June 12, 2024
In a surprising twist, Hollywood has once again embraced the Art Deco style, a design movement that originally flourished in the 1920s and 1930s. This resurgence is not just a fleeting trend but a full-blown revival, reminiscent of the era when the glitz and glamour of Art Deco first captivated the world. The return of this aesthetic is particularly evident in the latest wave of superhero and adventure films, which have adopted the style to evoke a sense of nostalgia and timeless elegance.
The roots of this revival can be traced back to the early days of cinema, where masked heroes and daring adventurers were a staple. One of the earliest examples is Douglas Fairbanks in “The Mark of Zorro” (1924), a film that significantly influenced the creation of Batman by Bob Kane and Bill Finger. This connection between early cinema and modern superhero films highlights the enduring appeal of these characters and the worlds they inhabit.
The 1990s saw a notable attempt to resurrect the Art Deco style in Hollywood, particularly in the realm of pulp hero movies. Following the success of Tim Burton’s “Batman” (1989), which featured a Gotham City steeped in mid-20th century aesthetics, studios were eager to replicate this formula. Burton’s vision, combined with Anton Furst’s Oscar-winning production design, created a unique blend of 1930s and 1940s pulp stylings with 1980s blockbuster excess.
This period saw a slew of films that either sought to recreate this heightened artifice or revive other relics of 1930s pop culture. While many of these films failed to achieve commercial success, they collectively formed a unique trend that has now become a nostalgic relic in its own right. These films brought the sexy, sleek lines of Art Deco back into the limelight.
One of the earliest examples of this trend was “Dick Tracy” (1990). Despite its long development history, the film was clearly influenced by the success of “Batman.” Disney’s big push for “Dick Tracy” included a toy line, a tie-in album with Madonna, and a McDonald’s sponsorship campaign. The film’s vibrant color palette and cartoonish makeup design attempted to outdo “Batman,” but it ultimately fell short at the box office.
“The Rocketeer” (1991) is another notable example. Unlike most characters from this era, The Rocketeer was created in the 1980s as a homage to 1930s and 1940s pop culture. Disney saw potential in the character for merchandising, but the film’s genuine nostalgia for ’30s Hollywood chic and Art Deco décor did not resonate with audiences, resulting in modest box office returns.
“The Shadow” (1994) also attempted to capitalize on this trend. Based on a 1930s pulp magazine character, the film featured a Gothic and vaguely vampiric undertone. Despite its intriguing premise and stylish production, the film’s disjointed plot and mean-spirited tone failed to capture the audience’s imagination.
“The Phantom” (1996) continued this trend with its adaptation of a 1930s comic strip hero. The film’s tonal confusion and misbegotten execution resulted in a commercial failure, despite its attempts to blend various pulp hero tropes.
However, not all attempts were unsuccessful. “The Mask of Zorro” (1998) managed to thread the needle by combining the swashbuckling origins of Zorro with a modern action movie aesthetic. The film’s success at the box office demonstrated that there was still an appetite for well-executed period piece superhero movies.
“The Mummy” (1999) also drew from early 20th-century pulps, setting its story in the 1920s and tapping into the Egyptomania of the era. The film’s blend of action, romance, and horror, along with its charismatic leads, made it a commercial success and an enduring classic.
This renewed interest in Art Deco is not just limited to the big screen. The style has also made a comeback in various aspects of popular culture, from fashion to interior design. The sleek lines, geometric patterns, and luxurious materials of Art Deco continue to captivate modern audiences, proving that this design movement is truly timeless.
As Hollywood continues to explore new ways to captivate audiences, the return of Art Deco serves as a reminder of the industry’s rich history and its ability to reinvent itself. This revival is a testament to the enduring appeal of a style that once defined an era and continues to inspire new generations of filmmakers and designers.
