Often, what you see on a screen when it comes to Hollywood blockbusters is not at all what the initial footage looked like. Whether it’s CGI, practical effects, models, costumes, make-up or any of the other numerous tactics employed to create movie magic, the finished product is almost always enhanced in some manner, especially when it comes to big budget films.
Thankfully, nearly every major blockbuster has its production recorded and documented by photographers and over the years, some truly incredible, exciting and often hilarious behind the scenes photos have made their way online. And so, on that note, join us today as we settle into another edition of our weekly column, where we’ll be exploring Joss Whedon’s Avengers: Age of Ultron.
Though it didn’t quite earn the same praise its predecessor did, Whedon’s sequel to his 2012 blockbuster was still a perfectly enjoyable affair, even if it did feel more like a film setting up future Marvel Cinematic Universe installments rather than the culmination of events like the first Avengers.
One of the most understated aspects about the movie though was it furthering the development of its characters. These scenes primarily took place during the part where Earth’s Mightiest Heroes are forced to retreat to Hawkeye’s house in order to escape public scrutiny. When it comes to this, most people only remember the ill-conceived Black Widow/Bruce Banner romance and the conversation between Stark and Steve Rogers that laid the seeds for 2016’s Captain America: Civil War.
But there was another thing worth taking note of, and it occurred shortly after Stark’s argument with Rogers where he’s called to the barn and meets former S.H.I.E.L.D. Director Nick Fury. In two wonderful performances from Samuel L. Jackson and Downey Jr., Stark ends up confessing all the dark feelings he’s been having since arguably the end of The Avengers, and how he was just trying to make the world a safer place for everyone. The saddest part comes when Fury successfully guesses that the worst thing about all this wasn’t that Stark saw his friends die: it was that he was the only survivor.
While Avengers: Age of Ultron may not be remembered quite as fondly as what came before, there’s still much to like about the film (the Hulk vs. Hulkbuster fight, anyone?). Offering up one kinetic thrill after another, some fantastic action and enough spectacle to keep you from looking at your watch, it’s another impressive effort from Marvel Studios and we’re happy to be able to bring you this behind the scenes look at it today.