Key Takeaways:
– The “Judgment Day” episode of the new series ‘3 Body Problem’ portrays a gruesome slaughter aboard an oil tanker due to mysterious ‘nanofibers’
– The creation of this heart-wrenching scene involved meticulous planning and impressive visual effects
– Veterans of Game of Thrones contributed to the making of this series
– The depiction of the sequence drew parallels with the notorious “Red Wedding” from Game of Thrones
– The efforts and creativity invested in this tragic yet monumental event may propel the show towards Emmy contention
The latest offering from creators Alexander Woo, David Benioff, and D.B.Weiss, ‘3 Body Problem’ hosts one of the most excruciating set pieces that audiences may ever witness. This new venture, based on the book by Liu Cixin and directed by Minkie Spiro, involves the horrifying deaths of hundreds of people in its “Judgment Day” episode. The horrific scene takes place on an oil tanker navigating the Panama Canal, where countless lives are mercilessly sliced apart by minuscule weapons termed ‘nanofibers’.
Creating a Visual Masterpiece
Visual effects supervisor Stefan Fangmeier, production designer Deborah Riley, and editor Michael Ruscio, all Game of Thrones veterans, were at the helm of bringing the powerful “Judgment Day” sequence to the screen. They clued us in on the creative process that led to this unforgettable event.
At first glance, the nanofibers seem like they’re darting here and there, hunting for their prey. In truth, the nanofibers are stationary, stretched out between two poles across the canal at 50-centimeter intervals. Not dissimilar to barbed wire, though far too thin to be noticed, they silently wait for the progress of the ship into their lethal snare. As the ship prowls into their web, everything, including artifacts, children’s items, and human bodies, is sliced apart instantly.
Executing the “Egg Slicer” Inspiration
The visual team started by picturing conventional items like egg slicers or a wedding cake to begin planning this intricate scene. They then concentrated on the horrifying aftermath. After the ship hits the fibers, the weight of the upper layers keeps the layers below intact initially. However, as soon as the ship comes to a halt, the sliced layers start slipping off onto the shore, bringing dread to life.
Creating the ‘Judgment Day’
Production designer Deborah Riley was tasked with materializing the vision of the oil tanker turned floating city, dubbed ‘Judgment Day’, for the followers of the alien race San-Ti. The ship was not only to be made livable and comfortable for inhabitants but also envisioned in a cut-apart state.
Implementing Invisible Horror
While initially, the team considered a noticeable line to symbolize the nanofibers, they eventually decided the sequence was far more effective with the fibers being invisible. This served to heighten the suspense and dread, as audiences could see the destructive impact of the slices but never the fibers themselves.
The Art of Digital Humans
Upon seeing the inanimate items cut, the real horror sets in when humans suffer the same fate. With the help of digital effects, the physical actors were replaced by digitally created figures for the cutting scenes, thus enhancing the terrifying effect.
Balancing Science with Horror
Editor Michael Ruscio had to juggle between maintaining the scientific accuracy, handling the pre-visualization elements, and building up the terror and suspense of the sequence. His job was to maintain the emotional quality of the sequence while keeping facts intact.
The horrid massacre aboard the ‘Judgment Day’ left an indelible impact on the viewers. Yet for the talented team behind the sequence, accolades and Emmy consideration seem more than likely due to their remarkable work in the ‘3 Body Problem.’ The series promises to reach tremendous heights leveraged by their intensive efforts and innovative ideas.
