Costumes Available

Whilst looking into costumes I was very disappointed. I'll start with the worst. This one as the pattern and metals simply printed on the fabric, with a belt that's far to high and a that's 2 thirds the size it should be. It has minimal detail and looks more like a onesie. It is completely unusable and in my opinion appalling, not worth even a fiver.

The next two are improved, but still not nearly up to scratch. they look plain, clearly fake and silly. They have no impressive features and lack any imposing atmosphere. They would probably do for a Halloween fancy dress do as they resemble the character costumes but nothing more, certainly not for film. Again, the cape are half the size the should be and the metals are simply printed.

These two are better, but still not of any real use. The costumes contain more detail, and different shades of different colours giving them a more well designed appearance. Though they have muscle padding and short capes they are an improvement and sell for about £50.00, probably worth it for big fans wanting to make an impression at a fancy dress but not high enough quality for a university film project.

Finally we have these two options. These, are very high quality and ideal for my requirements. The Loki costume is very near perfect, and better than anything I think I could make. The Thor one is good, but the chain-mail armored arms look very fake. i also think boots would be required as those shoes look a bit human. Regardless, these costumes are by far the best available costing approximately between £200.00 and £300.00, which I cannot afford. Luckily, I know a friend who already has this Loki costume so I will defiantly be using this in my film. However, as I cannot afford the Thor one I will design and make my own Thor costume, bearing in mind it must match and look as if it can exist in the same universe as The Loki film costume.

Thor vo5

 These are 13 of Thor's famous comic and film costumes by artist 'vo5.' I like his extremely cartoony work, as I feel it has a unique style and by using the same template the costumes are easier to compare.

My favorite of these are costumes 3, 4, 7, and 8, but I feel none are perfect. 8 I feel is close, but uses the wrong hammer, 5 also but the whole torso area is far from my vision of perfect.

So I took the liberty of taking these images and quickly designing my own using photoshop. I used number 13's head (for the facial hair), 13's arms but with 5's gauntlets, 7's torso and 13's trousers, with 7's boots and 8's leg armor. I also used 8's bright cape and the smaller hammer Mjolnir, as I strongly dislike Ultimate Thor's big version, seen in pictures 8 and 13.

This is the beginning of my concept art. So I firstly feel I should explore costumes I could actually purchase.

Thor: The Dark World Costumes

First thing I noticed about the costumes was theat the helmets are not present on either character at all. Which I kindof like as I don't think they look as good with them, as Captain America dosen't look as good with his mask.

Though Loki's costume didn't much change, I don't mind this as I feel it was already brilliant. The shoulder pads are smaller and less impowering, (which makes sense as the character is a prisoner throughout the film) but still contains the gold and green with mostly black to empheiss his troublsome mind and untrustworthy nature.

Thors costume improves also, using darker,
well pattered blacks on the chest plate, and the cape connecting from under the shoulder discs, (a feature I like, from Thor: Reborn,) and gold within the armour. Here I can see what Charlie Wen ment by 'Warmer colours to represnt his growth and closer connection to the throne of asgard and Odin'. I also love that they finally added the leather skirted part dropping down from his chect peiece covering his crotch. This looks more mythically and closer resembles the fashion of another world and gods, seen in Thor: Reborn and Thor: Ages of Thunder.

I do however prefer his slevless look, as generally I prefer both characters less armoured. Not to say the armoured look was in any way flawed or bad, I just feel the less armoured look captured more sense of the comic book character and made the hero look even more muscualr and powerful.

On a girly note I also prefer hi hair in this film. previously it has been plain, a little un-styled and boring, where here we see it longer, sgraggly with various plats throughout it. I think this gave it a more fantastical and messier look, rather than a pretty-boy long blonde hair as previously seen. Though I do prefer the colour in Avengers, but this could just be the photo quality.

Green Screen Induction

Setting up the Green Screen.
Before anything consider where setting up as it needs to be fairly near power sources.

The long silver bar lengthens out and attaches on top of a lighting stand at each end using spigots. Sand bags should then be placed on the stands to add stability. The green screen then covers the silver pole by going over the pole, (green side up) and is clamped on using G-clamps or bulldog clips.

Lighting.
There is a large piece of fabric used for diffusing light. There is also long black poles that connect to create a square frame for this fabric, with velcro on them so ensure the velcro is facing inwards. Once the fabric is connected to the frame, this is called a Scrim.

