‘The Electric State’ Used More VFX Than the Russo Brothers’ MCU Movies

'The Electric State' Used More VFX Than the Russo Brothers' MCU Movies

As a long-time fan of the Russo brothers’ work, I have to say that their transition from Marvel to a more visually effects-heavy project like “The Electric State” is truly fascinating. Having grown up with their iconic Marvel films, it’s intriguing to see them tackle a completely different genre and style.


Following a brief hiatus from Marvel productions, the Russo brothers have remained active in both producing and directing roles. Their production company, AGBO, is currently involved in projects like “Everything Everywhere All at Once,” while the siblings themselves have helmed films such as “Cherry” for Apple TV+ and “The Gray Man” for Netflix. Now, the dynamic duo are readying themselves for their next major Netflix release, titled “The Electric State.” During promotional interviews for this upcoming film, the Russo brothers emphasized one notable distinction in creating this upcoming blockbuster compared to their work with Marvel Studios.

In an interview with Collider, the directors were questioned about the hardest shot to create for “The Electric State”. Anthony replied that it was primarily due to the large number of visual effects needed for a story focusing on robot characters, and how the film stands out in terms of its production compared to their Marvel productions. The director elaborated:

As a film enthusiast, I must admit it’s tricky to pick one specific shot, but I can certainly highlight an aspect that left me impressed: the extensive use of visual effects. This film has been our most demanding project in terms of VFX work. The challenge was immense, given the sheer volume of these effects we were dealing with. Additionally, we aimed to create a realistic and believable period atmosphere, which required meticulous attention to detail in the VFX work to ensure a high level of authenticity, making it easier for viewers to recognize and immerse themselves in the era depicted.

‘The Electric State’ and its Dystopian Robot Characters Requires A Lot of Visual Effects

In the world depicted by “The Electric State,” a graphic novel adaptation set in 1994, we find an alternate reality that has been reshaped by a devastating war between humans and machines. This conflict ended with the machines’ defeat. The story follows Michelle, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, who embarks on a quest to locate her long-lost brother, initially believed dead. Alongside her is Keats, played by Chris Pratt. The film’s trailer showcases various robot characters in different sizes, and some well-known actors lend their voices to these mechanical beings.

As a cinema enthusiast, I must highlight the captivating portrayal of Woody Harrelson as none other than Mr. Peanut, the head of the robot uprising. The idea of robots, initially designed for advertising purposes, evolving consciousness and striving for self-governance is thought-provoking, which makes the elaborate visual effects required for characters like Mr. Peanut more comprehensible. Additionally, Anthony Mackie steps into the role of Herman, while Brian Cox dons the character of Popfly. It’s clear that these mechanical actors will play pivotal roles in the narrative unfolding.

Despite the fact that both “The Electric State” and the Russo brothers’ Marvel movies have significant visual effects (VFX), what truly sets “The Electric State” apart is the unique special effects it employs. Interestingly, these effects seem to be even more prominent than those in “Avengers: Infinity War” and “Endgame,” which had numerous VFX shots as well. This discrepancy clearly highlights that, while the human cast of “The Electric State” will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the storyline, it’s the CGI characters who are expected to carry a larger portion of the performance burden, if not more so.

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2024-11-23 02:01