Before 3D modeling came along, filmmakers had to rely on simpler means to give the illusion of a lavish set: paint. To create a dystopic city or elegant hall without spending the entire budget on a physical set, matte painters would create impeccably detailed backgrounds for the characters to look out into or even directly interact with. Reddit user Rowsdower_Rowsdower put together a compilation of some of the best photorealistic landscapes from classic films, many including photos of the artists at work. Here are some of our favorites from the collection.
Batman, 1989
Citizen Kane, 1941
The Wiz, 1978
Dick Tracy, 1990
Earthquake, 1974
Ben Hur, 1959
Planet of the Apes, 1968
Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981
Mary Poppins, 1964
The Greatest Story Ever Told, 1965
Ghostbusters II, 1989
Vertigo, 1958
The Sting, 1973
Torn Curtain, 1966
The Empire Strikes Back, 1980
Return of the Jedi, 1983