Attachments then connect to two more stands which connect to clamps, with a rounded edge and a stepped edge. Usually the rounded edge is used, the stepped edge of the clamp is for strange angles. The Scrim then is clamped on to these stands. The big black handle on the clamp allows the Scrim to be set at any desired angle, sandbags should also be added to the Scrim's stand to ensure stability.

Large Tungsten Lights are then set up on tripods. Ensure no one is looking into the lights before saying 'sparking' (to allow everyone to know not to look at the lights) and then turn them on via the plug. If nothing happens, say sparking again and try the switch on the lights wire. If at all possible extension plugs should be used so the lights can be moved easily.

Kino lights (that have dimmers/faders) are then set up at the other end of the green screen for filling light. The camera should then be set up on a tripod the exact same measurement away from the subject as the previously filmed scene on location if necassary.

This is a called clean plate shot, where the lighting is then adjusted to make an even shade of green around the subject, for easy editing.

Thor: The Dark World 2013: Alan Taylor

So I entered Thor: The Dark World with very high expectations, but I could not have been more impressed. If you have not yet seen it, I recommend you do. Now. Stop reading. Go. 

Back? Good, because the following may contain SPOILERS.  Thor 2 is in my opinion the best solo Marvel movie to date, and even as good as The Avengers. All the characters are represented, written, and acted exactly as they should be. The Warrios three, Sif, Freda, Odin and Heimdall all have improved characters and more screen time than previously seen. Natalie Portmans character Jane Foster is less pedantic and useless, and actually has purpose and a stronger screen presence. Christopher Eccleson's villain Malekith is worthy and and fantastically maked up. His Army of the dark elves have a creepy atmosphere with their emotionless masks and body armour. And even Kurse is a amazing piece of costume design, with a very threatening and imposing presence. I also feel even the smaller parts of Darcy and especially Eric Selvig provide big laughs as the comedy appeal for the film.

This said, their are laughs thoughtout the film from other characters, keeping it enjoyable, humorous, and often at the edge of your seat excitement. Loki is a highlight, forever untrustworthy, funny, and completely unpredictable. His character becomes deeper, using illusions and confidence to hide his true suffering and complex emotions for his adoptive family.

Thor's character is also more interesting, questioning his loyalties between Asgard, his father, and his love for Jane Foster. I also like how the literal World tree can be seen and we have a closer look at the 9 realms, giving an overall closer relation to the mythology of Thor. 

Ultimately Thor: The Dark World has improved everything about the characters and universe, creating well written story, in depth and realistic, relatable characters and incredible design to anything in the film. The best part of the film for me was the sequence set on Svartalfheim (the Dark World.) This is because it was totally captivating, surprising, unpredictable, contained the films strongest characters and costumes, and had the best set. Iceland provided the perfect set with the black ash hills and I even liked the yellow tinge to the sky. This said, I cannot fault any other set, or any element at all of the film, and highly recommend it to anybody. I would give it 5 stars, ten out of ten, and easily rate it the best film of the year.

The Avengers: Costumes by Alexandra Byrne

When Thor first appears, he is seen bare arms with his cape, referencing his classic look. I liked this costume as it contained all the bright colours a super hero costume should and gave the Avengers all a updated costume (Cap, Thor, Iron Man, and Hulk) that still looked straight out of a golden age comic. I think, however his trousers still look rather strange and padded.
 
“ Thor’s new sleeveless was to achieve a less-armored look for the conversational scenes between the Avengers. The look also takes a cue from the comics and works well with Chris Hemsworth’s incredible physique. His muscular arms are the iconic statement of Thor, and the discs and red cape are the iconic statements of the costume”. – Costume designer Alexandra Byrne.  Page 139. - The Art of Marvels The Avengers.


This I think is key in any Thor costume. These are the essential parts that make up the characters appearance, and I feel that with any of these elements missing, said costume couldn't be his greatest. That said, I still like that they referenced his Ultimate Thor look while on the Helicarrier, as I feel the cape might not look quite as heroic indoors during mostly dialogue scenes, and still works for the action scene with Hulk.

Finally there's his costume for the final battle for New York. This resembles his look in his own movie and that of his Thor: Reborn costume. I think this look is possibly the best of his costumes seen to date, as it uses bright colours, (and those signature to Thor.) It also uses high shoulder pads (that I'm a great fan of,) and the red under his gauntlets that match the cape. It is interesting and yet simple enough, and all colours correspond well and are spread throughout the costume. the only ones which don't are the the silver metallic look on his shins, that although are there aren't quite predominant enough I feel. This is a very tiny flaw though, and as a transition from comic to film so far, Thor has become my favorite superhero, and much is that is thanks to his near perfect representation in film.

