DOUGLAS TRUMBULL - Visionary Film Maker

February 8th 2022

 I learned today that Douglas Trumbull died on Monday February 7th at the age of 79.

Trumbull is responsible for directing and creating several of the most indelible and iconic images in Sci-Fi cinema. 'Close Encounters of the Thirds Kind', (1978), 'Star Trek The Motion Picture' (1979) and 'BladeRunner' (1982) all feature incredible visual effects that have an particular aesthetic that is distinctly Trumbull's. They are distinguished by a level of technical excellence rarely seen in movies at the time or since.

His first feature film credit was as one of the four visual effects supervisors* on '2001: A Space Odyssey' where he created the phenomenal - and unique - stargate sequence.

He also directed two science fiction feature films: 'Silent Running' (1971) and 'Brainstorm' (1983). The latter features a ground-breaking technique where the film's aspect-ratio changes for the 'brain’ sequences'. The image, the movie becomes twice the size, giving a visceral and overwhelming effect to the viewer.

Trumbull was a true visionary in the field of special visual effects and film-making in general. In fact in the 1970s he literally invented a brand new film process! 'Showscan' utilised 70mm film photographing the action at 60 frames per second (compared with the standard of 35mm film shooting at 24 frames per second). .This resulted in a very sharp, very smooth and uncannily life-like effect. High Definition (HD) and High Frame Rate (HFR) are terms very much in vogue these days, but this was in the 1970s! Trumbull was a pioneer. But unfortunately the 'Showscan' process was too complex and expensive to implement in cinemas, and was superceded to some extent by the inferior large format IMAX process. But 'Showscan' was used for a handful of special venue films including the three-film show at the Luxor Pyramid in Las Vegas. Trumbull created the visuals for the amazing 'Back to the Future - the Ride' attraction at Universal Studios where the riders were surrounded by the action via the Omnomax system.

To say that Douglas Trumbull has left his mark on the world of cinema is an understatement.

When I was learning about visual effects and film-making I read a lot about his work and the idea that getting images onto film did not need a traditional camera was mind-blowing and really fired my imagination. I read the posts today about Trumbull’s death and ironically I am wearing my 'showscan' T-Shirt. Yes, this is how influential this man and his work have been in my life. In the 2010s I was fortunate enough to attend a lecture he gave on his work - inspirational to say the least. a great mind and a great artist.

So Rest In Peace Douglas Trumbull - I'm sure you are enjoying the next phase of your fascinating journey.