Christopher Webster [Celluloid 05.07.13] scifi horror action thriller adventure



May 7, 2013. Filmmaking legend and special effects pioneer Ray Harryhausen has died at the age of 92.

We here at Quiet Earth don't usually report on people's passings. Though we are touched by so many people in the movie business, that kind of thing feels better left to those that knew them personally. In retrospect however, we should have written something about Roger Ebert. He deserved some kind words considering the passion for film he brought to myself and the masses. Same goes for Ray Harryhausen, a figure who has brought the sheer joy of imagination to so many for so long.


Harryhausen's film are plentiful. Too plentiful to get into in a big way here. Suffice it to say that Jason and the Argonauts remains a personal favourite of mine along with Mysterious Island, 20 Million Miles to Earth, his Sinbad films and, of course, Clash of the Titans. Even as an adult I marvel at the ingenuity and subtlety of Harryhausen's stop-motion work. His ability to inject character into creatures.

I plan on letting my kids enjoy his films before they are old enough to consider them "old fashioned" and I hope in some way they will shape their perceptions of what film can be. That is to say, magical.

Harryhausen's legacy in Hollywood is well documented. His recent book "Ray Harryhausen: An Animated Life" is a must have for fans.

Rest in Peace, sir.

Interview with Ray Harryhausen. 10th October 1974.

You might also like

Leave a comment

Your Comment