Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/929567
P E R S P E C T I V E | M A R C H / A P R I L 2 0 1 8 89 Research is the key for me. I pull hundreds of images, building a visual bible that encompasses both the larger scope and smaller detail. I add to it and refer back to it continually throughout the process. Insidious 4 takes place in three time periods: 1953, briefly in 1961 and in 2008. It follows the early childhood story of Elise Rainier and reveals the genesis of her talents. I believe that Elise's character is a vitally important catalyst for the discoveries that happen in these films. She is the bridge to other realities, and her feminine strength is a perfect characterization of that. Delving into her childhood was an opportunity to build a visual world that reveals the subtext of her power and lifelong struggles with her abilities. Her childhood home in New Mexico, shot in Los Angeles, was unusual in that it was housing provided by an old state prison for higher level employees like Elise's tough disciplinarian father. The film opens there, and I wanted the viewer to have an immediate sense of time and space. Use of color was first on my agenda and I A. Elise's cell in the Further. Key Face's arm reaching into frame (Javier Botet). Built on stage at Santa Clarita Studios. Photo by Curtis Corbitt. B. Mentryville location, living room. Taken during the location scout. C. Mentryville location, kitchen of Rainier house dressed for 1953. D. Mentryville location, living room of Rainier house in the process of being dressed for 1953. Photo by Melanie Jones. E. Mentryville location dressed as Elise and Chris' bedroom in 1953. Photo by Curtis Corbitt. F. Red chair in Elise and Chris' bedroom with vintage toys. Photo by Curtis Corbitt. G. Wallpaper samples for Mentryville/Rainier house. Left: Elise's bedroom, right: living room. B D F C E G G