With Thor: The Dark World releasing in Cinemas tomorrow, I feel this could better even his brilliance in Thor and The Avengers. Although I doubt it will be better than the film Avengers in terms of film, I think his character and costume may improve.


Loki's costumes I think improved massively in this film. His armored look, like the concept art suggested, is much less cluttered and looks godly and could provide actual protection.

His normal clothes however are the best I think Loki's ever looked. I think he suits being less armored, as the coat is simply too good to just cover up. he still has gauntlets and armor covering his legs and shoulder, its simply minimal and I think more effective. He looks more threatening and mischievous in this costume, perhaps because the big helmet can look a bit silly.

The Avengers 2012: Joss Weadon

The Avengers is without doubt my favorite film ever made. Its has humour, fantastic action and special effects, great characters, incredible costume design and an amazing, well choose cast. Every actor portrays their part absolutely brilliantly. Possibly my favorite thing about the film is the characters. All unique from each other, (the technological genius, the god, the solider, the monster, annnnnd the other two). Even the seventh main character is Samuel L Jackson. I love the soundtrack also, it really gives the feel of an epic superhero adventure film.

However, brilliant as it is, it isn't without flaws. I felt Captain America's costume and character wasn't perfect. His costume was plain and almost exactly like the comic book look. His mask doesn't look great, and proves no real purpose. Thor's helmet doesn't appear in the film, and Captain America doesn't have a secret identity so has no need for one. I just feel out of all the Avengers his appearance is by far the worst. the only other problem I have with the film is the scene where Black Widow interrogates and out wits Loki. Loki is meant to but the god of mischief, god of lies, and is out smarted by a spy. I felt this made Loki seem less threatening and powerful.

This said, everything else about the film is perfect, it looks and feels straight out of the best kind of comic book. The final climatic battle for New York is the best 20 minutes of cinema I've seen, the amount of breathtaking shots (The Hulk's entrance, and the panning round of the Avengers Assembled,) its everything I feel a superhero movie should be and can't imagine how the upcoming sequel can top it.

Avengers concept art: Charlie Wen and Ryan Meinerding

Charlie Wren's designs for these characters in the Avengers was a minimal change but subtlety better.

“For Thor, I was trying to come up with something that at first glance felt much like the original Thor film, but transitioned a little closer towards Odin’s warmer metals to show his growth from the first film.” -  Visual Development Supervisor Charlie Wen.  Page 138.

I don't see this 'warmth' that closely, as they appear to be silver in both films, and if anything his costume gets more blue. Perhaps this refers to patters, which would make more sense. I do think the trousers have improved with the red rim running down them, and I also prefer the patterns on the chest piece ans they have a more memorable and iconic impact.

Loki's costumes are also very good, thou they bare a very similar appearance to his look in Thor, but his coat seems much longer, this gives him a somewhat more traveled look. I think the armour is also much improved, is more spread around his whole costume and less cramped in the torso.

I like the idea of the green cape too, it makes him look more like an equivalent villain to Thor, but in comparison to the less armoured look I am in favour of the lesser armoured appearance.

Thor 2011: Costumes - Alexandra Byrne

Thor 2011

This was Marvel's Thor and Loki's first adaption into feature length picture. Loki's costume I feel was very well designed, specifically his casual armour. It has different and unique patterns running through it containing all the characters main colours scheme, and adding some black to all it more acceptable look in film. I also like how the coat covers the shoulders in that new fashion. His formal armour I think is a little too much. It seems too extravagant in pattern and too smooth and to look like it can withstand damage. It is, however, a very impressive piece of costume design.

Thor's I feel was also an excellent transition from the comic book look. I like the arms influenced from the Thor reborn costume, and I like how the shoulder has pads that allow the cape to flow widely and broadly off his his shoulders.

The chest piece contains an impressive amount of detail and I like the small touch of the red fabric underneath his gauntlets that match the cape.

The only weak part was the trousers. I think they look somewhat plain and boring in comparison to the rest of the costume.

Camera Equippment Induction.

Here we were taught about various pieces of camera equipment to consider using in our short film.

Crane
This piece of equipment has a very long outstretched arm that can reach up to a 1st story window. With a camera attached to this arm, it can provide an advantage by creating a a way to reach other wise impossible angles.

How to assemble it.

The poles are secured using tightening handles under the base, and the wheels can be stabilised from each individual wheel. though for this to work, the ground must be level and flat.

