"Hell in Heaven" Shot Study 1/365

"Star Wars, Episode V: The Empire Strikes Back" (1980)

According to commentary from director Irvin Kershner, the primary driver of the production design in this shot was to create a "hell in heaven." (2004 Trilogy DVD Collection)

Up until the time of this film's debut, The Cloud City of Bespin was the most luxurious and refined location seen in the Star Wars Universe. Its introductory scene establishes an ominous feel with the suspicions expressed by the Falcon Crew feel, punctuated its dusk lighting and color pallet.



However, in the next scene, it seems things are going well as the city comes to life, appears more bright and welcoming and shows peaceful normalcy. We see hints of the city's dark mechanical underbelly, but the danger is revealed with Vader.

From this point on, Cloud City begins to become more hellish.

1/365
I will be posting studies of film each day for a year. The study will focus primarily on cinematography and production design.