Production designer Caty Maxey took on the challenge of creating a dystopian America for Alex Garland’s latest film, Civil War.
The movie drops viewers into a divided America with warring factions. Four journalists, portrayed by Kirsten Dunst, Joel (Wagner Moura), Jessie (Cailee Spaeny), and Sammy (Stephen McKinley Henderson), journey from New York to Washington, D.C., where they find themselves amidst the conflict between the Western Forces of Texas and California and the Federal Government. As tensions rise and battles ensue, the journalists witness the turmoil firsthand.
The pivotal scenes, including the breach of the White House security perimeter, were filmed in Georgia with real military equipment. Visual effects were sparingly used, with much of the action captured on camera. Maxey and Garland aimed for authenticity, utilizing Tyler Perry’s replica White House set in Atlanta for key sequences.
Composers Geoff Barrow and Ben Salisbury crafted a minimalist score to enhance the film’s immersive experience. The use of an acoustic-electric guitar provided a contrasting backdrop to the intense battle sequences, creating a sense of unease for the audience.
Sound designer Glenn Freemantle faced the challenge of creating dynamic audio, particularly for the helicopter sequences. Utilizing unconventional sound sources such as dentist drills and washing machine cycles, Freemantle achieved a realistic and immersive auditory experience.
Costume designer Meghan Kasperlik collaborated with military advisor Ray Mendoza to ensure accuracy in military attire. Inspired by real war journalists and photographers, Kasperlik sourced unconventional materials, such as placemats and table runners, to create unique and practical costumes for the characters.
Overall, the production of the Civil War aimed for realism and authenticity, from the set design to the sound effects and costumes, to immerse viewers in a dystopian vision of America. Source