The legs attach on from two teeth on the bottom of each leg and snap of to base by a small ball above each wheel.

The neck can then attach on to the top of the legs, vi being screwed on from underneath the top of the legs.

Following this, The neck should have another attachment to balance out the weight of the other side.

A second attachment should then be connected to the main neck, in the shape of two silver disks.

Then a wire attaches around each silver disk on each side of the neck and screws on tightly. This allows the camera and the camera stand stay parallel to the crane, and allows it to be controlled at a later stage.

Finally a handle is attached, this will move the wire and subsequently the camera and stand to get the camera angle desired.

Tracker

These pieces are the Dollie (red wheeled piece,) the base (black three levered piece,) the lever (silver pole,) and the seat.

Here is the tracker. These pieces are connected by small white pellets that sit between the two black poles.Velcro then connects the silver lines to add security and stability to the track.

Small chocks then stabilise the trackers on the ground.We have 8 meters worth of track available.

 The three metallic joints pieces then attach to the base, and on to the dollies.

The tripod then attaches to the base in the same ball-hook fashion as the crane.

Then you attach the seat and the the tracking lever (to move the tracking contraption with.)

Finally, attach the camera and weights to balance out the neck.

Thor 2011, Kenneth Branagh.

I was a huge Marvel Comics fan as a child, and throughout my teenage years, but never a particular fan of Thor. I loved the Iron Man movies and only really watched Thor because I heard that all these films would lead up to the Avengers, but had no high expectations.

I was very, very impressed. Newcomer Chris Hemsworth captured the role perfectly, as did Tom Hiddlestone as the villainous Loki, and I couldn't have thought for anyone better for Odin than Anthony Hopkins. Even Idris Elba left a very rememberal performance as Gate keeper Hiemdall. I loved the story of this powerful, eager, and arrogant god who had to learn the importance of respect, responsibility and selflessness. I felt it had a good moral code for children who might look up to the character and teach them valuable life lessons.

I thought everything about the movie was well designed, the rainbow bridge actually looked cool rather than the interpretation I had seen in comics. The frost giants made fantastic villains, and the laughs, action and special effects were spectacular. I also thought how space just covered the sky in Asgard, making it look very empowering and mystical was a great idea.

My only criticism was that there was a huge gap in the middle of the film while he was mortal where there was no Thor. He appeared at the beginning for the Jotunheim sequence, which was great fun (arguably my favorite part of the movie) and at the end, where immediately after defeating the Destroyer he returned to Asgard to stop Loki. This I felt left a large gap where Thor's absence was very noticeable in terms of excitement.

I also feel that the slanted shot is very over used. Once I noticed it it became very irritable as it was used so commonly. I understand is sometimes used for affect but all these are taken from the same scene, conveying horror, surprise, acceptance, worry, and action.

However, in conclusion I think Thor is a great Marvel movie and only second to Iron man in Phase one of the stand alone films. It contains everything a summer blockbuster should but still leaves room for improvement. I would rate 4 out of 5 stars and recommend it to any fan of superheroes, fantasy or action films

Thor: Ages of Thunder by Matt Fraction & Patrick Zircher

Thor: Ages of Thunder collects Thor: Ages of Thunder, Thor: Reign of Blood, and Thor: Man of War. The book uses short stories are heavily based on the Norse mythology of Thor rather than The commonly seen Marvel Thor. He isn't heroic and well mannered, he is arrogant, brutish, enjoys violence and has no regard for the devastation he causes, even though he is saving the day. He is spoiled, a bully, and too powerful for his own good, and eventually rebels against the all father Odin.

This is a very original take for Thor, Matt Fraction writes the titan as a belligerent and pugnacious, which is very enjoyable to read. I also like how this tales the tale of how where Thor is depicted as he was in Norse mythology, and I have longed to read Thor in a graphic novel, rather than just in comics, and honestly I can't imagine it getting better than this. My only criticism would be that the art changes rapidly in various styles. I dislike it when comics do this, as it distracts from the story and the characters sometimes look different. To me its like having different actors take over character roles randomly in a film.

 I adore Thor's costume in this series. It has a lot of influence from The Norse Mythology Thor (which relates to the stories,) but keeps the signature Marvel elements of the character, for example, his long blonde hair, discs on the chest area, shape of the hammer, and his signature red cape.

I prefer the image on the right, (where he's flying,) because I think the belts look too much on the chest piece. As far as I can see that appears to be the only difference between the two. That and it is made of darker mustier tones than the opposite's bluer colour scheme.

Image by Patrick Zircher