MoMA Honors Carlo Rambaldi: A Cinematic Tribute to the Special Effects Legend
In a remarkable celebration of Carlo Rambaldi’s centennial, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) is showcasing the brilliant artistry of the late special effects pioneer, renowned for his work on iconic films such as Ridley Scott’s “Alien” and Steven Spielberg’s “E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial.” As part of the festivities, 15 films featuring Rambaldi’s groundbreaking effects will be screened over a two-week series beginning December 10.
Carlo Rambaldi, who would have celebrated his 100th birthday this autumn, made significant contributions to the Italian-American creative landscape. His daughter, Daniela, co-curated an exhibition this spring at Long Island City Culture Lab in New York, celebrating Italian-American creative exchanges. Subsequently, Rambaldi was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in July.
Rajendra Roy, MoMA’s chief curator of film, highlighted Rambaldi’s enduring influence in a time when the film industry grapples with the evolving role of traditional craftsmanship in image-making and effects. Roy noted how Rambaldi’s legacy underscores the unparalleled impact of handmade and physically constructed effects.
Born in Vigarano Mainarda, Italy, Rambaldi developed a passion for puppetry, drawing, and sculpture in his father’s workshop. This early interest was kindled further by a childhood viewing of “King Kong” (1933). Rambaldi pursued painting at the Academy of Fine Arts in Bologna, drawing inspiration from anatomy and the works of artists like Pablo Picasso and Renato Guttuso.
Rambaldi’s film career began in 1956 with the creation of a massive 52-foot fire-breathing dragon for Giacomo Gentilomo’s film “The Dragon’s Blood.” His collaboration with renowned Italian directors, including Federico Fellini, Pier Paolo Pasolini, and Dario Argento, cemented his reputation. Notably, Rambaldi’s effects were so convincing that he was called to testify in court to demonstrate his techniques, exonerating director Lucio Fulci of animal cruelty charges during the making of “Lizard In A Woman’s Skin” (1971).
Relocating to America, Rambaldi worked on the 1976 remake of “King Kong,” a pivotal project that opened doors to numerous Hollywood ventures. The original model for “E.T.” alone cost $1.5 million, a testament to the scale and ambition of his work.
In collaboration with Rome’s esteemed Cinecittà studios, MoMA’s film series will highlight significant moments from Rambaldi’s career, juxtaposing Hollywood blockbusters with his extensive Italian works. The screenings will initiate with Argento’s “Deep Red” (1975) and include “King Kong” on December 11 and “Dune” (1984) on December 12, showcasing Rambaldi’s iconic sandworms and the enigmatic Navigator. Director David Lynch once remarked on the personal touch Rambaldi infused into his creations, suggesting that both E.T. and the Navigator bore a resemblance to their creator.
For many who grew up with “E.T.,” the character remains a vivid and lifelike presence, largely due to Rambaldi’s work. Roy emphasized that the tangible, painstaking efforts involved in creating practical effects forge emotional connections that digital effects struggle to replicate.
The tribute will offer two screenings of each film in the series, ensuring varied opportunities for audiences to experience Rambaldi’s artistry. The event is an invitation to revisit a pre-CGI era, celebrating the unique emotional resonance of practical effects. As Rambaldi himself believed, the craftsman’s touch evokes emotions that technology alone cannot replicate.
The tribute, “MoMA and Cinecittà Present Carlo Rambaldi,” will be hosted at the Museum of Modern Art, 11 W 53rd St, New York, from December 10 to 24.
