After a year and a half on the platform, Gemini Man leaves the Netflix catalog on April 9. So you only have one week left to see or watch this science fiction movie directed by Ang Lee in 2019.
In this blockbuster, Will Smith plays Henry Brogan, a professional assassin who is suddenly targeted and pursued by a mysterious young agent who can predict his every move. He is surprised to discover that it is a younger version of himself…
Gemini and the (impossible) technological challenge
And the result is visually stunning. But before viewers could see this technological feat on their screens, they had to wait a long time, a very long time.
It was 1997 when this project appeared from Disney studios and producer Jerry Bruckheimer. But the teams quickly faced a major problem: how to film an actor at two different ages? Although the rejuvenation processes were not yet at today’s level, there was only one solution available to them: to choose two different actors.
At this time, Disney was thinking about a Harrison Ford/Chris O’Donnell duo, without actually making the project. It wasn’t until the late 2010s that the script for Gemini Man came to Jerry Bruckheimer’s desk. That is, technical advances make it possible to choose the same actor. If Clint Eastwood and Mel Gibson were considered for the role, Will Smith will ultimately inherit it.
difficult to achieve
To achieve this result, Will Smith played a game of performance capture, using sensors placed on his body and face. The computer is then responsible for animating the digital version of Junior.
“It’s not about regeneration and it’s not about image replacement. Junior is completely digitally designed and 100% performance capture driven.” explains visual effects supervisor Bill Westenhofer. His every tear, his every punch, absolutely everything we see is pure Will Smith..”
If audiences and the press were mildly convinced by Gemini Man—the fault of the previously seen script—this technical feat would be lauded and would likely go down in the annals of the genre.
Gemini Man is leaving Netflix on April 9.
Source: Allocine
Rose James is a Gossipify movie and series reviewer known for her in-depth analysis and unique perspective on the latest releases. With a background in film studies, she provides engaging and informative reviews, and keeps readers up to date with industry trends and emerging talents.
