Ray Harryhausen
Ray Harryhausen
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Raymond Julius "Ray" Harryhausen was born on June 6, 1920, in Los Angeles, California. He is commonly known as Ray Harryhausen.
Birth and Death Dates
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June 6, 1920 - May 7, 2013
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: American
Profession(s): Special effects artist, animator, filmmaker, and entrepreneur
Early Life and Background
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Ray Harryhausen was born to Theodore A. Harryhausen, a fruit importer, and Bertha R. Harryhausen (née Bernard). He grew up in a creative household, with his mother being an amateur pianist and his father encouraging his early interest in art and filmmaking. At the age of 12, Harryhausen began building models and creating stop-motion animations using his father's camera.
Major Accomplishments
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Harryhausen is best known for his pioneering work in special effects animation. He developed a technique called "stop-motion" or "go motion," which allowed him to bring inanimate objects to life on screen. This innovative approach enabled him to create memorable and iconic creatures, such as the skeleton warriors from _Jason and the Argonauts_ (1963) and the Rhedosaurus from _It Came from Beneath the Sea_ (1955).
Notable Works or Actions
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Harryhausen's extensive filmography includes:
The 7th Voyage of Sinbad (1958)
The Third Visitor (1961) - an uncredited work on a documentary about the making of _Jason and the Argonauts_
* The Golden Voyage of Sinbad (1973)
He was also instrumental in developing and refining the stop-motion technique, which has had a lasting impact on the film industry.
Impact and Legacy
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Harryhausen's groundbreaking work has inspired countless filmmakers, animators, and artists. His influence can be seen in various films, including _The Lord of the Rings_ trilogy (2001-2003) and _Jason and the Argonauts_ (1963). He was honored with numerous awards for his contributions to filmmaking, including a BAFTA Fellowship in 1992.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Ray Harryhausen's innovative use of stop-motion animation has left an indelible mark on the film industry. His creative legacy continues to captivate audiences worldwide, ensuring his memory remains vivid and relevant for generations to come.
Quotes by Ray Harryhausen
When you put a big budget into a film, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will be a better picture, but it does help in creating new images on the screen.
I know pretty well in the broad sense what I’m going to do, because I have to know that when we shoot the live-action, so that it’ll synchronize. Then I know pretty well when I get to the animation stage, what that scene requires.
Medusa was fascinating to work with because I gave her a snake’s body so that she could pull herself with her hands which gave her a very creepy aura. I didn’t want to animate cosmic gowns. Most Medusas you see in the classics have flowing robes which would be mad to even try to animate.
You could believe that Sinbad could fight a skeleton because that’s from a period in the past, a magical period. But if you had James Bond fighting a skeleton, it’d be almost comical.
Animation requires a great deal of concentration, and I preferred to work alone because then I’m not deterred by somebody asking me if I want coffee, or the phone ringing or something.
Medusa was fascinating to work with because I gave her a snake's body so that she could pull herself with her hands which gave her a very creepy aura. I didn't want to animate cosmic gowns. Most Medusas you see in the classics have flowing robes which would be mad to even try to animate.
There’s a strange quality in stop-motion photography, like in King Kong, that adds to the fantasy. If you make things too real, sometimes you bring it down to the mundane.