of the entire saga.