Balance of terror - shatners lighting

[LaxScrutiny]

And it occurs to me, how is it that Kirk or McCoy get to have critical observations of their respective hairpieces, yet Yeoman Rand receives lax scrutiny?

 

[Maurice]

And it occurs to me, how is it that Kirk or McCoy get to have critical observations of their respective hairpieces, yet Yeoman Rand receives lax scrutiny?

Because people see male hairpieces as vanity and women’s wigs as fashion.

 

[Phaser Two]

Al Francis had to cope with the shorter third season shooting schedule, but I think he did a good job. I especially like the look of "The Lights of Zetar."

Good call. Yet another example of knee-jerk S3 detraction not matching with actuality. "The Empath" also looks very good, and I understand that a lot of it involves darkness, but it's not like they just turned off all the lights. It looks artful and purposeful and fits the ethereal nature of the episode.

 

[Ssosmcin]

I just took it as a joke, about the 3rd season budget.

Al Francis had more of a crisp style and didn't paint with colors like Finnerman did. The third season is actually pleasant to look at and those episodes always looked clearer to me. Even in the VHS days. I enjoy the regular natural lighting. Francis didn't do the soft focus on the ladies.

 

[vandevere]

Good call. Yet another example of knee-jerk S3 detraction not matching with actuality. "The Empath" also looks very good, and I understand that a lot of it involves darkness, but it's not like they just turned off all the lights. It looks artful and purposeful and fits the ethereal nature of the episode.

In large part, the look of "The Empath" was due to the ethereal nature of the mute-and incredibly good-acting of Kathryn Hayes, who played the Title Character...

 

[Ragitsu]

Thence came The Picard.

Followed by "The Sisko".

 

[LaxScrutiny]

Followed by "The Sisko".

No argument there.

 

[JN2849]

Jerry Finnerman often lit the show, especially the first season, like a film noir just bathed in colors rather than black and white. He made use of heavy shadows contrasted by swaths of bright colors. And Shatner's eyes are often highlighted throughout the show.

One of the cinematographers on the defunct fan film series New Voyages discusses more on Finnerman's lighting choices in this article. Here's what it says on the film noir aspect:

Great article. Thanks for the link.

 

[LaxScrutiny]

Because people see male hairpieces as vanity and women’s wigs as fashion.

Much to their loss.

 

[Ragitsu]

Bring back the powdered wigs!

 

[Neopeius]

Just re watched BOT and I noticed that Kirk is usually bathed in soft light during the episode, sometimes offset with a highlight on his eyes.

In this era, soft light /focus was usually reserved for the female guest of the week to emphasize their beauty….and help the viewer unconsciously understand that they are watching a thing of beauty. In this episode, even the couple to be married aren’t even treated this well.

for a show about combat, this is an interesting choice…. Has anyone else noticed this or am I imagining things again?

This was the episode on this week (review coming out 12-24). I found the Morticia Addams lighting a bit distracting, actually. I appreciate it when Trek is lit moodily, a la "Man Trap", but this was a bit overdone.

Because people see male hairpieces as vanity and women’s wigs as fashion.

There's a fellow who comments at the Journey, describing the show cheekily as "wig Trek". I suppose everyone has their focus in the show: for Erica, it's shirtless men and crewmember deaths.

 

[Maurice]

Wigs were also common with women because they could be styled before the actress arrived for hair and makeup and she could be on set faster.

 

[LaxScrutiny]

You want to talk wigs, nothing beats Steve Zodiac's...

 

[JonnyQuest037]

Wigs were also common with women because they could be styled before the actress arrived for hair and makeup and she could be on set faster.

IIRC, Gates McFadden has that Dr. Crusher's hair from TNG S3 on was usually a wig for this exact reason.

 

[LaxScrutiny]

"You remember that silly sci-fi show "Star Trek?" Can you believe the wigs the actors had to wear?"

 

[GNDN18]