Netflix's A Series Of Unfortunate Events: 7 Ups & 1 Down

6. The Dynamic Design

A Series Of Unfortunate Events Uncle Monty Reptile Room
Netflix

Had all gone according to plan, Barry Sonnenfeld would've directed the 2004 movie. Had that happened, things might've turned out a lot better than they did. Thankfully, the self-confessed fan of the books gets another turn here, and he sure doesn't waste it. Although he only directs half the episodes, his stamp is all over the show, which looks absolutely gorgeous.

Although he's most famous for The Addams Family and Men in Black, it perhaps takes most inspiration from Pushing Daisies, which he executive produced and directed a couple of episodes for. Working with production designer Bo Welch (who also directs a couple of episodes) there's a real blend of the magical with the macabre, and it's all absolutely lavish.

The various locales, each incredibly rich and detailed, help add character to the show (not that it was lacking). The Reptile Room, with its large props and weird creatures, is the best example, but from Olaf's own house to to Aunt Josephine's, and with a mix of practical staging and CGI, it really brings this dark fantasy world to life.

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Contributor

NCTJ-qualified journalist. Most definitely not a racing driver. Drink too much tea; eat too much peanut butter; watch too much TV. Sadly only the latter paying off so far. A mix of wise-old man in a young man's body with a child-like wonder about him and a great otherworldly sensibility.