Chess, the great Western game of strategy. In our reality, it’s synonymous with intellect and clever thinking. In cinema it often lays the groundwork for the same characteristics in a player, plotline and so much more.
The age-old battle of kings, queens, wills and wit may serve as a simulacrum of a particular storyline or a lens through which a world unknown becomes more culturally relatable to viewers.
In the realm of cinema, the game’s very design — as much as what it represents — has been used to capture the imagination.
These checkered landscapes span dazzling representations of what has always been and what can be. They sometimes show us, in a very literal sense, the hero’s path forward and the key players on the board.
From holographic battlegrounds in a galaxy far, far away to the tangible elegance of Earth’s most historic craftsmanship, let’s make our moves through the more notable chessboards in cinema. Perhaps we’ll uncover what makes each one so vital to the story in which they reside. Read on to see the top picks when it comes to the design of chess in film.
Source: Top 10 Greatest Chess Scenes in Movies YouTube video.
Star Wars: A New Hope (1977): Hologram
Known as Dejarik, this holographic chess game is Star Wars’ futuristic take on our classic board game. With checkered patterns and pieces that move and attack like terrestrial chess, Dejarik brings a new level of intergalactic strategy. Who needs rooks and knights when you’ve got alien holograms duking it out? 💫♟️👾
Source: Top 10 Greatest Chess Scenes in Movies YouTube video.
Source: Holeys of Oxford.
Blade Runner (1982): Alabaster
A futuristic game mirrors the clash of human and replicant intelligence, featuring a visually striking alabaster set. This set, inspired by illustrations from the Book of American Birds, showcases birds native to the British Isles and the US. 🦅♟️
Source: Reddit.
X-Men (2000): Glass
In X-Men, the clear glass pieces on the chessboard perfectly symbolize the intellectual duel between Professor Xavier and Magneto. Their strategic battles are as transparent and fragile as their relationship. The pieces match the surroundings, showing even a master of magnetism can appreciate good design. 🧠♟️👨🔬
Source: The Regency Chess.
Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone (2001): Lewis Chessmen
Dating back to the 12th century, these walrus ivory pieces from Scandinavia are a fusion of art, history, and strategy. Intricately carved kings, queens, bishops, knights, and pawns showcase superb craftsmanship and rich detail.🧙♂️
Commentaires