5 Reasons Sky Captain & The World Of Tomorrow Should Not Be Forgotten

3. Evocative Retro-Futuristic Setting

As well as being inspired by styles and genres of the 1930s and 40s, Sky Captain succeeds in reimagining and re-presenting the setting of 1939 New York in a realistic yet futuristic way. This retro effect is achieved through the presentation of a fictional alternate history, giving us a New York which looks realistic but is subject to the fantasies and sci-fi of film-maker Conran. The concept of retro-futurism is integral to Sky Captain, and the result is an evocative period setting. New York in 1939 was a vastly expanding city, with towering skyscrapers and block upon block of interwoven streets. The drab monotony of repetitive city life is given a twist however, with the invasion by giant robots. Perhaps the most thrilling scene of the film is the aeroplane chase through the brick walls, steel girders and right-angles of 1939 New York, as Sky Captain hunts down flying robots. As well as the setting itself, the period costumes of the characters act as symbolic references to the past, with a twist. In journalist Polly Perkins there is the long beige overcoat and brown fedora of the classic male detective, yet this image is subverted by the red lipstick and luscious blonde hair of a female hero. Equally, the classic leather bomber jacket and military garb of Sky Captain indicates a tough character, but his strengths are depicted as intelligence and subtlety.