Transformers One marks ILM's return to animation, this time with a story that explores the origins of Optimus Prime and Megatron. Directed by Josh Cooley, the film takes us to a past in which these archenemies were inseparable friends, known as Orion Pax and D-16.
An Innovative Approach to Animation
The Versatility of ILM's Pipeline
Stephen King, animation supervisor, highlighted that ILM's pipeline is highly versatile. According to King:
"Although the pipeline didn't change much from the visual effects work for live-action films, in feature animation everything progresses in a more synchronized manner within a sequence, allowing for a more flexible and well-defined structure."
Clean and Detailed Design
Lead character designer Amy Beth Christenson noted that the film's clean and detailed style required solving the characters' transformations without tricks. To achieve this, they focused on:
- Developing detailed conceptual art.
- Ensuring consistency in the sizes and shapes of the robots.
- Avoiding inconsistencies, such as Bumblebee appearing larger than a truck.
The Evolution of the Characters
Physical and Emotional Changes
Each character reflects their physical and emotional evolution. For example:
- Orion Pax: From a laid-back dreamer to an upright and responsible leader as Optimus Prime.
- Facial expressions: The eyes were designed as camera lenses to maintain their robotic nature while conveying emotions.
Standout New Characters
The film introduces innovations such as:
- Airachnid: Enforcer of Sentinel Prime, who transforms into a helicopter and has multiple eyes with arachnid qualities.
- Alpha Trion: Transforms into a lion with a unicorn horn and electric tail, standing out for his wisdom and subtlety.
Redefined Action
A Dynamic and Fluid Style
The action sequences are characterized by:
- Long takes: Allowing fluid character movements.
- A different approach from Michael Bay's rapid editing.
Iconic Moments
The film includes memorable sequences like the Iacon race, reminiscent of the competitions in Star Wars: Episode I and Ready Player One. These scenes take ILM's skills to new heights.
With Transformers One, ILM not only celebrates the Transformers legacy but redefines what can be achieved in a feature-length animated film.