*Clash of the Titans* (1981), directed by Desmond Davis and written by Beverley Cross, is a classic fantasy adventure inspired by the myth of Perseus.
The film stars Harry Hamlin, Judi Bowker, Burgess Meredith, Maggie Smith and Laurence Olivier. This is the final project of famous stop-motion artist Ray Harryhausen, who devoted immense effort to bringing mythical creatures to life. Harryhausen’s workshop was a creative hub, where models of Medusa, Pegasus, Kraken and Bubo the mechanical owl took shape, each designed to capture unique textures and expressions.
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Harryhausen emphasized that mythology provided an ideal framework for his visual style, especially with *Clash of the Titans*’ ambitious scope and diverse range of creatures. He used his “Dynamation” technique to seamlessly blend stop-motion with live-action sequences, a process particularly demanding in scenes involving the character Calibos, who interacts directly with real actors. Among Harryhausen’s most memorable creations was the Kraken, a fearsome sea monster symbolizing the wrath of the gods, designed to appear both colossal and menacing.
The character Bubo, a mechanical owl that was both comical and realistic, required complex mechanics to move realistically while maintaining a playful side. Meanwhile, Medusa presented one of Harryhausen’s greatest challenges, with each snake in her hair individually animated to convey her sinister allure. Harryhausen’s workspace has become a testament to his craft, filled with detailed sketches and lighting setups, highlighting his meticulous approach to animating these legendary creatures.