‘Vikings’ Season 6 Episode 9: Incredible art direction and cinematography make it aesthetically so striking
Once more the creators of History Channel’s ‘Vikings’ have shown us that the series is not just about remembering a significant chapter of ancient European history in a dramatic manner, but also giving the audience the ultimate sensory experience.
We have spoken quite extensively about how brilliant the cinematography and the effects are. And yet, we cannot get over the visual appeal of this historical magnum opus. Every week the show unfolds some new creative element that takes our breath away. This week, in ‘Resurrection’, it was the art direction. Truth be told, ever since the final season premiered, we have been floored by the delightful sets and art production.
But Episode 9 perhaps took it a step beyond and hence, this rave about the production quality. We specifically want to talk about Oleg’s palace and its setting. The Scythian art traditions and early Byzantine influence is perfectly captured in the architecture of the grand palace. However, we are really swept off our feet when the camera zooms into Oleg’s royal hall, on his throne, where he and his newly-wed queen Katya sit in their elaborate garb.
The intricate carvings on the ceilings and walls are not what you might notice, while your attention is split between Katya’s mysterious dialogue delivery and Ivar and Hvitserk’s humility to the Russian king and queen. But if for even a few seconds, you take your eyes off the people and go back to the art, you will notice what we see and why. The subtle golden glow of the lamps accentuating the woodwork and the brocade garments of the king and the queen. And don’t miss the almost-real bear hide on the dais where Katya makes herself comfortable.
While we are on the topic of art, we can’t help talking a little about the cinematography of this episode as well. Call us biased, but there is no way the camera work of this season can escape even a non-artistic eye. The scene where Gunhild holds onto her strength as the queen and asks Bjorn to be with Ingrid, his newly-wed wife instead of being with her, is really outstanding. Bjorn leaves his pregnant queen and while she lies in bed alone and lets her real emotions flow, her tears come running in liquid gold, quite like the story of Freya which Gunhild had narrated to Freya earlier. The shot is not just aesthetic but beautiful in all artistic parlance.
And thus, another chapter of ‘Vikings’ takes our breath away with incredible visuals.
Until we bring you more insight into the show’s production aesthetics, keep watching ‘Vikings’ on History Channel, every Wednesday, at 10pm/9c.