Unseen Movie Props: The Weird Things That Add Depth to Film Set Design

Introduction

Have you ever watched a movie and noticed something out of place or a prop that seems completely random? These weird and often unnoticed items serve a purpose. In this article, we’ll explore some of the weirdest props that show up in movies and why they’re there. We'll also discuss whether these elements help to enhance the visual storytelling or are simply there for decoration.

Unsung Heroes: Hidden but Not Forgotten

Many movie sets, particularly in large-scale or historical productions, are packed with intricate details. These details, some of which remain unnoticed, can reveal a lot about the character or the world in which the story is set. Let's dive into a few examples that have made their way into the annals of movie lore.

The Ladies’ Razor in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace

In the first scene of Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, when Qui-Gon Jinn (played by Liam Neeson) is cutting hair, there’s a non-descript razor that appears to be a prop. This simple razor, often missed by viewers, adds a layer of authenticity to the scene. The razor is carefully chosen, likely resembling a real-world razor from the era of the film, which was 1999. It represents the level of attention to detail that the filmmakers put into the movie, showing that even the smallest objects in a scene have been considered.

Glowing Billiard Balls in Prometheus

The second example comes from Ridley Scott's Prometheus. Near the beginning of the film, we see a peculiar sequence involving billiard balls. While it might seem odd that all the balls in the scene are gold, the reason for this is quite interesting. In the initial draft of the screenplay, the billiard balls were supposed to be used in a game of darts. However, to make the balls more visible for the camera, they were changed to gold. This detail, while initially confusing, showcases the meticulous nature of the production design team. Each object on screen has a purpose, and even seemingly mundane items like billiard balls can be used effectively to enhance the overall cinematic experience.

Why Do Directors Include These Unusual Props?

DIRECTORS AND PRODUCERS often include these unique props to add depth and authenticity to a scene. These items can provide additional context or subtext to the story. For example, in Star Wars: Episode I – The Phantom Menace, the razor could signify a moment of routine or a mundane task for Qui-Gon, underscoring his character's simplicity. In Prometheus, the gold billiard balls serve as a visual cue that something is amiss, foreshadowing the darker themes of the film.

Do Viewers Notice Them?

SOMETIMES it’s a matter of experience and attention to detail. Viewers who are familiar with the process of film production might notice these oddities, while others might simply brush them off as part of everyday life on set. However, they often serve to make a movie more immersive and enriching for the audience.

Conclusion: The Importance of Obvious and Hidden Details

Movies are complex works of art, and the details that go into them, whether they’re noticed or not, are crucial to the overall effect. These seemingly insignificant elements can give the viewer a deeper understanding of the character or the world they are entering. It’s the attention to these small details that can make the difference between an entertaining movie and a truly memorable one.

Further Reading

Explore more about the art of movie set design and the importance of props.